Single Mortgage Lifter with a slice removed on a white background.
Tomato Seeds, Mortgage Lifter
A stack of half a dozen Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes on an old wooden bench.
A bowl full of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes with cut tomato on a wooden cutting board.
A plentiful cluster of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes on a white background.
A single Mortgage Lifter Tomato with a stem on a white background.
Baked Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes on bright red plate surrounded with tomatoes one a white background.
A gardener&
Single Mortgage Lifter with a slice removed on a white background.
Tomato Seeds, Mortgage Lifter
A stack of half a dozen Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes on an old wooden bench.
A bowl full of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes with cut tomato on a wooden cutting board.
A plentiful cluster of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes on a white background.
A single Mortgage Lifter Tomato with a stem on a white background.
Baked Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes on bright red plate surrounded with tomatoes one a white background.
A gardener&

Tomato Seeds,
Mortgage Lifter

3.954 ReviewsSKU: #TK120Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Solanum lycopersicum). Large, smooth, 1-lb pink fruit has a delicious, rich, sweet taste. This variety has become very popular in recent years and was developed by M.C. Byles of Logan, West Virginia. After crossing varieties for 6 years and selecting the best, he introduced this beauty that he named Mortgage Lifter in the 1940s, after he sold plants for $1 each and paid off the $6,000 mortgage on his house.

Growing Tips: The Mortgage Lifter tomato is a legendary heirloom that grows best when receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially during fruit set. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Solanum lycopersicum
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Indeterminate
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
85
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
24 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant outdoors only after the danger of frost has passed and the temperature remains above 60 F. In cooler climates, raised beds or black plastic mulch can help warm the soil for earlier planting. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources."

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in seed-starting mix and keep the temperature between 70-80 F for optimal germination. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting. Space plants 24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart.

How to Grow

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting, and side-dress with compost or fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Remove suckers to encourage better airflow and focus energy on fruit production. Monitor for common pests like aphids and hornworms.

How to Save Seeds

  • Most tomatoes are self-pollinating and don't frequently cross; in a garden setting, separating by 25 feet should prevent 99% of cross-pollination. Or you can bag and hand pollinate for 100% purity.
  • On a small scale, seeds may be scooped from the fruits and dried on a paper towel.
  • For larger quantities or cleaner seeds, fermentation for a few days is recommended.
  • Once dry, tomato seed can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place; good seed retains viability for 5 years or more.

FAQ

How big do Mortgage Lifter tomatoes grow?

Fruits can weigh 1-2 pounds, making them ideal for slicing and sandwiches.

What makes Mortgage Lifter tomatoes different from other varieties?

This variety is famous for its massive fruits, rich flavor, and the charming backstory of helping its creator pay off his mortgage.

How do I prevent cracking in Mortgage Lifter tomatoes?

Water consistently and mulch the soil to reduce moisture fluctuations, which often cause fruit to crack.

Browse our full range of heirloom tomato seeds.

Customer reviews

3.9 / 5 54 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Rich, meaty flavor: Many rank it the best-tasting tomato they have grown.

  • Huge pink fruit: Fruit often runs a pound or more; slices wider than a bun.

  • Heavy producer: Loaded plants that out-produce other slicers until frost.

  • Needs strong support: Vines top 6 feet and snap flimsy cages; stake it hard.

  • Heads up: Shoulders crack and fruit is lumpy; some gardens get few fruit.

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