Momotaro tomatoes are a rare breed of heirloom tomato that is famous for its intense flavor. These tomatoes are named after the famous Japanese folktale, Momotaro, in which a boy is born from a peach and grows up to fight off evil Oni demons.
Just like the brave and courageous hero of the story, these tomatoes are sure to pack a punch. With their deep red color and rich tomatoey taste, Momotaro tomatoes are perfect for adding pizzazz to any dish.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some of these rare gems, here’s what you need to know about Momotaro tomato care.
| Botanical Name | Solanum lycopersicum |
| Common Name | Momotaro Tomato, Tough Boy, Better Boy |
| Plant Type | Annual |
| Flower Color | Yellow, self-pollinating flowers |
| Size When Mature | 60 inches tall |
| Bloom Time | Summer to Fall |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 3-11 |
| Soil PH Range | 6.5 – 6.8 |
| Soil Type | Acidic, moist, well-drained, loamy |
| Water Needs | Medium |
| Native Area | North America |
What You Need to Know About Momotaro Tomato Plant
The Momotaro tomato is a Japanese heirloom variety prized for its sweet, rich flavor. It produces medium-sized tomatoes that are deep red in color, with relatively smooth skin.
This variety is indeterminate, meaning that it will continue to produce tomatoes throughout the growing season. It’s also quite disease-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
Its yellow flowers emerge in clusters a few weeks after planting. The fruits will ripen about 75 days after flowering, with about six fruits per cluster.
How to Care for Momotaro Tomato
Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for a thriving Momotaro tomato plant.
Light
6 hours of sunlight is the ideal growing condition for the Momotaro tomato plant. Adding protection or some shade to your plants during the hottest part of the day will help prevent sunscalding.
Water and Soil Needs
Acidic soil is what the Momotaro tomato plant needs to prosper.
Although their ability to adapt to different soil types is one of the reasons why they are such a popular choice for gardeners, they will produce the best fruits in soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 6.8.
The plant also needs moist, well-drained soil for it to thrive and produce fruits. Be sure to water it regularly, especially during hot weather. Some weeds may also compete with the Momotaro tomato plant for water, so be sure to keep the area around it free of weeds. You can control weeds by using mulch.
Temperature Requirements
These tomato plants perform well in a wide range of temperatures, from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
They are also quite tolerant of cold weather and can even withstand a light frost. However, they will not produce fruits if the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Momotaro tomato can survive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11.
Fertilizer
Adding compost is one of the most natural ways to keep the soil nourished and provide the nutrients that the Momotaro tomato plant needs.
You can also use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. A balanced fertilizer is all you need to keep your Momotaro tomato plant healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
The Momotaro tomato plant is relatively disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.
Some of the most common problems include:
- Tomato hornworms
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Cutworms
In areas where the weather is hot and humid, the Momotaro tomato plant may also be vulnerable to fungal diseases such as:
- Powdery mildew
- Leaf spot
- Blossom end rot
The best way to prevent these problems is to practice good gardening hygiene. This includes things like keeping the area around the plant clean and free of debris and watering at the base of the plant to prevent moisture from getting on the leaves.
Momotaro Tomato Propagation
There’s something magical about watching a tiny seed transform into a lush, thriving plant. It’s even more special when that plant produces an abundance of fresh, delicious tomatoes. The process of propagating Momotaro tomato plants is relatively simple and only requires a few supplies that you likely already have on hand.
To propagate Momotaro tomatoes from seed, you will need:
- Tomato seeds
- A small pot or container
- Potting mix
- Water
Using your container or pot, add some moistened potting mix. You’ll need to plant your tomato seeds about ¼ inch. You can soak your tomato seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to promote germination.
Once done, you can then place your container in a warm location. A windowsill that gets plenty of sunlight is a great option. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not too wet during the germination process.
In about 7-14 days, you should see little sprouts emerging from the soil. Once your seedlings have two sets of true leaves, you can then transplant them into larger pots or planters.
Alternatively, you can also propagate a Momotaro tomato plant through cuttings. Take a healthy cutting from an existing plant. Choose a branch about 6 inches long and has plenty of leaves.
Cut the branch just below a leaf node, making sure to use sharp pruners or shears. Next, remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, leaving only 2 or 3 leaves at the top.
Use a rooting hormone to encourage root growth whenever you are propagating through cuttings. You can purchase rooting hormone at your local garden center or online.
Plant in beds or pots, using a well-draining potting mix or soil. Water the cutting well and keep it moist but not soggy.
Final Thoughts
Caring for Momotaro tomatoes is relatively easy and only requires basic gardening knowledge. Because they’re annuals, they won’t produce as much fruit as some other types of tomato plants. Remember to re-plant every year to keep a consistent supply of fresh tomatoes.
Related Article: Can Tomato Seeds Be Planted Directly in the Ground?