MORTGAGE LIFTER Beefsteak Tomato Open
Pollinated Indeterminate Heirloom Non-GMO 30 Seeds
100% Pure Seed – No Filler – Non-GMO
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- HEIRLOOM. Legendary, huge beefsteak consistently wins
taste-tests. - If you’re looking for a flavorful, large, main-season
tomato, growing Mortgage Lifter may be the answer. - This heirloom tomato variety produces 2 ½ pound (1.13 kg.)
fruit up until frost and includes a delicious story to share with fellow
gardeners
What are Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes?
- Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are an open pollinated variety
which produces a pinkish-red beefsteak-shaped fruit. - These meaty tomatoes have few seeds and mature in
approximately 80 to 85 days. - Mortgage Lifter tomato plants grow 7- to 9-foot (2.1 to 2.7
meters) vines and are indeterminate, meaning they set fruit continuously
throughout the growing season.
The Story
This variety was developed in the 1930’s by a radiator
mechanic working from his home-based repair shop in Logan, West Virginia.
Like many depression era home owners, M.C. Byles (aka
Radiator Charlie) was concerned about paying off his home loan.
Mr. Byles developed his renowned tomato by crossbreeding
four large-fruited varieties of tomatoes: German Johnson, Beefsteak, an Italian
variety, and an English variety.
Mr. Byles planted the latter three varieties in a circle
around the German Johnson, which he hand-pollinated using a baby’s ear syringe.
From the resulting tomatoes, he saved the seeds and for the
next six years he continued the painstaking process of cross pollinating the
best seedlings.
In the 1940’s, Radiator Charlie sold his Mortgage Lifter
tomato plants for $1 each.
The variety gained in popularity and gardeners came from as
far away as 200 miles to buy his seedlings.
Charlie was able to pay off his $6,000 home loan in 6 years,
hence the name Mortgage Lifter.
How to Grow Mortgage Lifter Tomato
Mortgage Lifter tomato care is similar to other types of
vine tomatoes.
For shorter growing seasons, it’s best to start seeds
indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last average frost date.
Seedlings can be transplanted into prepared garden soil once
the danger of frost has passed.
Choose a sunny location that receives 8 hours of direct
sunlight per day.
Space Mortgage Lifter tomato plants 30 to 48 inches (77 to
122 cm.) apart in rows.
Place rows every 3 to 4 feet (.91 to 1.2 meters) to allow
plenty of room for growth.
When growing Mortgage Lifter, stakes or cages can be used to
support the long vines.
This will encourage the plant to produce larger fruit and
make harvesting tomatoes easier.
Mulching will help retain soil moisture and reduce
competition from weeds.
Mortgage Lifter tomato plants require 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to
5 cm.) of rain per week.
Water when weekly rainfall is not sufficient.
For the richest flavor, pick tomatoes when they are fully
ripe.
Although growing Mortgage Lifter tomatoes may not pay off
your home loan like they did for Mr. Byles, they are a delightful addition to
the home garden.
Don’t forget to plant Marigolds around your
tomatoes!
So why do marigolds and tomatoes grow well together?
Marigolds and tomatoes are good garden buddies with similar
growing conditions.
Research studies have indicated that planting marigolds
between tomatoes protects the tomato plants from harmful root-knot nematodes in
the soil.
Many gardeners believe that the pungent scent of marigolds
also discourages a variety of pests such tomato hornworms, whiteflies, thrips,
and maybe even rabbits!
SEED STORING
Store your seeds in a cool, dry and dark
location.
Most seeds have a long shelf life, years even, but heat and moisture will cut
that life short.
Dedicate a drawer or cabinet to storing your seeds where you can also house
your gardening journal close at hand for dreaming, planning and preparing.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Upon receipt of your package or box, be sure to
open immediately and check the contents. We always add extra seed in case any
get damaged in shipping so feel free to count them ?
The products you have just received are
perishable and care should be taken to ensure their future viability.
Your success and happiness is our success and
happiness!
We have the friendliest and fastest customer
service you’ve ever seen so don’t hesitate to contact us!
FAST & FREE SHIPPING 30 day returns!
Free shipping!
Your seeds will ship the day after payment via
USPS First Class mail!
30 day returns, please contact us if needed!
Ryker (verified owner) –
I would absolutely recommend this seed to anyone looking to grow veggies this year. I decided to do starts this year and just three days after planting
Kaden Arabic (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Kayden (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Aiden (verified owner) –
Great seeds, I now have squash everywhere from this one pack of seeds
Leo (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days