Slicing Tomato Seeds – Mortgage Lifter

Mortgage Lifter, an heirloom tomato variety with a rich history! This tomato is well-known for its large, irregularly shaped fruits that are sweet, meaty, and perfect for fresh eating or preserving. The variety’s origins are tied to M.C. Byles, also known as “Radiator Charlie,” who developed the tomato by crossbreeding four different varieties. His success with these tomatoes helped him pay off his mortgage, and the name “Mortgage Lifter” stuck.

If you’re considering growing these tomatoes or saving seeds, their impressive size and exceptional flavor make them a favorite among gardeners and home canners. When harvesting seeds, slicing the tomato and scooping out the seeds into a container of water for a few days helps with fermentation, which aids in separating the seeds from the gel coating, ensuring good seed viability. Just remember to let the seeds dry completely before storing them for future planting.

Yes, typically there are around 60 seeds per packet of Mortgage Lifter tomatoes. This number can vary slightly depending on the seed supplier, but it’s a good estimate for most standard packets. If you’re growing a few plants, that should be more than enough. Each plant can produce a significant amount of fruit, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy, whether for fresh eating or preserving!