Moneymaker tomato: height, taste & growing tips

Regina

I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food.

Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries
Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic

The tomato ‘Moneymaker’ lives up to its bold name and is a great addition to any tomato lover’s garden. Here is all you need to know about the ‘Moneymaker’ tomato, where it comes from and how to grow and care for it properly.

A cluster of ripe moneymaker tomatoes rest on the vine — The ‘Moneymaker’ tomato is a robust salad variety [Photo: eugenegurkov/ Shutterstock.com]

The ‘Moneymaker’ is a salad variety tomato that has everything you could look for in a tomato: round, red and tasty, yet easy to care for and high yielding. Here, we outline its origins, characteristics and preferences.

Contents

‘Moneymaker’ tomato: a profile
Origin and history of the ‘Moneymaker’ tomato variety
Flavour and characteristics
Planting and caring for ‘Moneymaker’ tomatoes
‘Moneymaker’ tomatoes: harvest and uses

‘Moneymaker’ tomato: a profile

Fruit	Salad tomato; deep red
Flavour	Fruity, sweet and sour
Ripening time	Medium-early
Growth	Indeterminate, up to 2m in height
Location	Greenhouse, open field, or potted

Origin and history of the ‘Moneymaker’ tomato variety

The name ‘Moneymaker’ is no accident. This salad tomato has enjoyed major commercial success around the world. Some say the variety comes from the US, with a variety called ‘The Money Maker’ being listed in the official variety register in 1894. Others claim that it is a UK variety, being first cultivated in Bristol in 1910. Wherever it comes from, hybrids of ‘Moneymaker’ have enjoyed enormous success over the decades. And no surprise. Low-maintenance, easy cultivation and a rich taste; this variety has it all. Even in horticultural research, ‘Moneymaker’ is often used as the ‘standard’ tomato plant for experimentation.

A cluster of moneymaker tomatoes are still green — ‘Moneymaker’ tomatoes will begin to ripen at the end of July [Photo: Nolte Lourens/ Shutterstock.com]

Flavour and characteristics

Tomato ‘Moneymaker’ is robust and tolerant to the cold. It is fine even at high altitudes! ‘Moneymaker’ plants can grow up to two metres tall and produce ten fruits per vine. As they ripen, ‘Moneymaker’ tomatoes turn deep red and weigh around 100 grams. The ‘Moneymaker’ is a medium-early variety that you can usually begin to harvest at the end of July. The tomatoes have a fruity flavour that is balanced with sweet and sour notes. At the end of each season, ‘Moneymaker’ tomato plants can be propagated using their own seeds.

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Planting and caring for ‘Moneymaker’ tomatoes

Because the ‘Moneymaker’ is so robust, it is particularly suited to outdoor cultivation. From mid-May onwards, after the last frost, dig a deep hole and place your young ‘Moneymaker’ plant in it. Around a third to a half of the plant should remain above the ground, so remove any leaves below this line.

You could also grow a ‘Moneymaker’ plant in a pot. As long as it is warm enough and bathed in sun, you are good to go! Whether outdoors or in a pot, ‘Moneymaker’ tomatoes need nutrient-rich soil. Our Plantura Tomato & Vegetable Compost is a great choice! It has a high humus content that promotes soil life and stimulates root formation, especially for young plants. What is more, it is packed full of nutrients that will support fruit growth.

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Even in cooler summers, the ‘Moneymaker’ will bear fruit reliably and abundantly. However, we do advise that you protect your plant from the rain, so that the fruits don’t burst.

Like most tomato plants, ‘Moneymaker’ needs the support of a stake. Metal rods, or even the branches of other plants, like the hazelnut bush, are ideal. ‘Moneymaker’ grows well with two to three shoots. Once you have established these shoots, be sure to regularly prune any excess side shoots from the plant’s stem.

From June onwards, small fruits will begin to form. The plant will need plenty of nutrients and minerals to support these fruits, so it is a good idea to use some fertiliser. Natural, slow-release fertiliser is best, like Plantura Tomato Food. You need only work the fertiliser’s granules into the surface of the soil and keep them moist with regular watering to see the results. The fertiliser will release its nutrients into the soil slowly, over a two month period.

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‘Moneymaker’ tomatoes: harvest and uses

‘Moneymaker’ tomatoes are best eaten fresh. You can try them in a salad or as a snack, but they also work well in soups and sauces. With the ‘Moneymaker’, you should have a high yield, so you may want to preserve some of the fruit over winter. If you would like to know how, have a read of our article!

Ever wanted to try yellow tomatoes? Then have a look at the gorgeous ‘Golden Queen’ variety.