Moneymaker
Solanum lycopersicum 'Moneymaker'
A British heirloom that lives up to its name with incredibly productive vines that produce abundant clusters of medium-sized red tomatoes. This reliable variety has been a staple in home gardens for generations thanks to its consistent performance and excellent flavor that works well for both fresh eating and cooking. The vigorous plants continue producing until frost, making every square foot of garden space profitable.
Harvest
75-85d
Days to harvest
Sun
Blossom-End Rot of Tomato
Zones
10–10
USDA hardiness
Height
1-10 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Moneymaker in USDA Zone 7
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Moneymaker · Zones 10–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – April | June – July | — | September – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 5 | March – March | May – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 6 | March – March | May – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | — | July – September |
| Zone 8 | February – February | April – May | — | July – September |
| Zone 9 | January – January | March – April | — | June – August |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | — | May – July |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruits are smooth, shiny, glossy, and are classified as berries. The size, shape, and color will vary depending on the variety or cultivar. The color of the fruits may be red, yellow, orange, green, purple, or pink. The fruits may contain over 100 yellow to light brown seeds.
Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple/Lavender, Red/Burgundy, Variegated. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: The fruits or berries of the tomato are edible. They may be eaten raw, cooked, dried, or processed. They are a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants. Lycopene is an antioxidant that gives the tomato its rich red color. Many plants will drop fruit when ripe or the fruit will come off easily. Tomatoes will continue to ripen once picked. Store them at room temperature.
Storage & Preservation
Store ripe Moneymaker tomatoes at room temperature for 3-5 days to maintain optimal flavor—refrigeration dulls their taste. For longer storage, place slightly underripe fruits stem-side down on a counter away from direct sunlight, where they'll continue ripening for up to a week.
This variety's balanced acidity and firm flesh make it excellent for canning—either whole, as sauce, or paste. The consistent size and shape are ideal for uniform processing. For canning, choose fruits at peak ripeness and process within 24 hours of harvest.
Freeze whole Moneymaker tomatoes by simply washing and placing in freezer bags—the skins slip off easily after thawing, making them perfect for winter soups and stews. Dehydrate slices at 135°F for 8-12 hours to create intensely flavored dried tomatoes that store for months in airtight containers.
History & Origin
Moneymaker originated in Britain in the early 20th century, developed specifically for the unpredictable English climate and shorter growing season. The variety gained its name from its remarkable productivity—British gardeners could literally make their money back from seed investment through the abundance of fruit produced.
This heirloom became a cornerstone of British home gardening during and after World War II, when victory gardens were essential for food security. Its ability to produce reliable crops even in cool, wet summers made it invaluable during rationing periods. The variety was particularly prized in greenhouse cultivation, where its continuous production habit maximized limited growing space.
Moneymaker crossed the Atlantic with British immigrants and became established in North American gardens by the 1950s. While newer hybrid varieties have captured much of the commercial market, Moneymaker has maintained its reputation among home gardeners who value its consistent performance, excellent flavor, and the ability to save seeds that breed true to type year after year.
Advantages
- +Attracts: Bees, Pollinators, Predatory Insects
- +Wildlife value: The plant is pollinated by bees, especially bumblebees.
- +Edible: The fruits or berries of the tomato are edible. They may be eaten raw, cooked, dried, or processed. They are a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants. Lycopene is an antioxidant that gives the tomato its rich red color. Many plants will drop fruit when ripe or the fruit will come off easily. Tomatoes will continue to ripen once picked. Store them at room temperature.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Leaves, Stems): Medium severity
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Repels aphids and whiteflies, may improve flavor
Marigold
Deters nematodes and repels hornworms and other pests
Carrots
Helps break up soil for better tomato root development
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that eat aphids
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Borage
Repels hornworms and may improve tomato growth and flavor
Chives
Repels aphids and may help prevent fungal diseases
Lettuce
Provides ground cover and doesn't compete for nutrients
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that causes tomato wilt and death
Fennel
Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathy
Brassicas
Compete for similar nutrients and may stunt tomato growth
Corn
Both attract corn earworms and compete for nutrients
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #321360)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Moderate disease resistance, good tolerance to cool weather and variable conditions
Common Pests
Aphids, whiteflies, tomato hornworm, spider mites
Diseases
Early blight, late blight, fusarium wilt, blossom end rot in inconsistent watering