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Tomato - Homestead (SD)

SKU: TM35133A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 405 seeds per gram
(Lycopersicum esculentum)
Lot# TM35133
Homestead tomato is a reliable heirloom tomato developed in the 1950’s.  It is a vigorous semi-determinate plant (sets fruit all at once) and grows between 122-183cm (4-6’) tall with a 50-61cm (20-24”) spread and is known to set fruit under a wide range of growing conditions.  Plant produces good yields of very uniform and flavorful 226-255g (8-9oz) red tomatoes. Excellent for salads, sandwiches, and canning. Plant does well in hot & humid conditions. We typically stake or cage all of our tomatoes to avoid breaking branches and to keep plants off of the ground.  We use Velcro strips to tie up both determinate and indeterminate varieties and they are reusable year after year.   Homestead is a prolific producer of bright red, solid, meaty and juicy tomatoes that make an excellent slicer or canning variety.
Planting Instructions:
  • Start indoors mid-March to early April. Plant 2-3 seeds 6mm (1/4”) deep in good potting mix in 7-10cm (3-4”) pots. It is best to keep tomato seedlings under very light to prevent plants from becoming too leggy. You may have to transplant seedlings to larger pots to allow for root growth. When transplanting outside, allow 60-90cm (24-36”) between plants and 61-90cm (24-36”) between rows. Germination takes approximately 7-14 days. Transplant deeply to the first set of leaves after the risk of frost has passed. Thin to the strongest plant. The seeds require warm soil between roughly 21-26°C (70-80° F). Warmer soils will promote faster germination.  Keep soil moist, but not soggy while awaiting germination. Moderate watering will suffice once seedlings break through the soil. Select a well-drained location that receives lots of sunlight after the last frost to transplant from pots.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Soil PH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.3-6.5 
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 6-12mm (¼-½") deep.
  • Germination:  5-19 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  122-183cm (4-6’) tall.   Spread:  50-61cm (20-24”) across.
  • Days to Maturity:   69-82 days.  
  • Watering:   Tomato plants are heavy feeders especially when they have fruit growing.  Proper watering is tricky as you have to water deeply and then let the soil dry out slightly but still remain slightly moist and then water deeply again.  Keep watering schedule consistent throughout the growing season and you will not be disappointed.  Moisture is critical to prevent cracked fruits and blossom end rot.   Mulch the soil around tomato plants to help reduce water evaporation and use drip irrigation.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:  Set transplants 60-90cm (24-36”), in rows 61-90cm (24-36”) apart.
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated seeds. Harvest fruit when they are the desired size, color and firmness.  In general, perfectly ripe tomatoes show deep color but still feel firm when gently squeezed.  Tomatoes do continue to ripen after being picked. Gently grab and twist until the tomato pulls free from the stem, or use a pair of clippers. Cut stems close to fruits.  Always store picked tomatoes at room temperature indoors, or in a shady place outside. Never refrigerate tomatoes, because temperatures below 12.8° C (55° F) because flavor compounds to break down.