One of West Virginia gardeners’ favorite tomato is the Mortgage Lifter, a pink to red beefsteak variety. But, did you know that the Mortgage Lifter has more than a meaty fruit and an interesting name? Originating from Logan, West Virginia, one popular Mortgage Lifter was developed by Marshall Cletis Byles, aka Radiator Charlie.
The story begins in the 1930s, when Radiator Charlie wanted to develop a better breed of tomato. Charlie planted three varieties – beefsteak, an Italian variety, and an English variety – in a circle around a fourth variety, German Johnson. He saved seeds from the best tomatoes each year and eventually was satisfied with a stable tomato variety that we now know as the Mortgage Lifter.
Like many homeowners during the Great Depression, Radiator Charlie was concerned with paying his home mortgage. To spread the wealth of his new tomato, Charlie sold seedlings of his new variety for $1 per plant. The money he raised from the plant sales went on to pay off his home mortgage. Allegedly, people came from as far away as 200 miles to buy his seedlings.
There are other strains of Mortgage Lifter tomatoes that also originated in West Virginia, such as the Estler Family Mortgage Lifter from Cabell County.
Mortgage Lifter tomatoes grow large fruit, weighing in from 1 to 3 pounds with a rich, sweet taste. This variety is indeterminate and trellising or supporting the plant is beneficial for easier harvesting. Once you’re ready to transplant, space the plants 30 to 48 inches apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart. If you decide to start your own from seed, be sure to start them six to eight weeks prior to the last frost date for your area.
By Jennifer Friend, WVU Extension Agent – Harrison County