Homestead 24

Tomato

Zone 5a Save Garden

🌱 85d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into Homestead 24’s rich, beefsteak abundance—an inviting, sweet-tart fragrance with a juicy, velvety interior t…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 20th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 3rd
Harvest Begins	Sep 26th
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Inca II Marigold

Short 'n Sweet Carrot

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) developing brown leaf spots or fuzzy growth, and what should I do?

Brown leaf spots with a fast-moving pattern are often early blight, while fuzzy gray-brown growth or dark, spreading spots can indicate late blight. Remove and discard affected leaves immediately, avoid wetting foliage, and improve airflow with wider spacing and pruning of lower leaves. If the problem keeps advancing, treat with a labeled copper-based fungicide or an appropriate late-blight product, and apply according to the label every 5–7 days during wet spells.

How often should I water Solanum lycopersicum during fruiting to prevent blossom-end rot and splitting?

During the main growing and fruiting phase, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for deep watering about 1–2 times per week, more often in hot, windy weather. Check moisture by feel 2–3 inches down; water when it’s starting to dry at that depth, rather than letting it swing from dry to flooded. Consistent moisture reduces blossom-end rot (common when calcium uptake is disrupted) and helps prevent fruit cracking.

How can I tell when my Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits have reached full color for their type and feel slightly firm but not hard, with a gentle give when squeezed. They should detach easily from the vine with a light twist, especially once the fruit is fully colored on the shoulders. For best flavor, harvest after dry weather and let picked fruit finish ripening indoors only if needed (avoid picking fully green when the days-to-maturity has passed).

Sink your senses into Homestead 24’s rich, beefsteak abundance—an inviting, sweet-tart fragrance with a juicy, velvety interior that feels substantial in the hand. Fruits ripen to a warm, classic red with a broad, slightly flattened silhouette and a tender, meaty texture prized for bold slices and hearty, garden-fresh flavor. Grow Homestead 24 for standout performance in the home plot, where its generous size shines in fresh salads, vibrant sauces, and thick, satisfying roasted preparations.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors with warmth and transplant only after night temperatures are consistently warm (about 50°F+) to keep beefsteaks from stalling.