Tips for Cultivating and Maintaining Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Barbara Gillette is an accomplished Master Gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with three decades of expertise in cultivating and propagating a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants.

The heirloom Mortgage Lifter tomato is a beloved choice among tomato enthusiasts, known for its large, beefsteak-style fruits. These tomatoes boast smooth, pinkish-red skin, a minimal number of seeds, and a delightful, low-acid taste, typically weighing between 1.5 and 2 pounds. Under optimal conditions, they can even grow to a remarkable 4 pounds. This tasty heirloom, often referred to as Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter in honor of its creator, has been a favorite since the 1930s and remains a top choice for both growers and tomato aficionados. It’s important to note that tomato plants can be harmful to cats, dogs, and horses.

Light

Receiving eight hours of sunlight each day is ideal. Ample sunlight is crucial for the well-being of plants and the maturation of fruit.

Soil

Tomato plants thrive in fertile, loamy soil that has a slightly acidic pH ranging from 6.2 to 6.8. It’s crucial to ensure that the soil has good drainage. It’s advisable to refrain from planting tomatoes in areas previously occupied by other nightshade family plants, as they can harbor diseases and pests that may harm tomatoes. Implementing crop rotation can contribute to a healthier garden.

Water

Mature tomato plants require one inch of water each week. The most effective method of irrigation is drip irrigation, which minimizes the risk of fungal infections and leaf spot diseases that can occur when soil water splashes onto the leaves.

Heat and Moisture Levels

The optimal temperature range for fruit formation and growth lies between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures exceed or drop below this range, plants may struggle to produce blossoms, and flowers may drop off before fruit can develop. Temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to inconsistent ripening and affect flavor. For successful tomato cultivation, humidity levels between 65 and 75 percent are ideal.

Fertilizer

Tomatoes, particularly the substantial, indeterminate beefsteak types such as Mortgage Lifter, require a lot of nutrients. To ensure your tomato plants thrive, consider incorporating aged compost into the soil during the fall or early spring. Alternatively, you can use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 when you plant them.

Conducting a soil test in advance will reveal any deficiencies and help identify any necessary amendments.

Tip

As flower buds start to emerge, it’s important to remember that fertilizers high in nitrogen may promote excessive leaf growth, potentially hindering fruit yield. Applying a fertilizer with a slightly elevated phosphorus content can aid in fruit development once they reach approximately 1 inch in size.

Pollination

Mortgage Lifters possess self-fertility, indicating that their blossoms contain both male and female reproductive structures. The pollen naturally falls within the flower, allowing for self-pollination. While you may notice pollinating insects drawn to the blossoms, their presence is not essential for the plant to bear fruit, although both insects and wind can assist in the pollination process. A single plant can yield between 12 to 20 pounds of tomatoes.

Varieties of Mortgage Lifter

Alongside the traditional reddish-pink Mortgage Lifter tomato, there exists a second variety that is yellow and shares the same name. This beefsteak type, known as the yellow Mortgage Lifter, produces slightly flattened fruits that weigh between 1 and 2 pounds and feature red to pink stripes in the center. The yellow variety is known for its mild and sweet flavor.

Gathering Mortgage Lifter

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can typically be harvested approximately 80 days after they have been transplanted, although some may be ready for picking a week earlier. In contrast to many heirloom types that maintain green or dark hues at the stem end, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes usually exhibit a consistent reddish-pink shade all over.

Utilize a pair of hand shears or snips to detach the tomato from the plant, ensuring to leave approximately one inch of the stem connected to the fruit.

If you’re facing problems with pests munching on your tomatoes, you can pick the fruit as soon as it starts to change color. Set the tomato on a windowsill to let it ripen fully.

Tip

After harvesting, stems should be delicately detached to prevent damaging other fruits in your collection. You can either gently twist and pull the stem or use a clipper to trim it. Be cautious not to break or puncture the top of the fruit, as this can lead to spoilage and decay.

Tips for Cultivating Mortgage Lifter in Containers

Given that the vines can reach lengths of 9 feet or more, it is not recommended to cultivate Mortgage Lifters in containers.

If you choose to give it a go, start by filling a container of at least 10 gallons with a quality mix of soil and compost. Opt for a container that has ample drainage holes and enough space for a strong support structure. Plant it in a deep hole and be proactive in removing any suckers during the initial weeks of growth. While the yield may be lower, those growing on patios might successfully cultivate several of these large, delicious heirloom varieties. Keep in mind that the soil in potted tomato plants can dry out quickly, so you may need to water them up to twice a day. To check the moisture level, stick your finger into the top inch of soil. If it feels damp, you can skip watering; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Pruning

Indeterminate, climbing tomato varieties grow quickly. Heirloom types, such as Mortgage Lifter, tend to generate many suckers in their initial growth stages. Ensuring proper air circulation is essential for disease prevention, so trimming the plant to a few manageable vines enhances its overall health. To maintain adequate air flow, it’s advisable to eliminate suckers in the first few weeks of growth.

As the season comes to an end, it’s possible to trim the vines. Utilize pruning shears to cut the tip of the stem back to the developing fruit. This helps to focus the plant’s energy on ripening the existing fruit rather than producing new flowers and fruit.

Cultivating Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Tomato plants can be multiplied using suckers. To do this, let a sucker grow to approximately 6 inches, cut it from the main plant at the base, root it in water, and then transplant it to a new spot. However, since the Mortgage Lifter variety takes 80 days to reach maturity, starting from seeds is a more effective propagation technique.

A Guide to Cultivating Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes from Seeds

You can preserve seeds from your Mortgage Lifter harvest for planting in the following year. These seeds have a good shelf life, so be sure to keep any leftover ones from last year’s packet instead of discarding them.

You can begin planting seeds indoors six to eight weeks prior to the final frost date in a warm environment. Once the seeds begin to germinate, a reliable light source will be essential. To begin the process, collect your seeds, a cell tray or small pots measuring 3 to 4 inches, a soil-less seed starting mix, and a plastic cover or bag.

1. Moisten the seed starting mix with warm water. It should be damp to the touch, but not overly wet.
2. Populate each cell or container with a planting medium.
3. Utilize your index finger to create a small depression in the middle of each one. Sow the seeds to a depth of 1/8 inch.
4. Gently add a bit more soil-less mix on top and then cover the tray or pots with plastic.
5. Position your seeds in a warm environment, preferably between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and ensure they remain damp. Utilizing a heat mat can accelerate the germination process.
6. Once the seeds have germinated (approximately one week later), take off the plastic cover and move the plants to a bright window or position them under grow lights.
7. Once the seedlings have produced two genuine leaves and are ready for handling, transfer them into separate pots, if needed.
8. Begin the process of acclimating your plants about a week before you plan to transplant them into the garden.

Tip

Using bottom heat and bottom watering can enhance the germination process. Heat mats can be easily found, or you can opt to set your seedlings on top of the refrigerator. For bottom watering, simply put the seedlings in a solid container filled with enough water to touch the bottom of the pots.

Frequent Insects and Plant Illnesses

Mortgage Lifter exhibits strong resistance to wilting. However, it is susceptible to various other fungal and bacterial issues that can impact tomatoes. Ensuring that seedlings are healthy and that growing conditions are optimal can help mitigate the risk of crop failure. Additionally, maintaining proper air circulation and spacing between plants is essential for disease prevention.

The most common pests that impact tomato plants include hornworms, armyworms, and aphids.

Tips for Encouraging Mortgage Lifter to Flourish

This type of plant flowers early and consistently when provided with suitable growing conditions. If the flowers appear to be lacking, consider using a foliar spray of fish emulsion. You can also incorporate compost tea or use a fertilizer with a slightly elevated phosphorus content, like a 5-10-5 blend.

Frequent Issues Associated with Mortgage Lifter

Mortgage Lifter is among the simplest heirloom varieties to cultivate. The dimensions of the plants and their fruits may result in certain typical issues associated with tomatoes.

Tomatoes can develop cracks and splits.

These sizable tomatoes are prone to splitting and cracking due to inconsistent watering. An exposed fruit can attract pests and diseases, so it’s important to pick and utilize cracked tomatoes right away. Ensure you water your plants consistently, factoring in any rainfall. Additionally, harvesting tomatoes slightly before they reach full ripeness can help minimize the risk of splitting and cracking.

Golden foliage

The leaves that are nearest to the stem and the lower part of the plant frequently become yellow, wither, and eventually drop off. This is a natural process, as the plant prioritizes the allocation of nutrients to the growing fruit.

If you notice that the leaves have developed dark or discolored patches, it could indicate a soil-borne illness. To prevent this, utilize soaker hoses for drip irrigation and refrain from wetting the leaves when watering from above. Ensure that the vines are supported and elevated above the ground, and trim any lower leaves that come into contact with the soil.

Irregular maturation

If a section of the tomato is a vibrant pinkish-red while another section is still green and firm, it indicates inadequate sunlight exposure for the fruit. To prevent this, it is advisable to prune suckers early in the growing season, limiting the plant to 3 to 5 healthy vines. This practice promotes more consistent ripening and enhances air circulation within the plant.

Is the Mortgage Lifter tomato a worthwhile choice?

Mortgage Lifter is an exceptional heirloom tomato variety, known for its ease of cultivation and abundant fruit production. These large, beefsteak tomatoes are characterized by their minimal seed content and a deliciously sweet, low-acid taste. They are perfect for enhancing sandwiches, salads, salsas, and sauces.

What is the typical size of a Mortgage Lifter tomato plant?

Mortgage Lifter plants can reach heights of 9 feet or more, so it’s important to have adequate support ready. The tomatoes typically weigh between 1.5 to 2 pounds.

Are Mortgage Lifter tomatoes difficult to cultivate?

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are among the simpler heirloom varieties to cultivate. They are an excellent choice for beginners interested in growing traditional types. This variety shows resistance to tomato wilts and possesses some ability to withstand drought conditions.

When is the right time to harvest my Mortgage Lifter tomatoes?

Begin checking for mature fruits on a Mortgage Lifter variety approximately 73 days after transplanting into the garden. The fruits exhibit a consistent pinkish-red hue and yield slightly when gently squeezed.