Mortgage Lifter Beefsteak Tomato carries a legendary heritage rooted in American agricultural ingenuity. Created by the resourceful "Radiator Charlie" Byles during the Great Depression, this iconic heirloom was literally bred to generate income — hence its evocative name. Selling plants for $1 each, Charlie paid off his $6,000 mortgage in just six years. Today, it remains a testament to selective breeding excellence and the enduring appeal of truly exceptional tomatoes. This indeterminate variety produces vigorous, prolific vines yielding abundant harvests of impressive 1–2 pound fruits with dense, meaty flesh ideal for slicing, saucing, and fresh applications throughout the growing season.

Germination Rate: 85%. Test Date: 12/25. WILL.

Why Choose Mortgage Lifter Beefsteak Tomato?

• Legendary History: Created during the Great Depression by "Radiator Charlie" — a tomato with a story as rich as its flavor.
• Massive Fruits: Produces 1–2 pound beefsteak tomatoes with dense, meaty flesh perfect for slicing and saucing.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Passed down through generations for at least 75 years — save seeds year after year for a self-sustaining garden.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA structure has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.
• Extended Harvest: Indeterminate vines produce continuously from mid-summer through first frost, maximizing your yield all season long.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Requires full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours per day — for best fruit development and flavor.
• Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Amend with compost before planting.
• Planting: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
• Spacing: Space plants 24–36 inches apart in rows 3–4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation.
• Support: Use sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises — indeterminate vines can reach 5–7 feet tall and carry heavy fruit loads.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently; avoid wetting foliage to reduce disease risk. Mulch to retain moisture.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer at transplant, then switch to a low-nitrogen formula once flowering begins.
• Harvesting: Ready in approximately 80–85 days from transplant. Harvest when fruits yield slightly to gentle pressure and show full pink-red coloration.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Great Customer Service: David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Fresh Slicing: Best enjoyed at room temperature — slice thick and serve with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh basil.
• Sandwiches & Burgers: The massive, meaty fruits are the ultimate BLT and gourmet burger tomato.
• Sauces & Soups: Simmer down into rich, deeply flavored pasta sauces, soups, and stews.
• Roasting: Halve and roast at 400°F with olive oil and garlic for a concentrated, sweet-savory flavor.
• Canning & Preserving: Excellent for whole-pack canning, crushed tomatoes, or homemade salsa.

Order Mortgage Lifter Tomato Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own fresh Mortgage Lifter tomatoes in your spring and fall gardens.

Nutritional Information

(Applies to harvested tomato fruit, not seeds. Per medium tomato, approx. 123g.)

• Calories: 22
• Total Fat: 0.2g
• Sodium: 6mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4.8g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
• Total Sugars: 3.2g
• Protein: 1.1g
• Vitamin C: 17mg (19% DV)
• Potassium: 292mg (6% DV)

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heirloom varieties may exhibit natural variation in size, color, and maturation. Results may vary based on growing conditions, climate, and gardening practices.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration in an airtight container extends viability. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.
• Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5–11. Particularly well-adapted to Texas, the Southwest, and Southeast growing regions. Consult your local extension service for zone-specific guidance.

At David's Garden Seeds®, we take pride in bringing you heirloom seeds you can trust — grown with integrity, backed by decades of experience, and selected for home gardeners who care about what they grow and what they eat. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your garden.