Solanum lycopersicum 'Mortgage Lifter Halladay's' is a legendary Kentucky family heirloom beefsteak tomato developed in the 1920s-1930s and grown by the Halladay family for multiple generations. This vigorous indeterminate variety produces exceptionally large (1-2 pound) pink beefsteak fruits with meaty texture, exceptional crack resistance, and rich old-fashioned flavor. Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions (70-85°F soil temperature) within 5-14 days when provided with consistent moisture and bottom heat, requiring darkness rather than light during the germination phase.
Before sowing
No pre-treatment needed — sow directly.
Light soil-to-seed contact improves germination; gently press soil over seeds. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Darkness is required for germination.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Use a heating mat to maintain soil temperature at 75-85°F for fastest, most uniform germination; avoid temperatures above 90°F which can damage seed viability. Keep soil consistently moist (like a wrung-out sponge) but never waterlogged to prevent damping off and promote oxygen availability. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell; thin to the strongest seedling or use individual pots. Cover seed trays with a clear dome or plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse effect, retaining humidity and warmth. Once seedlings emerge, immediately move to bright light (fluorescent or grow lights) for 14-16 hours daily and reduce temperature to 70°F. Bottom watering and spray bottles help prevent disease while maintaining proper moisture without disturbance. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Fertilize seedlings every 7-10 days with diluted liquid fertilizer after the second set of true leaves develops. Avoid starting too early to prevent leggy, overgrown seedlings.
Sources: Sage Garden, Botanical Interests, Sow True Seed, Annie's Heirloom Seeds, Pinetree Garden Seeds, Epic Gardening, Rebell Valley Farm, Greeny Gardener, Grow It Organically, Farm to Jar, Harvest to Table, HGTV, A.P. Whaley, Firefly Farm and Mercantile, Victory Seed Company, Tangletown Gardens, Heirloom Seed Solutions, Craig LeHoullier, UC Cooperative Extension, Alex Grows Food, Grow Organic
