This classic old-time heirloom tomato was developed in the early 1930s in Logan, West Virginia by M.C. “Radiator Charlie” Byles, a radiator repairman. Without any formal experience in plant breeding, he made a successful cross of four of the largest tomatoes – German Johnson, Beefsteak, an Italian variety, and an English variety. In the 1940s, Radiator Charlie sold his new tomato seedlings for one dollar and managed to pay off his $6,000 mortgage in only six years, and so the tomato was named Mortgage Lifter. This large, meaty, mild-flavoured tomato has few seeds and is the perfect sandwich tomato. The fruit is pinkish-red and can range from 1 to 4 pounds (454 gr – 1.8 kg).
| Maturity | 85 days |
|---|---|
| Height | 48" plus (122 cm plus); staking required. |
| Spacing | 24 - 36” (61 - 91 cm) |
| Light | Full Sun |
| Soil | Organic, well draining. |
| pH Range | 6.2 - 6.8 |
| Watering | Moderate to high during growth, low during harvest. |
| Fertilizing | Balanced fertilizer at time of planting. |
| Nutrients Required | Nitrogen = high, Phosphorus = high, Potassium=high |
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