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Index : Seeds :
Seeds of Italy

As our regular Garden Centre customers know we have an extremely wide range of vegetable and flower seeds available from the Shop and this year we have introduced a new range which is already proving very popular – these are Seeds of Italy, marketed as Franchi. Franchi is the oldest family run seed company in the world. Giovanni Franchi the current Mr. Franchi's great, great, great, great, great grandfather, started selling seed from his horse drawn cart at the local market piazza the same year that Mozart wrote his first mass!

Anyone who has travelled extensively in Italy, especially the rural regions, will know that the Italians are passionate about their food and a high proportion grow at least some of their own so that they are eating the very best fresh produce. Although one thinks of Italy as a sun drenched country two thirds of Italy is alpine, with the Alps and Dolomites in the North and the Apennines running down the spine. The result is that some of the varieties are very hardy.

Seeds of Italy do have an extensive catalogue and from this we have selected a collection of some of the best flavours so you can crop these from your own garden. If you do go to the trouble of growing your own vegetables to ensure that you are eating really fresh goods which will then have the highest possible vitamin content, it makes sense to also have varieties which will give you the best flavour as well. With this in mind we have decided to offer Franchi seeds, as we know the quality of the varieties. All packs have generous seed quantities and are aimed at the allotment holder, small grower, gourmet and professional.

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Artichoke Violetto Precoce (Carciofo)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Artichoke Violetto Precoce (Carciofo).

Vigorous spineless plants, producing good crops of delicious medium sized artichokes. Prefers a rich heavy soil. Sow from March to August and harvest between May and July.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 110 seeds.

, £1.49


Aubergine Violetta Lunga 2 (Melanzana)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Aubergine Violetta Lunga 2 (Melanzana).

The rustic Italian Aubergine producing a good crop of long tasty aubergines. Sow indoors from February to May to crop from July to October.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 660 seeds.

, £1.49


Basil Genovese (Basilico)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Basil Genovese (Basilico).

This is a classic green leaved basil has many culinary uses. Grow in a warm sunny position to produce masses of wonderful aromatic leaves for both salad and culinary use. It is particularly recommended for use in making Pesto. Sow from March to mid July to crop from June to October.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 4000 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Beetroot Tonda di Chioggia (Bietola da Orto)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Beetroot Tonda di Chioggia (Bietola da Orto).

Very sweet flesh which has the unusual quality of being striped red and white. When sliced and served with salad it is a most attractive as well as being very tasty. Sow from March to June to harvest from May to August.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 600 seeds.

, £1.49


Black Salsify (Scorzonera Geante Noire de Russie)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Black Salsify (Scorzonera Geante Noire de Russie).

A more unusual vegetable producing outstanding flavoured black roots up to 30cm long. Excellent if peeled and added to stews. Scorzonera is thought to repel carrot root fly. Sow from May to July and harvest the following year.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 360 seeds.

, £1.49


Black Tuscan Kale Nero di Toscana Precoce (Cavolo laciniato)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Black Tuscan Kale Nero di Toscana Precoce (Cavolo laciniato).

A very elegant kale with very dark green, nearly black leaves which hold their colour well when cooked. Full of flavour and in milder winters will still be harvestable till early spring. Sow from May to July to harvest from September to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 1800 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Broad Bean Superaguadulce Semente selezionata (Fava)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Broad Bean Superaguadulce Semente selezionata (Fava).

Vigorous erect plants reaching 100cm (3ft +). Green pods which reach 25cm (10ins) long and contain 6 to 8 succulent beans. Sow either Feb to May or September to November to crop from May to July.
£2.49 for a 250g. box.

, £2.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Cardoon Gobbo Di Nizza (Cardo)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Cardoon Gobbo Di Nizza (Cardo).

'Hunchback of Nice'. This variety has almost spineless thick ribs which can be blanched by earthing up. Vigorous variety. Sow March to June to harvest August to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 125 seeds.

, £1.49


Carrot Pariser Market 4 (Carota)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Carrot Pariser Market 4 (Carota).

Small round sweet French carrots which will thrive in heavy soils where the long varieties fail. These make a welcome addition to salads when finely sliced or grated or when cooked are delicious. Sow from March to July to harvest from June to October.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 7200 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Cauliflower Romanesco Precoce (Cavolfiore)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Cauliflower Romanesco Precoce (Cavolfiore).

Variety from Rome with very attractive spiraling florets of green. Compact pointed heads. Sow from May to July, harvest in December and January.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 1800 seeds.

, £1.49


Celeriac Bianco del Vento (Sedano Rapa)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Celeriac Bianco del Vento (Sedano Rapa).

From the region of Venice, this variety produces a round, rough bulb with compact white celery flavoured flesh. Excellent roasted, mashed with pototoes or for Cappriciosa – grated celeriac, carrot and mayonaise. Sow February to June to harvest July to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 6000 seeds.

, £1.49


Chard Bionda di Lione 2 (Bietola da Coste)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Chard Bionda di Lione 2 (Bietola da Coste).

'Swiss Chard of Lyon'. Good strong growing variety of Swiss Chard with large white edible stalks, and light green leaves – two vegetables in one. Sow February to June and harvest May to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 500 seeds.

, £1.49


Chicory Rossa di Verona (Cicoria)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Chicory Rossa di Verona (Cicoria).

This variety is very frost hardy – in fact it needs frost to make it turn red. A less commonly grown vegetable but as those who have grown it know, it is well worth growing. Sow from May to September to harvest from September to February.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 6000 seeds.

, £1.49


Chicory Witloof di Bruxelles (Cicoria)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Chicory Witloof di Bruxelles (Cicoria).

Excellent variety from Belgium (Whiteleaf of Brussels) which produces plump leafy heads known as chicons when blanched. Excellent salad vegetable. Sow May to August to crop July to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 6000 seeds.

, £1.49


Climbing French Bean Borlotto Lamon (Fagiola Rampicante)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Climbing French Bean Borlotto Lamon (Fagiola Rampicante).

This French bean is a shelling bean and is THE bean for making the Venetian 'Pasta e Fagioli'. Borlotto beans freeze extremely well or can be dried and make a welcome addition to winter stews and soups. Sow April to July to crop from June to October.
£1.49 for a 50g. packet.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Climbing French Bean Centoflamme (Fagiola Rampicante)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Climbing French Bean Centoflamme (Fagiola Rampicante).

Climbing French bean which reaches 180cm (6ft). Produces masses of attractive mottled pods containing 6-7 white seeds streaked and spotted with dark red. Eat green pods when young then the dry seeds later. Sow April to July to crop June to November.
£2.49 for a 250g. box.

, £2.49


Climbing French Bean Neckargold (Fagiolo Rampicante)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Climbing French Bean Neckargold (Fagiolo Rampicante).

As its name implies this variety produces a good crop of straight sweet beans which are a beautiful golden colour. Sow from April to the end of July to crop June to October.
£1.49 for a 50g. packet.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Corn Salad/Lambs' Tongue D'Olanda a Seme Grosso (Vareriana)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Corn Salad/Lambs' Tongue D'Olanda a Seme Grosso (Vareriana).

Easy to grow very hardy salad crop which in mild years you will be able to crop for virtually the whole year. Sow March and April and July to October to crop May and June and September to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 2200 seeds.

, £1.49


Courgette Custard White (Zucchino)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Courgette Custard White (Zucchino).

A most unusual UFO shaped creamy white courgette which not only has a good meaty taste, but will add an interest to your meal as it is small enough to cook whole. Sow from February to June to harvest from June to October.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 54 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Courgette Romanesco (Zucchino)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Courgette Romanesco (Zucchino).

A superb flavoured variety from Rome. Do not forget that in Italy the flowers are eaten as well. Stuffed with cheese & spinach, dipped in batter and deep-fried in light olive oil – delicious! Sow from February to June to crop June to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 45 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Dwarf French Bean Boby Bianco (Fagiola Nano)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Dwarf French Bean Boby Bianco (Fagiola Nano).

An excellent stringless variety of French Bean which produces green beans up to 12cm (5ins) long with white seeds. Good as a hot vegetable or cold sliced and added to salads. Sow between March and July to crop from June to October.
£1.49 for a 60g. packet.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Dwarf French Bean Cannellino (Fagiolo Nana)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Dwarf French Bean Cannellino (Fagiolo Nana).

Vigorous, very productive plants reaching up to 60cm (2ft). Green pods reach about 12cm (5ins) and contain the famous, small, white kidney shaped beans which are excellent in salads. Eat green beans when young and harvest dry beans later. Sow April to July to harvest from June to November.
£2.49 for a 250g. box.

, £2.49


Dwarf French Bean Ferrari (Fagiolo Nana)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Dwarf French Bean Ferrari (Fagiolo Nana).

Very disease resistant variety which grows to about 60cm (2ft) producing straight, dark green, stringless pods about 7/8mm (Όinch) across. Very productive and early maturing. Plant May to July to crop June to November.
£2.49 for a 170g. box.

, £2.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Dwarf French Bean Purple King (Fagiola Nano)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Dwarf French Bean Purple King (Fagiola Nano).

A stringless variety of French Bean which produces sweet, tasty purple beans which turn green when cooked (magic beans to children!). Pods reach up to 15cm (9ins) in length. Sow from March to mid-July to crop between May and October.
£1.49 for a 60g. packet.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Endive Bionda a Cuore Pieno (Indivia Scarola)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Endive Bionda a Cuore Pieno (Indivia Scarola).

A full hearted variety which is excellent pan fried with garlic or as a crunchy salad. Sow from June to September to harvest September to December. Tie up before harvesting.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 4800 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Endive Pancalieri a Costa Bianca (Indivia Riccia)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Endive Pancalieri a Costa Bianca (Indivia Riccia).

'Endive Golden Heart'. Excellent variety with splaying head of crisp green leaves and golden centre if tied up ten days before harvesting. Excellent pan fried with garlic. Sow June to August to crop August to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 4800 seeds.

, £1.49


Fennel Mount Blanc (Finocchio Montebianco)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Fennel Mount Blanc (Finocchio Montebianco).

Produces large round bulbs on vigorous plants. Wonderful flavour. Sow from June to August to crop from September to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 1260 seeds.

, £1.49


Gherkin Piccolo Di Parigi (Cetriolino)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Gherkin Piccolo Di Parigi (Cetriolino).

'Gherkin of Paris'. This variety produces gherkins which are ideal for pickling in vinegar. Vigorous, producing masses of green gherkins. Sow from March to July to crop from June to October.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 150 seeds.

, £1.49


Leek Di Delft (Porro)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Leek Di Delft (Porro).

'Leek of Delft'. A short but thick variety from Holland with superb flavour. Sow from February to April to crop from July to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 1520 seeds.

, £1.49


Lettuce Parella Rossa/Rougette de Montpelier (Lattuga)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Lettuce Parella Rossa/Rougette de Montpelier (Lattuga).

A very hardy lettuce which is resistant to frost. Round open red heads. Sow February to April or September to October to harvest April to June or November to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 6400 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Lettuce Romana Bionda Degli Ortolani (Lattuga)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Lettuce Romana Bionda Degli Ortolani (Lattuga).

This is the classic Romaine lettuce used for Caesar salads. Sow February to May or July to September to harvest May to July or September to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 4800 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Lettuce Rossa di Trento (Lattuga)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Lettuce Rossa di Trento (Lattuga).

Tasty and attractive round green lettuce suffused with red from the alpine city of Trento in the north west of Italy. Sow from March to June and harvest June to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 5600 seeds.

, £1.49


Mixed Pumpkins and Squashes (Zucche)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Mixed Pumpkins and Squashes (Zucche).

Ten edible varieties – Marina di Chioggia, Tonda Padana, Lunga di Napoli, Berrettina Piacentina, Butternut Rugosa, Quintale seme Giallo, Tromba d'Albenga, Serpente di Sicilia, Custard White and Vegetable Spagehetti.. A wonderful mix of colourful and tasty pumkins and squashes. Sow from March to June to harvest July to November.
£2.49 for a 20g. box.

, £2.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Pak-Choy (Cavolo Cinese)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Pak-Choy (Cavolo Cinese).

A good strong growing variety of Chinese Cabbage which produces plants of uniform habit and good dimension. Edible raw or cooked, excellent for stir-frying, good white stems and intense dark green foliage. Sow March to June to harvest from May to September.
£1.49 per packet.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Parsley Gigante di Napoli (Prezzemolo)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Parsley Gigante di Napoli (Prezzemolo).

Neopolitan giant flat leafed parsley which has a superb flavour. Hardy variety which often can be used all year round. Sow from March to the end of September to harvest from June to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 6600 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Pepper Quadrato d'Asti Rosso (Peperone)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Pepper Quadrato d'Asti Rosso (Peperone).

The most highly prized sweet pepper in Italy which ripens to red. Comes from Piemonte. Sow indoors from February to May to harvest from July to October.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 260 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Polenta Maize (Mais)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Polenta Maize (Mais).

Produces corn cobs for grinding into delicious fresh polenta flour, used from Roman times especially in Northern Italy. Grow on well manured soild. Full instructions on making and using the flour on the box. Sow April to June to harvest August to September.
£2.49 for a 100g. box.

, £2.49


Pumpkin Tonda Padana (Zucca)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Pumpkin Tonda Padana (Zucca).

A variety from the north west of Italy known by gourmets for use in a delicious sweet ravioli. Sow March to June to harvest August to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 25 seeds.

, £1.49


Radish Rosso Gigante (Ravanello)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Radish Rosso Gigante (Ravanello).

Produces very large, uniform shaped, good red coloured radishes. Sow February to June and September to October to harvest from April to August then October and November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 1800 seeds.

, £1.49


Red Cabbage Cabeza Negra 3 (Cavolo cappuccino Rosso)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Red Cabbage Cabeza Negra 3 (Cavolo cappuccino Rosso).

A good solid red cabbage which is excellent either cooked or in salads. Sow indoors from May to July to crop from October till January.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 1500 seeds.

, £1.49


Red Onion Tropea Rossa Tonda (Cipolla)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Red Onion Tropea Rossa Tonda (Cipolla).

Red onions are mild and sweet so are good eaten raw in salads. They can also be used for cooking. This variety produces large, round, violet skinned onions. Sow July to September or March to May to harvest from May to September.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 840 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Rocket, Cultivated (Rucola)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Rocket, Cultivated (Rucola).

Easy to grow salad leaf which adds an exciting peppery flavour to salads and pizzas. Crops well over a long period. Sow from March to September to crop from May to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 6000 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Salad Leaves Mixed (Misticanza Quattro Stagioni)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Salad Leaves Mixed (Misticanza Quattro Stagioni).

A mix of fourteen lettuce and radicchio varieties in one pack. Just keep cropping a superb mixed salad for weeks on end! Sow from April to the end of September to crop from June to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 6000 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Spinach America (Spinacio)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Spinach America (Spinacio).

This variety is very slow to bolt. It was named after US/Italian immigrants. Deep green leaves with that unmistakable spinach flavour and punched with goodness. Sow in spring from February to May or from August to October to crop April to June or October to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 1300 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Sprouting Turnip-Top Novantina (Cima de Rapa)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Sprouting Turnip-Top Novantina (Cima de Rapa).

A less known crop which deserves to be more widely grown as it adds a new interesting dimension to your meals. This seed produces a slower growing plant which is packed with flavour. Must be harvested immediately it is ready. Sow from May to July to harvest from August to October.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 4800 seeds.

, £1.49


Squash Tromba D'Albenga (Zucchetta)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Squash Tromba D'Albenga (Zucchetta).

Interesting looking curved courgette with a bulbous end from near Milan, in the cool north of Italy. Good meaty flavour. Sow from mid March to August and crop from June till October.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 25 seeds.

, £1.49


Sugar pea Gigante Svizzero (Pisello Rampicante)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Sugar pea Gigante Svizzero (Pisello Rampicante).

Superb mange-tout pea which produces masses of sweet pods which are ideal for stir frying Vigorous plant growing to 5ft (150cm), very productive. Sow Feb to May or September to November to crop April to July.
£1.49 for a 60g. packet.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Sweet Corn Zuccherino (Mais)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Sweet Corn Zuccherino (Mais).

This variety produces sugary sweet kernels which simply need boiling and coating with butter to make a delicious snack. Sow from April to June to crop in August and September.
£1.49 for a 10g. packet.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Tomato Costoluto Fiorentino (Pomodoro)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Tomato Costoluto Fiorentino (Pomodoro).

Vigorous variety producing many egg-shaped tomatoes which are excellent for cooking, for making sauces and preserving. Sow February to May to crop July to December.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 375 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Tomato Pantano (Pomodoro)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Tomato Pantano (Pomodoro).

Large - up to 250 grams - tasty heirloom beefsteak variety. Really meaty, slightly scalloped variety with thick flesh and few seeds. Considered to be the best for tomato for cooking. Grow under glass. Sow February to May to crop from July to September.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 300 seeds.

, £1.49


Tomato Principe Borghese (Pomodoro)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Tomato Principe Borghese (Pomodoro).

Egg shaped/size vine tomato suitable for growing outdoors as a cordon. Good for salads and for drying. Sow from February to May to crop from July to September.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 600 seeds.

, £1.49


Tomato Rio Grande (Pomodoro)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Tomato Rio Grande (Pomodoro).

Medium to large old fashioned heavily ribbed Tuscan beef tomato from Florence. Very meaty and ideal for slicing. Succulent with a good fruity flavour. Sow February to May to harvest July to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 450 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


Tomato San Marzano 2 (Pomodoro)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Tomato San Marzano 2 (Pomodoro).

Outdoor plum tomato good for salads or for Passata. Grow as a cordon. Sow from February to May to harvest August to October
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 300 seeds.

, £1.49


Wild Rocket (Rucola Selvatica)Seeds of ItalyGo to Top of Page Wild Rocket (Rucola Selvatica).

Very intense flavoured variety, a must for a tasty salad. Serrated narrow dark green leaves. Sow March to May and August to September to crop from May to November.
£1.49 for a packet of approx. 6000 seeds.

, £1.49 OUT OF STOCK.


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