Organic 'Mortgage Lifter' Tomato
Organic 'Mortgage Lifter' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a legendary giant beefsteak with a history as delicious as its flesh
The 'Mortgage Lifter' tomato is one of North America's most famous heirloom varieties, made legendary by both its taste and its history. Created in the 1930s by a West Virginia gardener nicknamed Radiator Charlie, it owes its name to the fact that he supposedly paid off his mortgage by selling his plants of this extraordinary tomato. Indeterminate, vigorous, and robust, it produces gigantic fruits that can reach 2 lbs (nearly 1 kg) each: veritable pink, meaty, juicy, and impressive beefsteaks.
Its flavor is mild, slightly fruity, with a touch of elegant bitterness that perfectly balances its dense flesh. It excels in thick slices, in gourmet sandwiches, but also in cooking, where it yields rich and velvety sauces . Its vigorous, highly productive vines thrive in well-drained soil and with regular watering, offering a generous harvest at the end of the season.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, very vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 180 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Fruits up to 2 lb, sweet and slightly bitter flavor, iconic story from the 1930s
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Place the seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C to encourage rapid germination in 5 to 10 days . During hardening off, reduce watering and nitrogen application to produce strong, well-established seedlings.
Transplant after all risk of frost has passed. Plant 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36") apart, with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6') between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) , regular watering (watering level 3) , and ensure very sturdy staking , essential for supporting its large fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has reached its beautiful pinkish-red hue and impressive size. To get a head start, pick the fruit that is showing its first signs of color , then let it finish ripening off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store the fruit at 12-21°C , with a relative humidity of around 95% , to maintain its plump texture.
Usage ideas
• Perfect in thick slices , spectacular in sandwiches and burgers
• Ideal for trays of heirloom tomatoes , thanks to its gigantic size
• Delicious in homemade sauces , rich and velvety
• Excellent roasted or grilled , concentrating its natural sweetness
The 'Mortgage Lifter' tomato is a cornerstone of American horticultural heritage: generous, flavorful, spectacular, and steeped in an inspiring story. An essential variety for any gardener who wants to grow a truly legendary tomato.
