Tomato - Mortgage Lifter

Non GMO, Open Pollinated, Heirloom, 85-90 Days To Maturity.

Planting:

7 - 10 days to germination. Plant in well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. These tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they will continue to vine and produce the entire growing season. Start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the final spring frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell, about 0.25 inches deep, in light seed starting soil.

 Once they develop into sturdy seedlings, transplant them into the garden, ensuring they are two-thirds deep in the soil for sturdier growth. Plant them in individual pots or space 24-36 inches apart in the ground or raised beds. Mortgage Lifter is an indeterminate type, meaning it grows and produces fruit continuously throughout the season and requires sturdy support.

Did you know that when you plant the tomatoes 2/3 deep all the small hairs on the stem have the ability to turn into roots, giving your plant access to more nutrition and water, as well as making it sturdier. 

Care: 

 Regular pruning is recommended to remove excess foliage, improve air circulation, and reduce the risk of diseases. Staking or providing a trellis system is essential for supporting the indeterminate vines, preventing them from sprawling, and facilitating easy harvesting. Water consistently to maintain even soil moisture, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to diseases like blight.

Consider mulching around the plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Companion planting with basil is beneficial, as basil can enhance the flavor of tomatoes and act as a natural pest repellent. Marigolds are another excellent companion, helping deter nematodes and other harmful insects. 

HIstory:

One of West Virginia gardeners’ favorite tomato is the Mortgage Lifter, a pink to red beefsteak variety. But, did you know that the Mortgage Lifter has more than a meaty fruit and an interesting name? Originating from Logan, West Virginia, one popular Mortgage Lifter was developed by Marshall Cletis Byles, aka Radiator Charlie.  

The story begins in the 1930s, when Radiator Charlie wanted to develop a better breed of tomato. Charlie planted three varieties – beefsteak, an Italian variety, and an English variety – in a circle around a fourth variety, German Johnson. He saved seeds from the best tomatoes each year and eventually was satisfied with a stable tomato variety that we now know as the Mortgage Lifter.  

Like many homeowners during the Great Depression, Radiator Charlie was concerned with paying his home mortgage. To spread the wealth of his new tomato, Charlie sold seedlings of his new variety for $1 per plant. The money he raised from the plant sales went on to pay off his home mortgage. Allegedly, people came from as far away as 200 miles to buy his seedlings.  

Limited SUPPLY! This tomato is being acclimated to our low dessert climate and actually lived through triple digit temperatures for nearly 3 months. It fruited well and gave a good yield. These plants are very large and need a lot of room for air flow. The fruit is very heavy when it yields so supporting it well is a good idea.

This is the third year of saving these seeds to acclimate this tomato to produce well in a dryer more drought ridden climate. The germination on these plants has been 80% consistently. Most of the plants now thrive and a very few struggle. 

PHotos Copyright, Susan R. Stoltz 2025