Species

Solanum lycopersicumTomato

25 other cultivars

fruit vegetable

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'Moneymaker'

The Story

Plant Bio

Solanum lycopersicum, the garden tomato, is a tender herbaceous vine native to western South America, characterized by deeply lobed, aromatic foliage covered in glandular hairs. The small, yellow, star-shaped flowers hang in drooping clusters and rely on buzz pollination by native bees to set fruit.

'Moneymaker' is an indeterminate, vigorous cordon cultivar that produces heavy crops of uniform, medium-sized red fruits on tall vines. This heritage selection requires sturdy staking or trellising to support its continuous upward growth throughout the summer season.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright green, deeply lobed foliage and drooping clusters of small yellow flowers provide classic kitchen garden appeal.

Produces heavy yields of uniform, medium-sized red fruits with a balanced, classic tomato flavor.

Flowers attract generalist native bees and bumblebees, which perform buzz pollination to set fruit.

SpeciesSolanum lycopersicumTomato

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

80"

Width

40"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds indoors 5 to 6 weeks before the last expected spring frost in a sterile seed-starting mix.
Transplant seedlings outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Install a sturdy stake, cage, or trellis at planting time to support the weak-stemmed vines as they grow.
Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep the soil consistently moist, avoiding overhead irrigation.

Pro Tip

Pinch out the lateral side-shoots or suckers weekly to maintain a single-stemmed cordon, which channels energy into fruit production and improves air circulation to prevent blight.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Pinch out suckers regularly to maintain a tidy, productive single-stemmed cordon.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and prevent soil-borne pathogens from splashing onto foliage.
Feed with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer every two weeks once the first flower trusses begin to set fruit.

Don't

Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit development.
Do not water overhead, as wet foliage rapidly invites fungal diseases like early and late blight.
Do not plant in waterlogged soil, which quickly induces root rot and suffocates the root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Pinch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vegetable GardensContainersKitchen Gardens

Companion Plants

Ocimum basilicum Tagetes patula

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tomato questions

What zones can Tomato grow in?

Tomato is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tomato deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tomato, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tomato bloom?

Tomato typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tomato need full sun?

Tomato does best in full sun (6+ hours).