Mortgage Lifter VFN

Tomato

Zone 5a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Mortgage Lifter VFN

🌱 85d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your spoon into the first slice of Mortgage Lifter VFN and savor its rich, old-fashioned tomato perfume—sweet, full-bodied, …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 20th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 3rd
Harvest Begins	Sep 26th
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Genovese Compact Improved Basil

Forest Green Parsley

Thai Sweet Basil Basil

Ingot Carrot

Autumn King Carrot

Spicy Globe Basil Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and how do I control it?

In home gardens, early blight (Alternaria) is a common issue: look for dark, concentric rings on older leaves that gradually spread. Remove and discard infected lower leaves, avoid wetting foliage when watering, and spray a labeled fungicide for tomatoes at the first signs, repeating as directed on the label. If you see severe spread, remove the affected plants to protect the rest of your Solanum lycopersicum crop.

How often should I water tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) during the main growing phase?

During fruit set and ongoing growth, keep the soil evenly moist by watering about 1–2 times per week, adjusting for heat and container size. Aim for roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total, delivering it slowly at the soil line so the root zone gets moisture without soaking leaves. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to reduce disease pressure while preventing blossom-end rot from inconsistent moisture.

How do I tell when my Mortgage Lifter tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full color for the variety (typically red for Mortgage Lifter) and feel firm but give slightly when gently squeezed. The fruit should detach easily from the vine with a light twist; if it resists, give it a few more days. For best flavor, pick in the cooler part of the day and avoid harvesting overly soft fruit.

Sink your spoon into the first slice of Mortgage Lifter VFN and savor its rich, old-fashioned tomato perfume—sweet, full-bodied, and warmly balanced with a gentle tang. The fruits are large and beefsteak-broad, with a juicy, meaty interior and a tender, satin skin that shines from deep red to rosy blush at maturity. Ideal for bold fresh plates and showy slices, this vigorous, disease-resistant choice is made for gardeners who want standout flavor and impressive size in every harvest.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

For best survival and early vigor, transplant only once nighttime temps are reliably ≥50°F and the soil has warmed (about 60°F+), burying the stem for extra roots.