Moneymaker

The Moneymaker tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a classic English open-pollinated heirloom selected by F. Stonor in Hampshire, England, and introduced in 1913. Developed from the heritage variety Stonor’s Exhibition, this stable cultivar grows as an indeterminate cordon with standard regular green foliage and yellow flowers. It is widely recognized for bearing heavy, reliable crops of medium-sized, round red fruit with smooth skin and no ribbing.

Renowned for its dependable productivity, Moneymaker yields uniform clusters that transition from green shoulders to a solid, vibrant red. The fruit features a juicy interior with a traditional, tangy flavor that suits fresh slicing, salads, and everyday cooking. Beyond garden cultivation, the variety is also notable in academic science, frequently utilized as a standard reference cultivar in botanical and plant pathology research.

Origin and Genetics

Moneymaker originated in Hampshire, England, where it was selected by breeder F. Stonor from the older variety Stonor’s Exhibition. Introduced to growers in 1913, it quickly established itself as a staple English heirloom. The variety is completely open-pollinated and genetically stable, circulating under alternate names including Money Maker and Stonor’s Moneymaker. In addition to its horticultural legacy, the cultivar has long served as a baseline control line in scientific literature investigating tomato-pathogen interactions.

Botanical Profile

The plant exhibits an indeterminate growth habit typically trained as a cordon, producing regular green foliage alongside standard yellow solanaceous blooms. Its fruits are classic standard-sized red globes characterized by a smooth, unribbed exterior surface. Immature fruits display distinct green shoulders before ripening completely into a solid, even red. Internally, the tomatoes possess red flesh with a characteristically juicy texture.

Growth and Performance

Moneymaker is categorized as a high-yielding cultivar that generates consistent, prolific clusters across an extended harvest period. The vine maintains strong vigor throughout the season and performs reliably in diverse environments, adapting successfully to both protected greenhouse structures and open field settings.

Flavor and Aroma

The sensory profile of Moneymaker represents a classic, old-fashioned tomato taste. It delivers a tangy and mildly acidic flavor balanced by abundant moisture, providing a clean, traditional profile without excessive sweetness.

Cultivation

Adapted for full sun exposure, Moneymaker is well suited to both outdoor garden beds and greenhouse culture. Because of its vigorous indeterminate habit and cordon growth structure, vines benefit from vertical staking or string trellising to support continuous cluster development throughout the growing season.

Culinary Applications

With its balanced acidity and juicy flesh, Moneymaker is primarily utilized as a fresh slicing and salad tomato. Its uniform round shape and consistent size make it well suited for sandwiches, fresh vegetable platters, and general home cooking.