Tomato Beefsteak Determinate Homestead brings juicy red tomatoes and classic, rich flavor to the home garden. This non-GMO heirloom produces medium-large fruit that can reach approximately 9–10 ounces, a useful size for sandwiches, fresh salads, and homemade sauces. Its determinate plants have a bushier growth habit and tend to concentrate production into a shorter harvest period, rather than ripening every fruit at once. Plants may reach approximately 3–4 feet, depending on conditions, and still benefit from sturdy support. Each packet contains 100 seeds.

Germination Rate: 85%. Test Date: 10/25. WILL.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 75%

Why Choose Homestead Tomatoes?

• Classic Tomato Flavor: Juicy flesh makes satisfying slices for sandwiches and a flavorful base for fresh garden dishes.
• Useful Fruit Size: Fruit reaching approximately 9–10 ounces offers generous portions without the unsupported two-pound claim previously in this listing.
• Determinate Habit: Bushier plants concentrate much of their crop into a shorter period, making planning for sauces and shared harvests easier.
• Kitchen Versatility: Use ripe tomatoes fresh, roast them for deeper flavor, or simmer them into sauces.
• Heirloom Seeds: Grow an open-pollinated variety; seed saving requires suitable isolation and selection to maintain variety characteristics.

Planting Tips for Success

• Start Indoors: Sow about 6–8 weeks before your anticipated outdoor transplanting date, approximately 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix. Provide bright light and consistent moisture without waterlogging.
• Transplanting: Gradually harden off seedlings. Plant outdoors after frost danger has passed, when soil and nights are warm.
• Sun and Soil: Choose full sun and fertile, well-drained soil enriched with finished compost. Use local planting dates rather than relying on hardiness zones alone.
• Spacing and Airflow: Allow approximately 24–36 inches between plants, with room between rows for access and ventilation.
• Support: Install a sturdy cage or stake early to help keep fruit off the ground and support branches carrying ripening tomatoes.
• Watering: Water consistently at soil level. Mulch after the soil warms to moderate moisture swings and reduce soil splash.
• Fertilizing: Follow a soil test and fertilizer label directions. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leaves at the expense of fruit.
• Pruning and Care: Avoid heavy pruning of determinate plants, which can reduce their fruit-bearing growth. Monitor regularly for insects, leaf damage, and disease.
• Harvesting: Pick when fruit is fully colored and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Harvest size, timing, and yield vary with weather and care; extreme heat can affect fruit set.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Fresh Slices: Layer ripe slices onto sandwiches or serve with herbs and a little olive oil.
• Bruschetta: Dice harvested tomatoes with basil and garlic and spoon onto toasted bread just before serving.
• Roasted: Roast wedges with oil and herbs until softened and lightly browned for pasta or side dishes.
• Simmered Sauce: Chop and simmer with onion and seasonings, reducing excess liquid to your preferred consistency. Use a tested preservation recipe if canning.

Order Homestead Tomato Seeds Today

Grow juicy red Homestead tomatoes for fresh slices, garden bruschetta, and flavorful homemade meals.

Nutritional Information

• Harvested Tomatoes: Nutritional information applies to edible harvested fruit, not the planting seeds in this packet. A Homestead-specific nutrient analysis is not available for this listing.

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Fruit size, plant height, flavor, harvest period, and yield vary with growing conditions and care. No growing outcome or disease resistance is guaranteed.
• Seed Storage: Keep unused seeds sealed in a cool, dry, dark place away from heat and moisture.
• Planting Zones: Grow tomatoes as warm-season annuals. Select planting dates using your local frost dates, soil temperatures, and growing season.
• Edible Portion: Use harvested tomato fruit for food, not foliage or the planting seeds in this packet.

Grow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.

Fresh Homestead Tomato Bruschetta

Make this simple appetizer with harvested Homestead tomatoes, not the planting seeds in this packet. Serves 4–6. Preparation: 15 minutes. Cooking: 8–10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ripe Homestead tomatoes, cored and diced
• 1 baguette, cut into approximately 12 slices
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Wash tomatoes under running water before cutting, then core and dice. Drain in a strainer for about 5 minutes if very juicy.
2. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil and bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden and crisp.
3. Combine tomatoes, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, garlic, basil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let stand for 5 minutes and taste for seasoning.
4. Spoon the tomato mixture onto warm or cooled toast just before serving so the bread stays crisp.

Serving and Storage

Serve as an appetizer or alongside a simple meal. Refrigerate leftover tomato topping in a covered container within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when temperatures exceed 90°F. Use within 2 days for best quality. Store toast separately and assemble fresh. This recipe is not intended for shelf-stable canning.