Mortgage Lifter, Radiator Charlie's
Solanum lycopersicum
HOW TO GROW TOMATO
Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, plant out 1–2 weeks after last frost. Requires bottom heat for good germination. Pot up to 3-4” pots when first true leaves develop, bury to first leaves. Gradually harden off in full sun 1–2 weeks before transplanting after last frost. Transplant out stocky 8 to 10” tall plants. Apply super phosphate for high early yields and to avoid blossom-end rot. Too much nitrogen causes excessive vegetation. If fruit cracks, reduce watering. Indeterminate varieties are trellised, fruit ripens over an extended period. Prune to one leader pinching suckers in leaf axles every 7 to 10 days. Thirty days before last frost prune leaders to ripen remaining fruit. Determinate or bush varieties do not need pruning or trellising. Soil pH 4.3-6.6. Hardiness zones 4. Annual.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of transplant. Average 8,400 seeds per ounce. Federal germination standard: 75%. Usual seed life: 4-10 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 75-150 feet.
Planting Depth 1/4”
Soil Temp. Germ. 70-85˚F
Days to Germ. 6-10
Plant Spacing 24-36”, 14-20”
Row Spacing 5’, 4’ trellis
Days To Maturity 85-95
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained
Days from maturity calculated from the date of transplant. Average 8,400 seeds per ounce. Federal germination standard: 75%. Usual seed life: 4-10 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 75-150 feet.
Planting Depth 1/4”
Soil Temp. Germ. 70-85˚F
Days to Germ. 6-10
Plant Spacing 24-36”, 14-20”
Row Spacing 5’, 4’ trellis
Days To Maturity 85-95
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained
- 25 Seeds$4.25
- 250 Seeds$22.50
Bred by M.C. Byles in the 1930 in Logan West Virginia. Mr. Byles earned the name Radiator Charlie from the radiator repair business he opened at the bottom of a steep hill which trucks would often overheat on. He bred the this famous tomato by crossing four of the largest tomatoes he could find: German Johnson, Beef...
Bred by M.C. Byles in the 1930 in Logan West Virginia. Mr. Byles earned the name Radiator Charlie from the radiator repair business he opened at the bottom of a steep hill which trucks would often overheat on. He bred the this famous tomato by crossing four of the largest tomatoes he could find: German Johnson, Beefsteak, an Italian variety and an English variety. One of the four was planted in a circle of the others. Using a baby’s ear syringe, he cross-pollinated the center plant with the pollen from the others. The next year he selected the best seedlings, and planted the others around. He repeated this selection process for six years until he stabilized the variety. Mr. Byles sold plants for $1.00 in the 1940s, paid of the $6,000 mortgage in six years. People drove for 200 miles to buy his tomato seedlings. Mortgage Lifter fruit average 2-1/2 lb, up to 4 lb., meaty and flavorful. We have found this variety to not be as great as its name. In Zone 7b we start in mid March to get to ripen to red, otherwise partially ripens to orange. Needs full sun and warm nights to ripen fully. Tags: Type: Indeterminate, Harvest: Late, Color: Red, Size: Large, Shape: Flat, Heritage: Heirloom, Season: Summer, Certification: Organic.
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