An improved Homestead variety. Large, leafy 4-5' tall plants with heavy foliage produce high yields of 7-10 oz red fruits that are meaty, firm, and consistently uniform. Developed for hot humid coastal areas but sets fruit under a wide range of conditions, making it popular the world over. Requires staking or cages. Resists cracking and catfacing. Heat tolerant. Perfect for sandwiches, slicing, salads and canning.
Pollination occurs by insect, bird, wind, humans, or other natural mechanisms. Because there are no restrictions on the flow of pollen between individuals, open-pollinated plants are more genetically diverse. However, as long as pollen is not shared between different varieties within the same species, then the seed produced will remain true-to-type year after year.
This variety has a history of being passed down within a family or community, similar to the generational sharing of certain items like jewelry or furniture.
Determinate types are relatively small and often referred to as bushy or compact. Each short branch ends in a flower cluster and the plant does most of its growing before any fruit are set. The tomatoes tend to ripen at once, usually over a short 2 to 3 week period. After most of the tomatoes are harvested the plant yellows and additional production is limited. If grown upright, the plants are seldom more than 2 - 3 feet tall.
* This is an estimated guide. Conditions may vary considerably due to location.
80 days