Mortgage Lifter Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Mortgage Lifter’)

Mortgage Lifter Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Mortgage Lifter’) is a legendary heirloom variety famous for its enormous fruits, rich flavour, and remarkable history. Developed in the 1930s by M.C. "Radiator Charlie" Byles, this tomato became so popular that sales reportedly helped pay off his mortgage—earning the variety its memorable name.

This indeterminate heirloom produces massive pink-red beefsteak tomatoes that commonly weigh 450–900 g (1–2 lbs), with some fruits growing even larger under ideal conditions. The tomatoes feature meaty flesh, few seeds, and a rich, sweet flavour balanced with mild acidity, making them one of the finest slicing tomatoes available. Their exceptional taste makes them perfect for sandwiches, burgers, fresh salads, sauces, and homegrown summer meals.

Mortgage Lifter plants are vigorous and highly productive, producing large harvests over a long season. The sprawling vines continue setting fruit until frost, providing gardeners with a steady supply of delicious tomatoes. Its combination of flavour, fruit size, and productivity has made it one of the most beloved heirloom tomatoes grown today.

In Alberta, Mortgage Lifter performs best when started indoors and transplanted after all danger of frost has passed. With full sun, fertile soil, and proper support, plants reward gardeners with impressive harvests of giant heirloom tomatoes.