Grow your own Mortgage Lifter tomato seeds with Mr Fothergill’s. These tomato seeds grow a large, very meaty, flavoursome fruit of up to 400g each. Rich, firm, red, and perfect for sauces, this variety is a fabulous all-rounder. And with high yields of up to 16kg per plant, Mortgage Lifter requires staking for best results. First grown as a hybrid of Italian, German, and English beefsteak tomatoes, Mortgage Lifter is an heirloom seed variety that dates back to the golden days of gardening. It was named by a 1930s farmer whose bumper crop of this variety helped him save his farm from repossession. Grow Mortgage Lifter tomato seeds with other heirloom vegetable seeds for all of your favourite traditional recipes. Or, pair with something from our full range of vegetable seeds for more variety, and use seed starting kits for best results.

How to Sow Seeds

Method: Pots / Direct sow
Growing notes: How to Grow

Sow Mortgage Lifter tomato seeds 5mm (1/4in) deep in pots or trays filled with seed-raising mix. Tomato seeds do better in warmer temperatures, so try to maintain a temperature in their growing environment of at least 18°C (68°F) for best results.

Once the plants reach about 5cm (2in) high, transplant them into individual pots, a greenhouse, grow bags, large containers, or garden beds. It’s best to stake the tomatoes early while still young to ensure they have straight and sturdy stems. If sowing directly outdoors, wait until the soil has warmed in spring. Use solid trellising to support the plants as they establish and grow for best results.

Water the plants daily and begin feeding with liquid fertiliser when the first truss of flowers appears. Pinch out any side shoots to encourage strong growth. Harvest after 2-3 months when the tomatoes are fully ripe and a deep, rich red colour.

For more detailed instructions, read our full guide on how to grow tomatoes.

Plant Characteristics

Yield: s of up to 16kg per plant, Mortgage Lifter requires staking for best results
Suitable for small spaces: Yes
Suitable for pots / containers: Yes