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Mortgage Lifter

Scientific name Solanum lycopersicum L.

About this variety

Mortgage Lifter tomato seeds grow into indeterminate plants reaching 73–96 in, bearing pink fruit about 2 1/2 lb or more. This slicing tomato is especially suited to very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads. Maturity is 80-89 Days from transplanting.About Mortgage LifterMortgage Lifter is a slicing tomato grown as Solanum lycopersicum L. Plants have an indeterminate habit and...

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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers  |  SKU: TK1
$150 USD $200
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At a glance

The facts most gardeners need first

View the full variety record
25 minimum seeds per packet
Gardener experience

Easy to moderate

Germination difficulty

Easy to moderate

Germination time

6–12 Days at 75–90 °F seed-zone soil temperature

  • Germination
    6–12 Daysa seed-zone soil temperature of 75–90 °F
  • Maturity
    80-89 DaysCounted from transplanting under suitable conditions.
  • Sun
    Full sun
  • Support and spacing
    Stake recommended · space 30 in · rows 36 in
  • Growth habit
    Indeterminate · Annual · 73–96 in tall
  • Best use
    Very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads
Secure checkout Details
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Triple-tested seed qualityRegular quality and germination checks support every packet.

We regularly test seed quality and germination as lots move through storage and packing. We stand behind the seed we send and want customers to contact us when a packet does not perform as reasonably expected.

1-year seed warrantyCoverage begins on the date of purchase.

When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from the date of purchase. Conditions outside our control—including extreme weather, pests, unsuitable storage, and gardener error—are excluded. Contact us when something is not right so we can review the situation and work toward a replacement, refund, or another fair resolution.

Non-GMO / BE seed policyWe do not buy or sell genetically engineered or bioengineered seed.

Every seed variety we sell is non-GMO.

USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard defines bioengineered foods as containing detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA methods in ways not achievable through conventional breeding or found in nature.

  • Hybrid means parent lines were conventionally crossed; hybrid does not mean GMO.
  • Heirloom and open-pollinated describe how a variety is maintained and reproduced.
  • Organic certification is separate and is shown only when verified for the individual product.

Read how we define heirloom, hybrid, and GMO/BE seed · USDA BE Standard

Packed in Colerain, North CarolinaPrepared in our seed room for gardens across the country.

Seeds are packed and shipped from Colerain, North Carolina. Our packets use forestry-certified paper, and we use recyclable paper mailers where appropriate. AONSK is also a 1% for the Planet partner while continuing to reduce waste in packing and fulfillment.

Garden tools

Need a plan for your space?

Use the garden-fit planner and soil calculator to turn the recorded growing facts into a practical plan.

Open garden tools Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather and garden conditions may vary.

Variety field guide

What to expect from Mortgage Lifter

Mortgage Lifter tomato seeds produce pink slicing tomato fruit about 2 1/2 lb or more on indeterminate plants reaching 73–96 in; maturity is 80-89 Days.

Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record

Mortgage Lifter tomato seeds grow into indeterminate plants reaching 73–96 in, bearing pink fruit about 2 1/2 lb or more. This slicing tomato is especially suited to very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads. Maturity is 80-89 Days from transplanting.

About Mortgage Lifter

Mortgage Lifter is a slicing tomato grown as Solanum lycopersicum L. Plants have an indeterminate habit and reach 73–96 in; support is listed as stake. The principal mature or market color is Pink, with fruit described as about 2 1/2 lb or more. Reproductive classification: Open-Pollinated (OP). Maturity: 80-89 Days. Names associated with this variety include Tomato, Tomato Seeds - Indeterminate - Mortgage Lifter Beefsteak.

  • Scientific name:Solanum lycopersicum L.
  • Life cycle:Annual
  • Planting season:Spring
  • Growth habit:Indeterminate
  • Plant height:73–96 in
  • Sunlight:Full sun
  • Seed depth:1/8 in
  • Germination:6–12 Days at 75–90 °F
  • Spacing:30 in between plants; 36 in between rows
  • Soil:Loamy; pH 6.0–6.5
  • Water:Moderate
  • Support:Stake
  • Reproductive type:Open-Pollinated (OP)
  • Fruit:Pink; About 2 1/2 lb or more

History and seedkeeping context

Mortgage Lifter is associated with M. Byles of Logan, West Virginia, who was widely known as Radiator Charlie. Seed-trade accounts describe Byles selecting a large pink tomato and selling plants during the Depression era, with the proceeds helping him pay his mortgage.

The story is part of the cultivar's long public history, but individual seed lots can differ because the name has been used for more than one maintained strain. This packet is described by its current observed identity as an open-pollinated, indeterminate, large-fruited slicing tomato rather than by assuming every circulating Mortgage Lifter line is identical.

Fruit, flavor, and kitchen use

Mortgage Lifter is best for very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads. The expected flavor is classic sweet-tart tomato flavor with juicy flesh and balanced acidity. Fruit is described as pink and about 2 1/2 lb or more. Use a tested current recipe for home canning; cultivar name alone does not establish safe acidity. Mortgage Lifter is especially useful for very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads. Flavor and eating quality are described as classic sweet-tart tomato flavor with juicy flesh and balanced acidity. For home canning, use a tested current recipe; cultivar name, color, or perceived sweetness does not establish safe acidity.

How to grow Mortgage Lifter

Start Mortgage Lifter indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow 1/8 in deep in a warm, evenly moist seed-starting mix; expect 6–12 Days near 75–90 °F. Give seedlings strong light, move them into larger cells before they become root-bound, and harden them gradually before planting outside after frost danger.

Plant in full sun with loamy soil near pH 6.0–6.5. Space plants 30 in apart and rows 36 in apart. Maintain moderate moisture, mulch after the soil warms, and keep foliage off wet soil where possible. Set up stake at transplanting. The indeterminate plant reaches 73–96 in.

Season care

• Give Mortgage Lifter strong light from emergence so seedlings remain stocky rather than stretched. • Install stake when transplanting; adding support after vines are large can damage roots and stems. • Water at the soil line and maintain even moisture to reduce cracking, blossom-end rot risk, and stress-related fruit problems. • Harvest when the fruit has reached its cultivar-specific color and gives slightly to gentle pressure; color alone can be misleading on green, purple, or striped varieties. • Use 80-89 Days as a planning range rather than a guaranteed calendar date; weather and transplant stress can shift first harvest.

Harvest and maturity

80-89 Days from transplanting under suitable conditions. Harvest when the cultivar-specific color has developed and the fruit gives slightly to gentle pressure; green-ripe, striped, purple, and dark cultivars require more than a simple red-color test.

Saving seed

Tomatoes are primarily self-pollinating, but occasional crossing can occur. To maintain Mortgage Lifter, save seed from several healthy true-to-type plants and bag unopened flower clusters when extra isolation is needed. Allow labeled fruit to ripen fully, squeeze the seed and gel into a container, ferment briefly until the gel releases, rinse clean, and dry the seed in a thin labeled layer. Store the finished lot cool and dry with the year, source, plant count, and isolation notes.

Common questions

When is Mortgage Lifter ready?

Plan around 80-89 Days. The listed range is a planning guide, and weather, transplant stress, and harvest stage can shift the actual date.

How long does germination take?

Expect 6–12 Days near 75–90 °F. Cooler media, excess water, old seed, or uneven moisture can delay emergence.

How large does it grow?

Expect about 73–96 in. Growth habit: Indeterminate. Support: Stake.

How is it used?

Very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads

Can I save seed?

Tomatoes are primarily self-pollinating, but occasional crossing can occur.

Garden toolsOpen the garden-fit planner, planting-window questions, or soil calculator only when useful

Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather, soil, and garden conditions may vary.

Garden-fit planning for this variety

Will Mortgage Lifter fit your garden?

Compare this tomato with your season, expected temperatures, sunlight, soil, drainage, water access, support, crop history, and harvest goals.

Add a ZIP code and planting plan for seasonal context. The planner will estimate a broad frost window and typical planting-period temperatures. It does not use live weather.
1 Location, timing, and temperatures
2 Light, site, and growing space
3 Soil, drainage, and soil testing
4 Water, mulch, support, and crop history
5 Harvest goals and experience
6 Seed-starting fit and patience

Seed germination and growing the mature crop are different skills. These answers help the planner explain which part may need more experience.

Recorded profile for this seedIntermediate · ModerateReview the complete Seed Success Profile
Enter what you know about the garden. You can leave questions blank. The result will separate strong matches, planning needs, and reasons another tomato might be easier.

This planning tool uses broad regional frost windows, broad monthly temperature patterns, your own temperature entries when supplied, and the recorded product facts. It is not live weather or a guarantee. Local weather, microclimates, transplant health, soil conditions, and care can change the outcome.

Soil test, pH, drainage, and amendment calculator Have a laboratory soil report? Enter pH, nutrients, texture, bed size, and site observations here. Open soil tools
Recorded soil typeLoamy
Recorded pH range6.0–6.5
Water needsModerate
LightFull sun

Professional garden planning tool

Tomato Soil Test & Amendment Calculator

Translate a laboratory report into a bed-sized amendment estimate for Solanum lycopersicum.

Uses your lab values
Enter the numbers exactly as the laboratory reported them. Select the matching extractant and use the laboratory’s crop recommendation and every product label as the final authority. Field-soil rates do not apply to container mixes.
Need a laboratory soil test?Find your state Extension lab

Best option: your state’s Cooperative Extension soil testing lab.

Tip: Arid and alkaline-region laboratories may use Olsen phosphorus instead of Mehlich-3. Match the method printed on your report.
1

Report method and bed size

Choose the laboratory method and tell us how much ground you are amending.

Use the method printed on the report.
sq ft
Used to scale the shopping-list amounts.
Changes the size of the pH estimate.
2

Acidity and organic matter

Enter the pH and organic-matter percentage from the report.

Uses this product’s listed pH range.
%
Many garden beds perform well around 4–8%.
3

Nutrients reported by the lab

Enter ppm values only when your report uses ppm for these nutrients.

ppm
Target changes with extractant.
ppm
Broad tomato planning range: 150–200 ppm.
ppm
Interpret with pH, moisture, and lab guidance.
ppm
Interpret with pH and the laboratory recommendation.
The result scales broad educational estimates to the bed area. The laboratory recommendation and amendment label remain the final authority.
Enter at least one laboratory value above, then calculate.

Turn your soil report into a planting plan

Use the calculated pattern alongside the product label, your laboratory recommendation, and the way water moves through the bed. Read AONSK home and garden guides · Compare tomato varieties · Shop soil amendments · Shop fertilizers

Full growing record

Complete growing and seedkeeping record

Starting and plantingSeed preparation, sowing, germination, transplanting, spacing, and early establishment
Start Mortgage Lifter indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow 1/8 in deep in a warm, evenly moist seed-starting mix; expect 6–12 Days near 75–90 °F. Give seedlings strong light, move them into larger cells before they become root-bound, and harden them gradually before planting outside after frost danger.

Plant in full sun with loamy soil near pH 6.0–6.5. Space plants 30 in apart and rows 36 in apart. Maintain moderate moisture, mulch after the soil warms, and keep foliage off wet soil where possible. Set up stake at transplanting. The indeterminate plant reaches 73–96 in.
Season-long growing guideWater, fertility, support, weather response, pollination, containers, and care through maturity
Start Mortgage Lifter indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow 1/8 in deep in a warm, evenly moist seed-starting mix; expect 6–12 Days near 75–90 °F. Give seedlings strong light, move them into larger cells before they become root-bound, and harden them gradually before planting outside after frost danger.

Plant in full sun with loamy soil near pH 6.0–6.5. Space plants 30 in apart and rows 36 in apart. Maintain moderate moisture, mulch after the soil warms, and keep foliage off wet soil where possible. Set up stake at transplanting. The indeterminate plant reaches 73–96 in.
Harvest, storage, and usesRecognizing maturity, harvesting cleanly, handling and storage, kitchen uses, and garden roles

Harvest and storage

Mortgage Lifter is listed at 80-89 Days from transplanting under suitable conditions. Mortgage Lifter is best for very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads. The expected flavor is classic sweet-tart tomato flavor with juicy flesh and balanced acidity. Fruit is described as pink and about 2 1/2 lb or more. Use a tested current recipe for home canning; cultivar name alone does not establish safe acidity. Mortgage Lifter is especially useful for very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads. Flavor and eating quality are described as classic sweet-tart tomato flavor with juicy flesh and balanced acidity. For home canning, use a tested current recipe; cultivar name, color, or perceived sweetness does not establish safe acidity. Tomatoes are primarily self-pollinating, but occasional crossing can occur. To maintain Mortgage Lifter, save seed from several healthy true-to-type plants and bag unopened flower clusters when extra isolation is needed. Allow labeled fruit to ripen fully, squeeze the seed and gel into a container, ferment briefly until the gel releases, rinse clean, and dry the seed in a thin labeled layer. Store the finished lot cool and dry with the year, source, plant count, and isolation notes.

Uses and garden roles

Mortgage Lifter is best for very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads. The expected flavor is classic sweet-tart tomato flavor with juicy flesh and balanced acidity. Fruit is described as pink and about 2 1/2 lb or more. Use a tested current recipe for home canning; cultivar name alone does not establish safe acidity. Mortgage Lifter is especially useful for very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads. Flavor and eating quality are described as classic sweet-tart tomato flavor with juicy flesh and balanced acidity. For home canning, use a tested current recipe; cultivar name, color, or perceived sweetness does not establish safe acidity.
Seed savingSelection, pollination, isolation, full maturity, cleaning, drying, labeling, and storage
Tomatoes are primarily self-pollinating, but occasional crossing can occur. To maintain Mortgage Lifter, save seed from several healthy true-to-type plants and bag unopened flower clusters when extra isolation is needed. Allow labeled fruit to ripen fully, squeeze the seed and gel into a container, ferment briefly until the gel releases, rinse clean, and dry the seed in a thin labeled layer. Store the finished lot cool and dry with the year, source, plant count, and isolation notes.
Pests, diseases, and troubleshootingPrevention, diagnosis, environmental disorders, common damage, and first-response checks
Mortgage Lifter can be affected by flea beetles, aphids, tomato hornworms, fruitworms, early blight, Septoria leaf spot, bacterial spot, cracking, catfacing, and blossom-end rot. Rotate crops, support plants for airflow, mulch to reduce soil splash, water at the root zone, remove badly diseased debris, and inspect plants regularly. Cultivar names and old catalog descriptions should not be treated as proof of disease resistance unless a specific resistance package is documented.
Frequently asked questionsDecision-focused answers that supplement the detailed guides above
Frequently Asked Questions - Mortgage Lifter

When is Mortgage Lifter ready?
Plan around 80-89 Days. The listed range is a planning guide, and weather, transplant stress, and harvest stage can shift the actual date.

How long does germination take?
Expect 6–12 Days near 75–90 °F. Cooler media, excess water, old seed, or uneven moisture can delay emergence.

How large does it grow?
Expect about 73–96 in. Growth habit: Indeterminate. Support: Stake.

How is it used?
Very large fresh slices, sandwiches, and salads

Can I save seed?
Tomatoes are primarily self-pollinating, but occasional crossing can occur.
History and provenanceBotanical identity, cultivar history, regional or cultural context, uncertainty, and source records

Scientific name: Solanum lycopersicum L.

Common name: Slicing Tomato

Cultivar or variety: Mortgage Lifter

Mortgage Lifter is associated with M. Byles of Logan, West Virginia, who was widely known as Radiator Charlie. Seed-trade accounts describe Byles selecting a large pink tomato and selling plants during the Depression era, with the proceeds helping him pay his mortgage. The story is part of the cultivar's long public history, but individual seed lots can differ because the name has been used for more than one maintained strain. This packet is described by its current observed identity as an open-pollinated, indeterminate, large-fruited slicing tomato rather than by assuming every circulating Mortgage Lifter line is identical.

References

Continue planning

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Helpful growing guides for this variety

Customer experience

Reviews for Mortgage Lifter

Customer Reviews

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karan coleman (United States)

I've grown these tomatos for several years and they always do well for me

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