Tomato 'Moneymaker'

100 Seeds

'Moneymaker' is one of the world's most popular indeterminate tomato varieties. It produces medium-sized, smooth, bright red fruits with excellent flavor and high yields over a long season. It is ideal for fresh eating, salads, sandwiches, cooking, and sauces. In the Gulf region, it performs best during the cool season, as excessive heat reduces flowering and fruit set.

Best Planting Time

• August to November (ideal)
• A second planting is possible from January to early February in cooler Gulf areas.
• Avoid planting during late spring and summer due to extreme heat.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 2–4 hours before sowing to speed up germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

Tomatoes grow best in fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy loam soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or small pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil.
• Keep the soil evenly moist until germination.
• Transplant seedlings when they are 4–6 weeks old and have 4–6 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 22–28°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 18–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• During warm Gulf spring weather, provide light afternoon shade if temperatures exceed 35°C.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist during germination.
• Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Maintain even watering to reduce fruit cracking.
• Water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 50–60 cm between plants.
• 75–100 cm between rows.

Harvest

• Harvest approximately 75–90 days after transplanting.
• Pick fruits when they are fully red and slightly firm.
• Harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruit production.

Fertilization

• Add compost before planting.
• Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced tomato fertilizer.
• Increase potassium during flowering and fruit development.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen after flowering, as it promotes foliage instead of fruit.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow only during the cooler season.
• Since 'Moneymaker' is indeterminate, provide a strong stake, trellis, or tomato cage.
• Remove lower leaves to improve airflow.
• Apply mulch to conserve moisture and cool the root zone.
• Water early in the morning.
• Monitor for whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, tomato leaf miners, early blight, and powdery mildew.
• Regular pruning of side shoots (suckers) helps improve fruit size and air circulation.