Mortgage Lifter

Tomato

Zone 9b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Mortgage Lifter

🌱 90d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into the first blush of Mortgage Lifter’s massive fruits—warm, sun-kissed red with a famously meaty, old-fashion…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 22nd
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 6th
Harvest Begins	Jul 5th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
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

Red Cored Chantenay Carrot

Kaleidoscope Mix Carrot

Australian Outback Basil

Cardinal Basil

Jeanette Carrot

Lemon Basil Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (Mortgage Lifter tomato), and how do I treat it?

Early blight (Alternaria) is a common tomato problem, showing as brown, concentric target-like spots on older leaves that spread upward. Remove affected lower leaves promptly and improve airflow by spacing plants and pruning only for airflow, then apply a labeled fungicide if the disease is progressing. Avoid overhead watering and water at the base to keep foliage dry and slow spread.

How often should I water Mortgage Lifter tomatoes during the main growing phase (from flowering through fruit set)?

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy: aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply at the root zone 1–3 times per week so the soil goes several inches down, and reduce the frequency after fruits begin sizing to prevent cracking. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, which reduces blossom-end rot risk.

How can I tell when Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are ready to harvest at about 90 days?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for the variety (deep red) and the shoulder is no longer green, with a firm-but-giving feel. Pick at least a few times as they ripen, because tomatoes left too long on the vine are more likely to split or develop soft rot. If they show any cracking, harvest immediately and check frequently over the next couple days.

Sink your senses into the first blush of Mortgage Lifter’s massive fruits—warm, sun-kissed red with a famously meaty, old-fashioned heft. The flesh is richly textured and juicy, with a balanced, sweet-tangy flavor that shines in thick slices and hearty spoonfuls of garden flavor. Grow it for standout beefsteak presence at the peak of the season, when its weighty shoulders and generous interior make every harvest feel like a triumph.

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 Mortgage Lifter type beefsteaks, transplant only when soil is consistently warm (60°F+) and night temps stay near 50°F to avoid stunting.