Mortgage Lifter Tomato

source: MIgardener

• Indeterminate
• 85 days
• Full Sun
• Sprouts in 7-14 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 75-95 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: 1/8 inch
• Plant Spacing: 24"
• Frost Hardy: No
• Solanum lycopersicum

Mortgage Lifer tomatoes are huge both in plant size and fruit size. The rich, juicy, deep velvet fruits, commonly weighing in over 2 lbs, and packs a punch with flavor. They taste acidic with a fruity sweetness and have few seeds. For the richest flavor, pick tomatoes when they are fully ripe. The Mortgage Lifter's open pollinated heirloom plants grow 7 to 9 foot vines and are indeterminate, meaning they set fruit continuously throughout the growing season. This variety was developed in the 1930’s in order to pay off the developer's home loan during the depression era, hence the name "Mortgage Lifter."

They mature in 80-85 days, so it helps to start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last average frost date. It takes 5-10 days for the seeds to germinate, and prefers 70-80 degree F temperature to germinate. Seedlings can be transplanted into prepared garden soil once the danger of frost has passed. They should begin to mature by late May, if germinated by early March. Choose a sunny location that receives eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Space Mortgage Lifter tomato plants 30 to 48 inches apart to allow plenty of room for growth. These plants require heavy trellising. They require ample water, so water when weekly rainfall is not sufficient. Mulching will help retain soil moisture and reduce competition from weeds. 

- Phyllis