The Mortgage Lifter Tomato, also known as Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifter, owes its name to its creator, M.C. "Radiator Charlie" Byles. In the 1930s, Byles, a radiator repairman based in Logan, West Virginia, faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression. Desperate to save his home from foreclosure, he started experimenting with crossbreeding tomatoes.
Byles meticulously blended four varieties, namely German Johnson, Beefsteak, Italian, and English tomatoes, to create a unique hybrid. Over time, he selected and saved the seeds from the best-performing plants, resulting in a tomato with exceptional taste, size, and productivity. The tomato plant's characteristics made it a hit among neighbors and locals, who soon referred to it as the "Mortgage Lifter" due to its ability to help Byles pay off his mortgage.
The Mortgage Lifter Tomato is indeterminate, meaning it continues to produce fruit throughout the growing season. The plant itself can reach impressive heights, often over six feet tall, so providing sturdy support is essential. Gardeners praise this variety for its disease resistance, making it a reliable choice for home growers.
What truly sets this tomato apart is its exceptional flavor. With a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, the Mortgage Lifter Tomato is a favorite among chefs, foodies, and garden enthusiasts alike. Its large, pinkish-red fruits can weigh up to two pounds, making them perfect for sandwiches, salads, sauces, and canning.
Growing Tips:
1. Start Indoors: Begin seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Transplant the seedlings outside once the danger of frost has passed.
2. Provide Support: As the plant grows tall and heavy, it's crucial to provide a sturdy cage or trellis to support the weight of the tomatoes.
3. Consistent Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture may lead to disease.
4. Pruning: Regularly prune the plant to remove unwanted branches and promote better airflow.
5. Harvesting: Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe for the best flavor. Avoid picking them too early, as they won't ripen further once removed from the vine.
