Comments on: Heinz 1439 Tomato: Hanna’s Tomato Tastings 2008

By: eris

eris — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:00:10 +0000

The others above are correct, Heinz 1439 is open pollinated. Even though its origin and use is commercial, Heinz has the ability to pick the tomatoes when perfectly ripe and process them immediately, so there is no need for the benefits hybridization usually provides (long storage life, bigger, sturdier fruit, etc).

I adore them for their super-tomato-y flavor and for the thin skin that slips right off.

By: MM

MM — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:04:09 +0000

If this is the Heinz 1439, it is available from seed savers because it is OP. I just planted for Fall 2009 and used seeds I saved for the 2008 season. It pretty much matches the size and description above but I would add that I could taste a flavor that reminded me of Heinz catsup.

The only negative I have is that it does take a week longer than early varieties.

By: Keith

Keith — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:48:24 +0000

I thought 1439 was open pollinated. Anyway, I was surprised how good they turned out to be. I hadn’t expected much from them, but they have produced about as well as any. And while they may not have the character of some others, they hold their own. I’ll definitely have a spot for one or two in my tomato patch this spring.

By: Helen

Helen — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:41:35 +0000

I have just started my first vegie garden and have just planted my first tomato seeds. I am gardening in Australia and Spring has just sprung. I have planted grosse lisse which seem to be a very common tomato and I am hoping one that is forgiving to the beginner! I am very keen to buy the more unusual varieties of vegetable and your tomato tastings just keeps inspiring me on to bigger and better.

By: TC

TC — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 03:38:05 +0000

I was wondering if you’ve tried the heirloom ‘Green Zebra?’
It’s our first green, and I was thinking it might be similar to ‘Green Moldovan.’