Mortgage Lifter Tomato (Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifter)
Price: $3.95
SKU: 3400141
85 days, indeterminate — Although many merchants simply call it 'Mortgage Lifter', 'Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifter' is probably the most well known of the "mortgage lifter" varieties (see below). It has been a popular variety in the Logan, West Virginia area since it was introduced in the 1940s[2] and got international attention when its seed was introduced to gardeners in the mid-1980s. The regular leaf vines produce fruit that are large, some reaching over a pound each, pink in color, and one of the best flavored beefsteaks available.
The legend surrounding this tomato is that it was bred by Marshall Cletis Byles,[1] who preferred to be called "MC" or simply Charlie.[2] For several years he crossed 'German Johnson', 'Beefsteak', with undisclosed English and Italian varieties, selecting the largest specimens. It is said that he then sold plants for one dollar each and paid off his mortgage in six years. Seeds were supplied to Dr. Jeff McCormack, founder of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, and released by him commercially in 1985.[2] We received our seed from him in 2001. Each packet contains approximately 20 seeds.
Fruit Color: Purple
Special Groups: Ark of Taste
Special Groups: "Epic" Tomatoes
Harvest Timing: Main Crop / Mid-Season
Harvest Timing: Late Season
Informational References:
- Marshall Cletis (M. C. or "Radiator Charlie") Byles was born on March 4, 1900 and passed away at the age of 89 on August 4, 1989. [Source: Social Security Death Index]
- "Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes," Living On Earth® - Public Radio International's Environmental News Magazine, September 23, 2005 air date.
- "Epic Tomatoes: How To Select and Grow the Best Varieties of All Time," Craig LeHoullier, Storey Publishing, 2015, pages 62-63.
- "100 Heirloom Tomatoes for the American Garden," Dr. Carolyn Male, Workman Publishing, 1999, pages 166-167.
- "The Heirloom Tomato: From Garden to Table: Recipes, Portraits, and History of the World's Most Beautiful Fruit," by Amy Goldman, Bloomsbury Publishing, New York, NY, 2008, page 116.
Customer Reviews:
By Gio (North County San Diego) on April 14, 2024
Every year this tomato comes through. The flavor is classic perfect for sandwiches or a tomato salad. You can make sauce but it is very juicy requiring longer cooking time. I just enjoy growing these giant tomatoes. Fruit under a pound are rare and 2 pounders common. I love gifting a big tomato to family and friends knowing its flavor will appeal to most.
By James Higdon on July 8, 2021
These are growing great for me! Been picking beautiful large fruits off if them. I'm not usually a major raw tomato fan and these taste fantastic! Will grow again!
By James Haddan on August 22, 2020
I bought these last year, saved seeds and have them going again this year. Great flavor! Look similar and taste like a Pink Brandywine.
By Craig Bailey on May 22, 2012
Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are the only variety of tomato I grow. After years of trying to grow a good 'ole timey' tomato, I've finally found one! I actually grew one last year that was almost 2 lbs! P.S. all my Mortgage Lifter seeds purchased from Victory came up! 100%!
