How to Grow Masterpiece
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Masterpiece
Solanum lycopersicum 'Masterpiece'
vegetableMasterpiece is a classic indeterminate heirloom tomato variety known for its large, deep red fruits and rich, complex flavor. Developed in the early 1900s, it produces consistently throughout the season and is prized by tomato enthusiasts for both fresh eating and sauce-making. The plants grow tall and require substantial support and pruning for optimal productivity.
When should you plant Masterpiece in your zone?
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Example Masterpiece timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Masterpiece
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Masterpiece
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Masterpiece dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown annually in zones 2-4 and 10-11 with proper timing
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Get my Masterpiece timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging, still delicate and tender with thin stems
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 14-16 hours of grow light daily; maintain 65-75°F. Begin fertilizing lightly once true leaves appear.
Vegetative
4-6 weeks indoors; 3-4 weeks after outdoor transplantingVigorous growth with increasingly complex foliage; plants develop multiple stems and dense leaf canopy; no flowers yet
Transplant to larger containers as needed; harden off gradually before outdoor planting; begin pruning suckers if desired; apply stakes or supports early. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Flowering
3-4 weeksFirst flower clusters appear at nodes; flowers are small, yellow, and appear in groups; plant reaches substantial height
Ensure consistent watering and maintain full sun exposure; provide sturdy cages or staking system; continue suckering if using open-center method; transition to higher-phosphorus fertilizer to support fruit set
Fruiting
30-45 days to first harvest; continues until frostSmall green tomatoes appear where flowers were; fruits gradually enlarge and change color from green to deep red; plant may reach 5-7 feet tall
Maintain even moisture to prevent splitting and blossom end rot; provide calcium through lime or gypsum if needed; prune lower leaves once fruits set to improve air circulation; support heavy fruit clusters with ties or slings; reduce nitrogen fertilizer
Harvest & Mature Production
4-8 weeks or until first frostFruits reach full size (10-14 oz) and deep red color; plant continues producing multiple fruit clusters throughout season
Harvest when fully red and slightly soft to touch; pick regularly to encourage continued production; remove diseased leaves promptly; maintain watering schedule even as temperatures cool in fall; in fall, prune back canopy to direct energy to remaining fruits
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; encourage parasitic wasps; inspect plants regularly
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Use reflective mulch; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects; prune heavily infested foliage
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Increase humidity; spray forcefully with water; apply neem oil or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves
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Remove lower leaves as preventative; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if needed; mulch to prevent soil splash
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Ensure good air circulation; apply copper or chlorothalonil fungicide; remove infected foliage immediately; avoid overhead watering; plant resistant varieties nearby
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Maintain consistent soil moisture; apply lime or gypsum to soil; mulch to regulate moisture; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Uses
Fresh slicing and salads
CulinaryMasterpiece's large fruits and rich flavor make it ideal for fresh eating, slicing for sandwiches, and heirloom tomato salads. The complex, slightly sweet taste with low acidity is prized by culinary enthusiasts. [source]
Sauce and preservation
CulinaryThe substantial flesh and high solids content make Masterpiece excellent for making tomato sauce, paste, and other preserved products. Produces approximately 25-30% less water content than typical paste varieties, concentrating flavors. [source]
Lycopene antioxidant source
MedicinalLike all red tomatoes, Masterpiece contains lycopene, a powerful carotenoid antioxidant associated with cardiovascular health and reduced cancer risk. Deep red color indicates higher lycopene concentration. [source]
Seed saving
HouseholdAs a reliable heirloom variety, Masterpiece produces viable seeds that breed true to type, allowing gardeners to save seeds for next season and preserve this historic cultivar. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeTomato flowers attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to garden biodiversity. The continued presence of tomato plants throughout the season provides consistent forage for beneficial insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when they reach deep red color and have slight give when gently squeezed. Early morning harvest preserves flavor and moisture content. Leave the green crown of leaves attached for longer storage (up to 2 weeks at room temperature). For peak flavor, never refrigerate; store at 55-70°F. Harvest all fruits before first frost; green tomatoes will ripen indoors if stored in paper bag with ethylene-producing fruit like banana or apple.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Masterpiece was developed in the early 1900s and represents over a century of heirloom gardening tradition; many seeds offered today come from lineages preserved by dedicated gardeners since its introduction.
- 🌱 Tomato plants can root from any portion of the buried stem, a unique capability that allows growers to harvest side shoots (suckers) and propagate them as new plants mid-season.
- 🌱 The lycopene content in tomatoes increases with cooking and processing—cooked Masterpiece sauce actually has higher bioavailable lycopene than fresh fruit, making it superior for certain health benefits.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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