TOMATO, Mortgage Lifter – Heirloom

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).

Maturity85 days
Height48" plus (122 cm plus); staking required.
Spacing24 - 36” (61 - 91 cm)
LightFull Sun
SoilOrganic, well draining.
pH Range6.2 - 6.8
WateringModerate to high during growth, low during harvest.
FertilizingBalanced fertilizer at time of planting.
Nutrients RequiredNitrogen = high, Phosphorus = high, Potassium=high

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