Mortgage Lifter Tomato (Heirloom, 77 Days)

The story is that a gentleman named Radiator Charlie bred this variety with crosses between German Johnson, Beefsteak, and other varieties. He was able to earn enough income selling the seed to pay off his mortgage during the great depression.  The Mortgage Lifter Tomato is very large, pink skinned, and a very sweet tomato.

Solanum lycopersicum

Indeterminate

Germination: 7-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/4” deep

Starting Indoors: 6 weeks before last frost. Provide 75-80ºF soil temperatures. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot, thin to the strongest seedling or use the 20 Row seedling flat, transplanting into individual pots when seedlings get their 3rd set of leaves. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer, diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement. Transplant out after last frost. Space 24-36" apart

Sowing Outdoors: Only in areas with very long growing seasons. Sow after last frost. 

Harvest: When fruit is red (or color of the variety planted) and firm.

Tips: The Mortgage Lifter Tomato should be planted in fertile soil, amended with compost, mulch and provide even moisture. Plant deeper than they were growing in the containers as it makes a stronger roots system. Apply a light compost tea every few weeks. Do not apply excessive nitrogen, which can promote excessive foliage and poor fruit set.