Tomato Mortgage Lifter Seeds
$3.90
Unit price perSolanum lycopersicum
Mortgage Lifter is a famous American heirloom producing large pink-red beefsteak tomatoes with meaty flesh, relatively few seeds and a rich, sweet flavour. The substantial fruits are superb for slicing, sandwiches, burgers and salads, where their excellent eating quality really shines.
The variety was developed in West Virginia during the 1930s by radiator repairman M.C. “Radiator Charlie” Byles. He reportedly crossed several of the largest tomatoes he could obtain, including German Johnson, and selected the resulting plants over successive seasons. Byles sold seedlings for $1 each, and the story goes that their popularity allowed him to pay off his home mortgage, giving the tomato its memorable name.
Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, producing heavy crops over an extended season. The large fruits and strong vines require sturdy staking or trellising, with consistent moisture helping reduce stress as the beefsteak fruits develop.
Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.
Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines and large fruit. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.
Maturity: approximately 80–90 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
DISCOVER MORE
FLOWER SEEDS WITH EDEN
Flower seeds: As fellow gardening enthusiasts we share the love for planting and nurturing our own flowers in addition to our veggie gardens. Our carefully selected range of flower seeds, available for convenient online purchase, holds a special place in our hearts. Like the endangered vegetables we've championed, these flower varieties face the risk of vanishing forever. Some of these older strains are incredibly rare, and it's a source of immense pride for us to offer and deliver these precious flower seeds Australia-wide.

