Tomato Moneymaker (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Moneymaker’) is a classic heirloom variety loved by gardeners for its reliability, heavy yields, and rich, balanced flavour. First introduced in England in the early 20th century, it quickly became popular in market gardens and backyard veggie patches for its consistent production and attractive, smooth-skinned fruit. As the name suggests, it was developed to be a dependable crop for commercial growers—an early “moneymaker” thanks to its fast growth and abundant harvests.

Tomatoes have a long history of cultivation dating back to the Aztecs in Central and South America, and by the 16th century they had spread to Europe, where they became a staple of Mediterranean cooking. While not widely used in traditional medicine, tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which has been studied for its potential to support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Moneymaker produces medium-sized, round red tomatoes with a smooth, glossy finish and excellent flavour—neither too sweet nor too acidic. The plants are indeterminate, meaning they grow tall and continue producing fruit throughout the season. They can reach over 1.5 metres in height and benefit from staking or trellising to support their heavy crop. The fruit typically ripens evenly and resists cracking, making it ideal for slicing, salads, sandwiches, and sauces.

To grow from seed:

Ssow indoors in late winter to early spring. In most parts of Australia, this means starting seeds from July to September.

Sow seeds 5 mm deep in seed trays filled with quality seed-raising mix.

Keep the trays in a warm, bright spot with consistent moisture. Germination usually takes 7–14 days.

Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the weather is warm enough, harden them off and transplant them into the garden, spacing plants 50–60 cm apart in full sun.

Tomatoes love rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost and benefit from regular feeding with a balanced fertiliser. Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal problems and mulch well to retain moisture. As an indeterminate variety, Moneymaker will continue to grow and produce fruit over several months, so it’s worth pinching out side shoots and tying the main stem to a stake or cage as it grows.

Tomato Moneymaker is a time-tested favourite for good reason—vigorous, productive, and full of flavour, it’s a great choice for both new gardeners and experienced growers who want a reliable, traditional variety that delivers a great crop season after season.