Homestead Tomato — The Heat-Tolerant Heirloom That Sets Fruit When Others Fail
Homestead was developed by the University of Florida in 1954 specifically to perform in hot, humid conditions — and it delivers. Known for its exceptional reliability to set fruit at high temperatures, Homestead is the go-to tomato for Southern gardeners and anyone who struggles with blossom drop in summer heat. Vigorous semi-determinate plants with big, protective leaves produce good yields of 8–9 oz sweet, meaty, juicy red tomatoes that are perfect for sandwiches, salads, slicing, and canning. The dense foliage also shields fruits from sun-scald — a thoughtful trait built right into the variety.
An excellent all-purpose tomato for home gardens and market growers alike. 80 days.
Why Grow Homestead?
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Sets fruit in heat & humidity — developed by UF specifically for hot-climate reliability
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Sweet, meaty 8–9 oz red slicers — excellent for sandwiches, salads, and canning
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Big protective foliage — shields fruits from sun-scald naturally
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Semi-determinate — manageable plant size with concentrated production
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University of Florida heritage, 1954 — 70+ years of proven performance
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Open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year
Growing Notes
Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed, spacing plants 24–36 inches apart in full sun. Stake or cage plants for support. Water consistently and deeply. Particularly well-suited to hot, humid climates where other varieties struggle to set fruit.
| Days to Maturity |
80 days from transplant |
| Fruit Size |
8–9 oz, red slicer |
| Plant Type |
Semi-determinate |
| Heat Tolerance |
Excellent — sets fruit at high temps |
| Origin |
University of Florida, 1954 |
| Latin Name |
Lycopersicon lycopersicum |
| Type |
Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Non-GMO |
| USDA Zones |
3–12 |
Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.
