Sunset's Red Horizon Tomato

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your expected last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in warm soil kept at 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit; seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days under these conditions. Once seedlings develop true leaves, thin to 2-3 inches apart or pot them individually to give roots room to develop.

Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Space plants 24 inches apart with rows 36 inches apart. Plant deep if desired, burying up to the first true leaves, as tomatoes root along buried stems for stronger establishment.

Pick fruits when fully red and slightly soft to the touch, typically 70-79 days after transplanting into the garden. A ripe beefsteak will yield gently to finger pressure but not feel mushy. Harvest regularly throughout the season to encourage continued production on the indeterminate vines. Since this variety produces reliably until the first frost, you can harvest green fruits in autumn and allow them to ripen indoors on a windowsill if light frosts arrive before fruit maturation.

As an indeterminate variety, this tomato will benefit from selective pruning of suckers (shoots that emerge between the main stem and branches) to direct energy into fruit production and improve air circulation. Remove the lowest leaves once the plant is established and flowering has begun, which reduces disease pressure and allows better air movement around the base. Avoid heavy pruning that removes excessive foliage, since leaves are essential for photosynthesis and protecting fruit from sunscald; prune conservatively and only to improve structure or disease resistance.