SAVONA PARMA FRIILI LECCE MONTEBIANCO ADORNO …The larger than normal stylish Franchi packets...

www.italianseedspronto.co.nz

Bringing old world flavourto the new world

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february-july 2018 catalogue

SEMENTI DAL 1783

SEMENTIDAL 1783

About our company

A story that begins in 1783 at Bergamo Northern Italy. The same year Mozart’s opera ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ opens at the Burgtheatre in Vienna, the American war of Independence ends and the Montgolfier brothers fly their hot air balloon over Paris.

Franchi are the oldest family-run seed company in the world and are much more than just seeds in a packet - they are a story of tradition, experience, quality, passion and excellence handed down over seven generations that continues today alongside state-of-the-art technological solutions.

90% of Franchi’s vegetable seeds are still commissioned not bought in, and many continue to be produced in their home regions. Some of our growers have been producing seeds for Franchi for generations. Each farmer is given Franchi stock seeds, is regularly visited, and must meet our rigid standards. We produce hundreds of tonnes of seed in this way - just for our customers, and Franchi have sole responsibility for maintaining 70 important national original seed varieties which would have otherwise been lost.All Franchi seed is tested for germination and purity and is uncondi-tionally guaranteed to meet or exceed the stated specifications. Franchi Sementi vegetables are predominantly open-pollinating original seed varieties that are grown above all for the eating quality. No seed is chemically treatedand GE free.


Mr Giampiero Franchi (7th generation seedsman)

While vegetable descriptions and growing information on the back of most Franchi packets is in Italian, a brief description and cultural information in English is also provided. The pictorial planting guide can be used by adding around 6 months to the month indicated by Roman numerals allowing for your local growing conditions. • RED Mediterranean climate• BLUE cool to cold climate

Follow the BLUEfor most of New Zealand

2

Gillian

2



Counting individual seeds at Franchi, Bergamo Circa 1920

Italian Seeds Pronto is a small seed business that was formed in 2008. We import and distribute the authentic heirloom vegetable and herb seed of Franchi Sementi dal 1783. Sementi (Italian word for seeds)

Franchi seed is very clean. Many seed companies buy from the lowest bidder, different countries and have no knowledge of who actually produced the seed. All Franchi seed is traceable.

We are also impressed Franchi is the only seed company invited to participate in the International Slow Food events in Torino.“An environmentalist who isn’t a gastonome is sad. A gastronome who isn’t an environmentalist is stupid”.Carlo Petrini founder of the slow food movement.

Franchi (pronounced Frankie) is a seed company formed only 14 years after Captain Cook and astronomer Charles Green observed the transit of Mercury at Te Whanganui-a-hei (Mercury Bay) on the Coromandel Peninsula. An astute sea Captain who ensured his crew had fresh vegetables daily to avoid the dreaded scurvy.

For 235 years, Franchi has been top of mind for discerning kitchen gardeners, and more recently chefs throughout the globe by offering their range of original seed varieties, some dating back to the 17th and 18th century, selected for superior taste.

Some people have asked will they grow here? The answer is yes and I would like to reinforce the importance of regionality. The vegetable varieties are more multi-faceted to imagine they would only grow well in Italy. The most telling interpreter of agricultural difference is the plant itself, integrating as it does the effects of climate, soil and geology into a composition of authentic flavour. Italy’s vegetables are about regionality just think about the different zucchini on offer from Veneto, Roma, Milano, or tomatoes from Firenze and Parma.

The larger than normal stylish Franchi packets contain a very generous quantity of seed. In most cases more than 3 times that of many seed companies globally. This high seed quantity is normal for Europe.Most are double-sealed for freshness and the 3-year use by date plus a very high germination rate ensures excellent value for money.

Know the origin of your seeds, grow your own and eat well.

Gillian Hurley Gordon

3

PomodoroTomato Red Cherry dbo106/111Also known in Italy as “pomodoro for the balcony”. Open pollinated red cherry with full flavoured sweet fruit. Dependable vigorous plants producing an abundance of fresh low acid good tasting tomatoes. Ideal for the balcony in pots if space is limited. 1.5g packet. Determinate

PomodoroTomato Costoluto Fiorentino dbo106/18

Will Italian varieties grow here in NZ ? YES, terroir is a very simple but powerful concept, whereby the climate, soil and plant interact to produce an expression of that interaction. Great examples of terroir expression can be found in cheese, coffee and wine.

All Franchi seeds are untreated and GE free

Peperone

Pepper Corno Rosso dbo97/7

Pepper Friggitello dbo97/101Famous Neapolitan crisp sweet eat-all pepper also known as Friariello. Most well-known of all Italian peppers. Sweet and good for frying. Turns brilliant red when mature but also good to pick green and use in salads. A very productive plant.1.5g packet.

Peperone

Peppers can be started off undercover with warmth and light beforetransplanting outside when the weather has warmed up. All peppersstart off green, some stay green, but most will mature to either redor yellow. Peppers can be successfully grown in pots. Some Italianpeppers can take longer to germinate, but the reward is a goodgermination rate and healthy plants not to mention great food too.salsa romesco - smoky roasted pepper salad - pizza with red, yellow & green

“Red Bulls Horn “and also known as Dulce Italiano is a very sweet meaty pepper of good size with thin skin and thick walls about 20cm long and tapering. Highly productive red pepper and grows well in NZ. Brilliant red when ripe and great for roasting, also ideal to stuff, fry or grill. 2.5g packet

PeperonePepper Lombardo dbo97/16A native of north Italy. This is long bright lime-green very sweet and versatile pepper. Lombardo matures early and is very productive. Peppers are 12-15cm long with a very thin skin. Can be eaten raw in salad, cooked, pickled or dried. 1.5g packet.

Italian tomatoes are known globally for flavour. The Franchitomato seed on offer are defined by variety and regional origins.Tomatoes need warm weather to thrive and are best grown as sixto seven week old transplants.panzanella tuscan bread salad - insalata caprese - soupe au pistou

Pomodoro

A large heavily-ribbed brilliant red beefsteak heirloom variety from Florence. A vigorous plant that is a good producer of meaty, juicy sweet fruits 150-180g with “true” tomato taste. Costoluto Fiorentino grows consistently well throughout NZ 75-80 days. 2g packet

Tomato S. Marzano sel “Redorta” dbos106/63 Selezione Speciale named for a mountain in the alps. A very large heirloom S. Marzano plum tomato with meaty fruits, few seeds and thin skin making it multi-purpose to eat fresh/sauce or dry. A vigorous plant and the flavour of “real tomato” 80days. 0.5g packet.

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Basilico

ZuccaBasil Italiano Classico dbo13/2Classic basil which has brilliant silky green leaves very aromatic; with sweetness and the distinctive flavour of basil. It thrives in warmer temperatures so be sure to give it the right growing

conditions. This is the basil for making pesto. Sow outside or transplant late spring. 8g packet.

All basils can be planted in pots and allowaround 70 days for picking

Peperone

Peperone

Pepper Topepo Rosso dbo97/91Red round flat sweet pepper that looks like a mini beef tomato. Very thick sweet tasting flesh which is ideal for stuffing. A compact and very productive plant. RHS AGM award winner. 1.5g packet.

MelanzanaEggplant Prosperosa dbos90/15Selezione Speciale Mid/early variety. The name of this round variety translates as ‘prosperous’ because it‘s a good Italian market variety for flavour consistency. It has shiny mauve skin and the fruits are medium sized with very few seeds inside. 3g packet.

Melanzana

Melanzana

MelanzanaEggplant Black beauty dbo90/21An heirloom variety since 1902. This is a mid-early extremely productive eggplant that is a bushy spreading plant. You will need to stake early to support these large teardrop-shaped purple black fruits. 4g packet

BasilicoBasil Bolloso Napoletano dbo13/8‘Blistered leaf from Naples’ Famous Neapolitan large leafed basil with intense anise aromatics and flavour. Has many uses. In Italy it is sometimes used for wrapping Mozzarella balls. Sow outside or transplant late spring into a sunny position. 8g packet.

Pepper Piccante Calabrese dbos97/115Selezione Speciale An early hot variety from Calabria. A cherry chilli pepper with round, red fruit about 5cm in diameter. Quite a hot pepper and previously called “satans kiss”. Use fresh, dry or pickle. 2.5g packet.

Eggplant Violetta Lunga dbo90/1 ‘The classic Italian eggplant’ Beautiful glossy deep purple hues. Long slightly curved rustic Italian eggplant grown throughout Italy. It is firmer and a little sweeter than other varieties. Use for

traditional dishes such as Melanzana alla Parmigiana or warm Moroccan salad with tomatoes and coriander. 4g packet.

Eggplant tonda bianca sfumata di rosa dbos90/43 Selezione Speciale Also called Romanesca, mid/early vigorous bushy plant producing very tasty rounded large white fruits with lilac shading. Firm white flesh with few seeds. Eggplants need sunlight to thrive. 3g packet

Melanzana (eggplant) One of the worlds most beautifulfruits. Eggplants need to be started off early in NZ as earlyas August to allow the extended growing time. Transplantin eight weeks into a sunny position. Provide staking tosupport the weight of the fruits. These are all high yieldingeggplants. You will know they are ready to harvest when infull colour and not lost any of its sheen. baba ghanoush-pickles-roasted eggplant salad with tomatoes and capers.

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LattugaLettuce Maravilla De Verano Canasta dbo79/72 A Spanish heirloom variety grown widely in Italy. Mid/ late, green with scarlet edging and good size head. Very high resistance to bolting. A crunchy flavoursome lettuce. Highly recommended. 6g packet.

LattugaLettuce Lingua di Canarino dbo78/19“Canary tongue” Similar to green oak leaf this lettuce has a dense dark green head of tender crisp sweet leaves. Very hardy suitable for year-round planting in New Zealand, and high resistance to bolting. Highly recommended. 8g packet.

Lattuga

Lattuga (Romana)Lettuce Degli Ortolani dbo84/4Romaine lettuce (Cos) with large tight head and dark green crunchy leaves packed into a cylindrial shape. Grow from seedlings or direct 20cm apart. Does best in winter and spring. Around 65 days to picking. 8g packet.

LattugaLettuce Misticanza Quattro Stagionidbo93/4 (Four Seasons) A mixture of 14 of Italy’s finest lettuces, radicchio, endive and chicory leaves. Adds colour, flavour and texture for great salads. Cut and come again salad

mixture so stagger the sowing for a continuous harvest.12g packet.

Lettuce Misticanza dbo93/114 lettuce including romaine, verona, rosso trento & 4 seasons. A mix of varieties for an evenly balanced salad mix. Direct sow seed about 20cm apart on a smooth well-prepared bed and cover with soil. Ready in around 35 days. Plant every few weeks for continuous harvest. 12g packet.

17th Century Gourmet Castelvetro Giacomo's summerMost of the salads we eat in summer are made from lettuce.The crisp, white, capucina is refreshing and at the same time

induces the sweet sleep that the heat disturbs and dispels.Castelvetro Giacomo The fruit, herbs and vegetables of Italy, Viking 1989

Basilico

Basilico

Basil Misticanza di Basilico glba13/15 A mixture of 12 different basil varieties with varying coloured leaves for flavour and aromatics including cinnamon, limone, thai siam, classico and red rubin. Ideal for growing in containers. 4g packet.

Basil Foglie di lattuga dbo13/3 Lettuce leaf basil has large bright blistered leaves, a mild aromatic sweet taste and does best in a warm sunny position in light fertile soil. Sow outside or transplant in late spring. 8g packet.

#genuineitalianheirloomvarieties

Misticanza (mixed salad leaf) large quantity of seed in all packets

CetriolinoCucumber Beth Alpha dbo38/16Lebanese-style cucumber, one of the earliest to produce and one of the best cucumbers available. Thin skin and productive over a long season. Cucumbers will only do well in warm weather so plant late spring. Transplant or direct sow. 6g packet.

Lattuga

LattugaLettuce Testa di Burro d’ Inverno dbo79/8An Italian winter butterhead lettuce. An early variety that is recommended for autumn/winter harvest. The head is slightly closed but not tightly wrapped and has soft melt-in-the mouth leaves. 10g packet.

LattugaLambs LettuceValeriana Verte De Cambrai dbo140/6Also known as lamb’s lettuce or mache. Large round rosette green leaves with a small head. A good spring/autumn leaf that will go to seed in hot temperatures. A mild taste with a hint of nuttiness Very good cold resistance. 5g packet.

LattugaLettuce La Resistente Sel. “Franchi”dbos79/18 Selezione Speciale A very resilient lettuce developed by Franchi that is slow to bolt. It has soft vivid green leaves. A hardy variety of buttercrunch lettuce with soft flavoursome leaves. 5g packet.

Lettuce Passion Brune dbo79/31Introduced in 1855, passion brune winter butterhead lettuce is avigorous plant that has a good firm head and crisp green blisteredleaves tinged in burgundy. Cold hardy lettuce that can be harvesteduntil late spring. 6g packet.

Lattuga

LattugaLettuce Romana bionda lentissima a montare dbo84/13 A wonderful upright romaine baby cos that is resistant to high temperatures making it slow to bolt. The lettuce has light green ribbed soft tasty leaves and most often used in a Caesar salad. 8g packet.

Lettuce Little Gem dbo79/35Little Gem is a compact,quick maturing baby cos lettuce witha firm, sweet heart. The sweet leaves are small enough to eatwhole. This lettuce has been popular in Italy for over 100 years.8g packet.

LattugaLettuce Parella Rossa dbo79/36Also known as Rougette Montpellier lettuce. This original French butterhead has a perfect rosette shaped head that is loosely formed with burgundy tips. Has good resistance to low temperatures. Best for spring or autumn planting. 10g packet.

LattugaLettuceRegina Delle Ghiacciole dbo86/8“Queen of the ice” (iceberg). An old favourite this has high resistance to bolting and ready to pick in around 70 days from planting. A terrific crisp heading lettuce full of moisture & sweetness. 10g packet.

LattugaLambs lettuce VaterianaD’Olanda A Seme Grosso dbo140/3A dutch variety that has a large pale green leaf. Great flavour and very good cold resistance. One of the best tasting greens. 5g packet.


#genuine Italian heirloom varieties

RucolaRocket Wild (Rucola)Selvatica dbos115/2Selezione Speciale The definitive wild rocket has deeply lobed vibrant green leaves sometimes tinged in burgundy The crunchy stalks have an intensely aromatic spicy fresh flavour. Great mixer in a salad or on its own. 3g packet.

RucolaWild Rocket (Rucola) Selvatica a Foglie D’Ulivo dbos115/4 Selezione Speciale. A superior olive-shaped leaf giving its name and characteristic look. Medium sized soft leaf with intense spicy flavour. This rucola selvatica (wild rocket) smells great and its peppery invigorating leaf can be mixed into any salads. Best grown in autumn and spring to avoid going to seed. 3g packet

Rucola

RavanelloRadish Dattero Rosso dbo112/38

Ravanello

RucolaRocket (Rucola)Coltivata sel. Ortolani dbos115/3Selezione Selezione Market grower selection. Very high quality. Early rustic plant with dark green lightly serrated leaves. Robust flavour. 15g packet.

RavanelloMixed Radish Ravanelli Colorati glbz112/39 From the Franchi Le Bizzarre range. A vibrant mixture of white yellow red and purple radishes. Tasty and crunchy. Easy to grow. Direct sow almost any time of the year avoiding the high summer temps. 15g packet.

Radish Gaudry 2 dbo112/3Small globe shaped peppery salad radish with an attractive red neck and white base. An early variety that is reliable and easy to grow. Slow to go woody. Direct sow most of the year. 15g packet.

Ravanello

Bright red mid-length cylindrical crisp-crunch radish. Best direct sown spring and autumn and avoid the mid summer temperatures to prevent from going to seed. Radish sprouts are another way of eating radishes in their sprout form. 12g packet.

Radish Ravanello Candela Di Fuoco dbo112/9 “Candle of Fire” radish. Has long tapering vivid red skinned roots with crisp spicy white flesh. Succulent and very quick maturing. Direct sow most anytime of the year avoiding the high heat of summer. 12g packet.

RucolaRocket Wild (Rucola) dbo115/5A stronger more intense spicy peppery flavour than cultivatedrocket. Very robust with deeply lobed leaves, harvest at any stagebut best when small. 3g packet.

Freshness of the seed: Seeds won’t commence ageing until hermetically double foiled sealed seed packet is opened. All Franchi seed is tested for germination and purity and is unconditionally guaranteed to meet or exceed the stated specifications.Goods damaged in transit: We will fully refund your seed cost plus freight on damaged goods. We will need to have the goods returned for our assessment.

The peppery greens

Rocket (Rucola) Coltivata dbo115/1A milder variety than wild rocket but with the same characteristic flavours of nut pepper and spice. The larger floppy leaves can be added to salad mix or cooked Scatter the seeds about 1-2cm apart and cover. It is at its best when its not too hot and the leaves are 10-15cm long in around 40 days. Can be grown in pots. 15g packet.

CicoriaRadicchio Variegata Di Castelfrancodbo40/5 This green chicory looks like a traditional head of lettuce but has deep syrah-tinted speckled bitter-sweet leaves. It is a cross between radicchio and a round-headed endive. Also called

flower radicchio and milder than the red varieties. Green chicories have the same growing season as winter lettuce. Sow 1cm deep from late summer. 11g packet.

Cicoria

Cicoria

Cicoria

Cicoria

Cicoria

MeloneMelone Giallo Da Inverno dbo91/43Yellow winter melon.Late vigorous plant with very productive round smooth yellow skin fruit; pale yellow sweet perfumed flesh. Similar to honey dew type of melon. Considered good storeage. Well worth the wait to mature. So delicious. 5g packet.

Melons need warm weather to be successful sodon’t plant in cool or very wet soils

The chicory family is big, bold and beautiful. It includes so many old regional varieties called after their hometowns. Some even have a protected status (PGT) so if you want to experiment with the rich spectrum of taste of true Italian cooking you need to grow them. They are never available in NZ supermarkets

Radicchio Palla Rossa Precoce dbo40/68 This radicchio-type chicory has dramatic colour contrast. An early variety that forms tight crunchy heads that hold for months. The heads are bright crisp and tender. A good winter variety but not frost hardy. 10g packet

Radicchio Rossa di Treviso dbo40/4Highly prized and flavoursome Rossa di Treviso, treasured in Italy where it is only grown near Treviso. Has a very pleasant bitterness,and upright red and white striped leaves. Needs cold temperature to turn red. Use hearts raw in salads or sprinkle olive oil and grill. Plant out

Radicchio Rossa Di Verona dbo40/13The red radicchio of the Veneto. Ball shaped radicchio with thick white ribs. This variety is very frost hardy and needs cool weather to improve the distinctive bittersweet flavour and bold colour. Very

tender and crunchy. This variety was bred from Rosso di Treviso in the 1950’s. Sow 1cm deep from late summer. Eat it raw in salads, cooked in risottos or grilled and splashed with fruity olive oil and balsamic. 12g packet.

Radicchio Rossa Di Treviso Tardiva dbos40/60 Selezione Speciale This is the latest of the red Treviso-type radicchios. It easily resists frosts and can be harvested quite late. Compact and tight with a long head and thin

RadicchioVariegata di Chioggia dbo40/23A mid-early variegated radicchio that is very easy to grow. Ball shaped with dark red leaves and white splashes. The colour will become more intense in the cooler weather. Will initially grow masses of loose leaves and then will head up. 11g packet.

meaty, curved leaves. Sow 1 cm in depth late summer for winter harvest. Risotto al Radicchio Rossa di Treviso. 4g packet.

late summer for winter harvest, has a high resistance to cold. 12g packet .

CicoriaMisticanza Di Radicchio dbo93/2Mid/early. A balanced mixture of 12 varieties of red radicchio and green leaf chicory for a crisp tasty salad mix. A cut and come again mixture so stagger the sowing for a continuous harvest. 12g packet.


Cicoria

Carciofo

Indivia ScarolaEndive Riccia Cuor D’ Oro dbo75/4This is a classic 'frisée' type of endive with a tight head, serrated tough leaves and a large golden heart once blanched. Sow 1 cm deep late summer for winter harvest. 12g packet.

Carota

Cavolo Broccolo

Cavolo VerzaSavoy Cabbage San Michele dbo33/15Savoy-type cabbage from the cooler region of Northen Italy. Green crinkly tender leaves with some red/purple colour in the centre. A spectacular looking plant. Needs cold to develop firm heads. 80-90days. 8g packet

Asparago

CarciofoArtichoke Violetto Precoce dbo21/2The most Roman of vegetables is the artichoke. Medium size delicately flavoured, fleshy buds with rich violet colouration. These are less iron flavoured and have more heart than the green variety. The edible hearts are delicious served the Roman way

Broccoli Ramosa Calabrese dbo25/23“Sprouting Broccoli from Calabria” is tender with a superior taste and produces plenty side shoots. Compact med sized head. Sow under cover and transplant from summer through to spring.

Allow 60-80 days to pick. Small florets will grow back after harvesting.The best broccoli ever! 7g packet.

Indivia ScarolaEndive Cornetto di Bordeaux dbo121/5 “Cone from Bordeaux” is a large upright escarole endive with white ribs and green leaves. Easy to grow. Best for winter if growing full sized heads. Plant direct at 1cm. Try in a winter salad with fennel, chicory, persimmons and apple. 12g packet.

simply boiled in water and vinegar then sprinkled with oil, parsley, mint and salt.Sow under cover spring/autumn. 3g packet.

Carrot Nantese di Chioggia dbo23/7A mid-early deep orange heartless Venetian carrot. Sweet taste and crisp texture. Plant directly 1cm deep into prepared friable soil, spring to early summer. Thin to 8-10cm and keep weed free. 10g packet.

Cicoria

Indivia Scarola

CicoriaChicory Bionda Foglie Larghe dbo40/25 Light green cutting chicory with a mild taste and is a perfect balance in a salad mix. A good winter lettuce. Cut at about 10cm and succession sow for continuous supply. 12g packet.

Chicory Witloof Di Bruxelles dbo40/8Produces yellow ‘chicons’ that are very popular in Belgium. witloof has a mild flavour and crunchy texture. Direct sow in spring. Cut back the foliage and gently lift the roots and keep in a dark place i.e. box of sand/soil ensuring the ‘chicons’ are

Cicoria

pointing upright then cover with soil. witloof ‘chicons’ will be ready in approx 10 weeks. 10g packet.

CicoriaChicory Catalogna Pugliese dbo40/9A very rare and tasty cicoria from Puglia. Upright rustic plant with long serrated leaves and white ribs. Direct sow or transplant in all but the winter months. This green vegetable is primarily grown for salad but can also be cooked. Try boiled in lightly salted water

Cicoria dbo40/46 A ‘punterelle’ variety of cicoria which is grown for its stems and buds. It is also sweeter and more delicate than other cicoria. The central stem is thicker than other punterelle. Very crunchy and tasty. Slice inner-core thinly and

Chicory Catalogna PuntarelleBrindisina

immerse in water until they curl up. Drizzle with garlic, lemon and anchovy dressing. 12g packet.

Endive Misticanza Di Indivie Escarole dbo93/3 A mid-early mixture of frilly endives and escarole. Use for salads when young and braised when mature. Can be planted most of the year. Cut and come again varieties. 12g packet.

Chicory Spadona dbo40/1“Sword “chicory is a rustic upright plant with long roundedleaves and thin stems. An excellent healthy salad green with anassertive chicory taste. Stir-fry with chilli and lemon. 12g packet.

served over broad bean puree and bread cubes fried in garlic olive oil. 12g packet.

Asparagus Argenteuil dbo5/1A French asparagus developed in the 18th century. It grew around a convent founded by Charlemagne in the 7th century. Aregenteuil is synonymous with white Asparagus. Produces large

2cm thick silver green/purple spears earlier in the spring than most varieties. Plant seed to produce crowns in the first year and then move to a more permanent position. First year leave second year cut half. Can adapt to a wide variety of free draining soils. Needs full to semi-sun. Will produce for 20 years 5g packet.

Artichoke Green Globe dbo21/9A conical shaped green heirloom variety. A reliable producer withlarge heads. Plant in open sunny position with well-drained soil.Pieces of artichokes can be added to pizza, risotto and frittatas.Plants should produce for at least three years. Sow under coverspring/autumn. 3g packet. ChicoryPan Di Zucchero dbo40/10

“Sugerloaf is an upright green heading chicory that forms a romaine-like head of leaves that are closely swirled around one another. Best to plant for winter harvesting although can work well in spring. 12g packet.

Indivia ScarolaEndive Bionda A Cuore Pieno dbo121/2 One of the best endives for eating in salads as it has a big blonde heart which makes the leaves more tender. Plan for autumn –winter harvesting. 12g packet.

Indivia Scarola

Cavolo BroccoloBroccoli Spigariello dbo25/26Friarielle one of the most sought after, iconic and renownedvegetables of Italy. Fast growing, high quality and depth of flavour.Used traditionally on Pizza in Naples with olives and chilli, or withsausage. When you pick the central flower, the plant begins to

produce side shoots known as spigariello that have a tiny florets. Many Italians grow this for its immature edible leaves not so much the floret. 4g packet.

Cavolfiore

Cavolfiore



Carrot Parisier dbo23/41CarotaSmall round sweet French carrot. Paris is built on clay and over many years this carrot has adapted. A clay carrot, which is easy to grow in containers. This variety is not prone to carrot root fly, as it only grows very shallow in the ground. 8g packet.

Cavolfiore

Sedano

Cavolfiore

Cavolo Laciniato

Cauliflower Verde Di Macerata dbo30/30A bright lime or apple green cauliflower with a compact head from Macerata a region known for producing exceptional cauliflowers. Will keep its colour when cooked. Good for a winter tabbouleh. 5g packet.

Celery (Wild) Groene Pascal dbo124/6An old celery from Perpignan in France. Wild celery is much more pungent in aroma and taste and quite a bit more fibrous. A tall plant with stalks that are thin and brilliant green with a texture that is both tender

and texture that is both tender and crunchy. Sow in early spring 5g packet.

Cauliflower Di Sicilia Violetto dbo30/29From Sicily. A great deep purple colour which turns green when cooked. A very tasty cauliflower with a medium size head. Plant in fertile soil in late summer for winter harvesting. 4g packet.

CarotaCarrot Chantenay dbo23/37An old French heirloom variety famous not for its good looks but itspronounced carroty flavour. Medium sized, stubby crunchy and brightorange. A good winter carrot, sweet and crisp. 10g packet.

Kale Cavolo Nero di Toscana dbo35/7Italian heirloom from Tuscany whose tongue shaped tender leaves are blue-green and heavily crimped. This blue tongue-shaped laciniato is the most aristocratic of all kales. The mild young leaves can be used in a salad mix and when cooked holds its shaped. Tuscan black kale is a

winter vegetable and requires a blast of cold to sweeten the leaves. Essential ingredient for Ribollita the peasant soup or try thick slices of chorizo and potatoes. 8g packet

CarotaCarrot Jaune Du Doubs dbo23/40Dates back to the 16th Century. This original saffron-yellow French carrot comes from the town of Doubs in central east France. A late variety and a good reliable producer. The long tapered roots have a crisp

texture and a lingering sweet flavour. Plant directly 1cm deep into prepared friable soil, spring to early summer. Thin to 8-10cm and keep weed free. 8g packet.

Cavolo VerzaCavolo Rapa Di Vienna Bianco Kohlrabi dbo32/1Kohlrabri is a spherical vegetable with leaf-topped stems that protrude fromthe base bulb that is eaten no larger than the size of a tennis ball. This earlykohlrabi has a distinctive flavour reminiscent of radish and celeriac makinga good foil for other flavourings. Grow it quickly for best flavour in autumnand spring. Delicious raw and also cooked. 5g packet.

Cavolo Rapa Purple Vienna Kohlrabi dbo32/1

Porro

CipollaOnion Barletta dbo42/1Small white salad onion with a smallish bulb about 2cm in diameter and slightly flat at maturity. Direct sow in spring after last frosts and keep well weeded. The thinnings can be used in salads. 4g packet.

Finocchio

Finocchio

Leek Porro Di Delft dbo107/12A late variety of leek with thick white stems. A very hardy winter-spring crop. Pick some when size of thumb allowing room forfatter leeks. A plant with excellent resistance to low temperatures.Much sweeter than onions when slow cooked.6g packet.

Fennel di Parma sel. Prado dbos62/8Selezione Speciale Small mid/late superior alpine fennel with excellent flavour and texture. Sliced finely and added to salad it gives a lovely aniseed-like flavour crunch. Italians believe raw fennel cleanses the palate and often serve it at the end of a meal

Fennel Montebianco dbo62/17Mid/late variety. ‘Mont Blanc’ alpine fennel. Large tight head whichis tasty and crisp. A vigorous plant that prefers light fertile soiland will run to seed in hot weather, Sow late summer for winter harvest

salad thickly sliced with a little lemon juice and olive oil. It is easy to grow and generally requires cool weather. Plant late summer for winter harvest. 8g packet.

Plant 1.5cm deep 15cm between plants. 8g packet.

Cima di rapaCime di Rapa40 day Quarantina dbo41/260 day Sessantina dbo41/4Broccoli type turnip tops sometimes called broccoli raab but is not sprouting broccoli. A bittersweet taste of turnip and mustard overtones

Cipolla

CipollaOnion Tropea Rosso Tonda dbo43/22The most famous of all Italian onions and possibly the highest-quality red onion in Italy. This Calabrian variety is very sweet and ideal for making onion paste and for stuffings.

Changes from white when young to red in maturity. It stores very well in a shady cool room. 5g packet.

that Italians love and chefs can’t get enough of. The little florets have a sweet flavour and a texture that is useful in cooking. Used to make the famous dish from Puglia. Orecchi-ette alle cime di rapa e peperoncino. A small plant 20-25cm high and should be harvested when it looks like the photo on the packet as it goes to seed quickly. Succession plant from late summer. Also good as a micro green. 15g packet

Onion rosso lunga di Firenze dbo42/23Long red torpedo shaped heirloom onion from Florence that it is so regional its not found in any other parts of Tuscany. Sweet flesh with high sugar content. Around 10 cm in length. Direct seed or transplant in spring and keep weed free. Superb grilled or eaten raw in salads. 5g packet.

CipollottoSpring Onion Cipollotto Da Mazzi dbos42/34 Selezione Speciale Bunching onions. Long slim sweet white stems. Sow this fast grower from July to December in succession for a longer cropping period. Trim tops to help thicken up. 5g packet.

CipollaOnion Piatta di Bergamo dbo43/1“Flat onion of Bergamo” A small flat cipolla-type reddish brown onion with white flesh. An excellent storage onion. Can be used for cooking and pickled. Grow from transplants or direct sow. #Italian heirloom. 2.5g packet.

Cauliflower Di Jesi dbo30/15‘Cauliflower from Jesi’ is a very old variety from the Le Marche region. It is an early vigorous plant with long ribbed leaves. The head is of medium size with creamy-white spiralling florets. An early variety for summer-autumn sowing. 4g packet

Cauliflower Romanesco dbo30/51“The cauliflower of Rome” Classic green cauliflower with small heads that spiral into a point. It has a sweet nut like taste. Plant in fertile soil in late summer for autumn–winter picking. 5g packet.

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Spinacio

Zucchino

ZucchinoZucchini nero di Milano dbo146/1The ‘black regional zucchini’ from Milan. Dense dark green. A very productive zucchini with open plant habit making it easy to harvest. Try sauteed with mint, basil and pine nuts. 10g packet.

Zucchini Striato D’Italia dbo146/2The classic striped Italian zucchini. Dark green with light green stripes and small ribbing, a productive bushy plant with med size fruits. Pick when the fruits are no more than 10cm to appreciate the full flavour either eaten raw or cooked. 10g packet.

ZucchinoZucchini Fiorentino dbo146/52A long green zucchini and quite deeply ribbed. Fiorentino is a large robust plant and a good producer of firm fleshy nutty flavoured fruits. Lots of flowers for stuffing, remember to pick when quite small to fully appreciate the trademark flavour of this variety. A New Zealand favourite. 10g packet

Brassica rapaTurnip Leaf Senza Testa dbo110/10 (Leaf rape without a head) Dark green upright leafy plant. A rootless turnip that is similar to mustard greens with large tender leaves and a pungent taste. Can be grown most of the year. Direct sow 1cm in depth in an open sunny position. Use as a side dish

Striato d’ Italia

Spinach Merlo Nero dbo127/20‘Blackbird’ small tender open pollinated brilliant green spinach which is a very hardy plant, slow to bolt. Ready for picking in around 50 days. Direct sow autumn and pick when young.Spinach and ricotta lasagna. A New Zealand favourite. 15g packet.

SpinacioSpinach Baby Leaf Ibrido F.1dbos127/47 Selezione Selezione Early intense green babyspinach with soft, smooth rounded leaves and a semi-erectgrowing habit. Raise as seedlings and plant autumn to spring.Perfect for adding to green leaf salad. 10g packet.

Freshness of the seed: Seeds won’t commence ageing until hermetically double foiled sealed seed packet is opened. All Franchi seed is tested for germination and purity and is unconditionally guaranteed to meet or exceed the stated specifications.Goods damaged in transit: We will fully refund your seed cost plus freight on damaged goods. We will need to have the goods returned for our assessment.

Spinacio

Cipolla

Cipolla

Cipolla

Zucca

Pumpkin Marina di Chioggia dbo145/2A rustic pumpkin from the seaside area of Chioggia near Venice. Abundant turban-shaped dark-green warty fruit and smooth sweet orange flesh. Excellent storeage. Good for roasting, soups and the most suitable pumpkin for ravioli and gnocchi. 4g packet.

Zucca

Pumpkin Tonda Padana dbo145/13From Padana in North West Italy. This pumpkin has alternating vertical grey/orange /green ribs. Very sweet dry orange flesh that can be used in pasta roasted or soups. Sow 2 cm deep when soil is warm. 5-6 seeds per hill and then thin to 2-3. 4g packet.

Onion Tropea Rossa Lunga dbo43/25 Red onions from Tropea in Southern Italy have been famous for centuries. These elongated bulbs with pink skin are great for eating raw and also for making onion jam. They will keep for a few months. Direct sow or transplant in spring. Thin to 10cm apart in rows. 5g packet.

Scorzonera

OnionRossa Savonese dbo42/26From Savona along the Ligurian coast. This mid-early red/pink translucent onion has a mild taste so its great to eat raw or make flavoursome pastes. 4g packet.

Salsify Scorzoneraverbeterde reuzen nietschieters dbo122/1Black salsify is similar in taste to a subtle flavoured artichoke with a hint of asparagus. Use young leaves in salads. A winter vegetable that grows with very long tapering roots at 25cm. Direct sow late summer 2cm deep for winter harvesting. Try steamed and finished in brown butter and breadcrumbs. 5g packet.

ScorzoneraSalsify (Scorzobianca)A Fiore Blu dbo123/2White salsify with “blue flowers” have long white tapered roots to around 30cm. This white salsify, has a good taste and texture. The attractive blue flowers and the young leaves can be eaten raw in salads 120 days. 5g packet

Spinach Matador dbo127/13Highly recommended by our Franchi colleagues in the USA dark green hardy plant with large slightly blistered oval shaped leaves. A high yield variety. Excellent taste and ideal for salad leaf mixtures. 15g packet.

OnionRamata Di Milano dbo43/3A large golden straw-brown onion from Milan. Top-shaped tapering onion with crisp white flesh. Stores very well. 4g packet.

RaperonzoloRampiondbos 111/1Rampion or ramps. The edible roots have great flavour and the tops can be used as a green. The flavour has more sweetness than a radish with a soft pungency. Rampion can be used cooked or raw. Roots will grow to around 20cm. 0.5g packet.


#genuineitalianheirloomvarieties #italiansdoitbetter

Timo

Rabarbaro

Santoreggia

dba132/2 A staple in Mediterranean cooking. Intensely aromatic and so much sweeter than English Thyme. Plant in spring in an area that gets full sun. Preserve by drying or freezing. Perfect for container planting. 0.5g packet.

Summer Savory Santoreggia dba120/1An annual herb that grows to around 30-60cm in height. It has slender bronze-green leaves. Its delicate aromatics are similar to Thyme albeit with a slight peppery edge. Sow late winter to spring 1.5cm deep.2g packet.

Rhubarb Rabarbaro dbo109/1A perennial plant that should start to harvest the year after initial sowing. Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. In Europe they sometimes force the rhubarb by depriving it of light and thus producing a more delicate flavour. Try a splash of rose water when cooking your rhubarb

for tart or pie fillings. 1g packet.

French Thyme Timo Di Provenza

PrezzemoloParsley Gigante di Napoli dbo108/2‘Naples Giant’ this classic variety is flat-leafed and so much sweeter, richer and more refined in flavour than the curly type. It is a tall aromatic plant suited for pots or the garden. Sow 1.5cm deep or direct in spring to autumn for continuous supply. 15g packet.

Menta PiperitaPeppermint dba92/1There are many types of mint but this is the one most used in Italy. This hardy perennial is easy to grow from seed. The flavour is quite intense. Try making a homemade peppermint syrup that is very popular in the north of Italy. Direct sow in spring. Best suited for pots as it spreads

Rosmarino

Salvia officinalis

quickly in the soil. 0.5g packet.

Iperico

Dragoncello-(Estragon)Tarragon Dragoncello dba52/1An intense flavoured tarragon that is very useful in many culinary dishes for its pronounced aniseed flavour. This tarragon has a slender soft leaf as apposed to the large Russian leaf variety. Start seeds under cover and plant out in sunny position early spring. Plant will grow around one metre in height. 0.3g packet.

St Johns Wort Erba S Giovanni dba75/50 A perennial plant with extensive creeping rhizomes. Stems are erect, leaves yellow-green the flowers with 5 petals are bright yellow. Sow almost year round with the exception of high summer temps. Plant in sunny

position with a light cover of soil. and gently water in. Used for medicinal purposes.0.5g packet.

Rosmarino dba116/1The classic perennial herb, one of Italy’s oldest-most used herbs. Toss wholebranches into marinades for pork, lamb or venison. Grows well from seed butcan be slow to germinate (2-3 weeks) and requires warm soil. 0.15g packet.

AcetosaSorrel (Acetosa) dba 1/1Large soft green leaves that can be used as additional leaf to a salad mix or because sorrel’s lemony tartness is so pronounced it adds interest to foods like fish, eggs, potatoes. Best to direct sow in early spring. 3g packet

Sage dba 119/1A robust Italian flavoured herb with beautiful blue-purple flowers. Sow inspring in a sunny position. Will tolerate frost and drought. Sage leaves crispedin melted butter or olive oil make a perfect sauce for gnocchi. 2g packet.

Erba Cipollina

Basilico

www.italianseedspronto.co.nzCerfoglio

CapperoCapers dba20/2 Capers require a dry heat and intense sunlight to thrive. Put the seed in foil packet in cool part of fridge for 4 weeks prior to germination. Please see website for more details. Patience required. Caper plants are very attractive and highly aromatic.

They may have flowers in the first year but you may also need to wait for two years. They are ideal for pickling for later use in antipasto or added to pasta dishes. 1g packet.

Chervil Cerfoglio Comune dba36/1Chervil has a subtle aniseed flavour reminiscent of tarragon. A hardy biennial plant but best grown as an annual. Direct sow 1cm deep in late spring-summer. Keep out of direct sun. If the leaves turn pinkish the plant is too hot and all the flavour is lost.

Will self-seed. Chervil is at its best when matched with delicate foods such as fish, soft fresh cheeses or Asparagus. 8g packet.

Basilico

Chives Erba Cipollina dba53/1Early well-known annual. Chives have their own delicate onion flavour which is why it doesn’t survive lengthy cooking. Easy to grow in full sun and rich moist soil. Keep clipped to stimulate growth. The edible chive flowers can be used in salads. Bees are also drawn to their blue flowers. 2g packet.

BasilicoBasil Bolloso Napoletano dbo13/8‘Blistered leaf from Naples’ Famous Neapolitan large leafed basil with intense anise aromatics and flavour. Has many uses. In Italy it is sometimes used for wrapping Mozzarella balls. Sow outside or transplant late spring into a sunny position. 8g packet.

Basil Misticanza di Basilico glba13/15 A mixture of 12 different basil varieties with varying coloured leaves for flavour and aromatics including cinnamon, limone, thai siam, classico and red rubin. Ideal for growing in containers. 4g packet.

Basil Foglie di lattuga dbo13/3 Lettuce leaf basil has large bright blistered leaves, a mild aromatic sweet taste and does best in a warm sunny position in light fertile soil. Sow outside or transplant in late spring. 8g packet.

CamomillaCamomilla (Chamomile) dba18/1Franchi German Chamomile has very fragrant yellow & white daisy-like flowers. A hardy annual that is easy to grow. Scatter the seeds, press down but don’t cover, they need light to germinate in early spring. Try the flowers in a bath. 1.2g packet.

MaggioranaMarjoram gentile dba88/1 Sweet Marjoram has robust aromatics, although less aggressive than Oregano and grows to 80cm as a perennial in warmers areas. Plant under cover in early spring or direct in warm weather. At its peak just before it flowers. 1g packet.

OriganoOregano dba94/1No Neapolitan cooking is complete without the use of oregano whether fresh of dried. It is a staple in Italian cuisine. Retains its flavour in hot dishes if it’s added toward the end of cooking. A robust plant with large leaves and a robust flavour to match. Very easy to grow. Pick the leaves

in the morning, once the sun warms up the leaves they begin to lose the oils that provide taste and aroma. 0.5g packet.

Basilico

ZuccaBasil Italiano Classico dbo13/2Classic basil which has brilliant silky green leaves very aromatic; with sweetness and the distinctive flavour of basil. It thrives in warmer temperatures so be sure to give it the right growing

conditions. This is the basil for making pesto. Sow outside or transplant late spring. 8g packet.

10#italiansdoitbetter

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Licorice SOAP 2

Lemon SOAP 3

Blood Orange SOAP 4

Cinnomon SOAP 5

Tomato SOAP 7

Fennel SOAP 8

Cucumber SOAP 9

Carrot SOAP 10

Pepper SOAP 11

Cotton SOAP 12

Gardenia SOAP 13

Green Apple SOAP 14

Passion Flower SOAP 15

Violet SOAP 16

Green Paradise offer a range of high quality artisanvegetable soaps handmade in Milano, Italy.These fragrant soaps are made from the finest vegetablebased ingredients. They have a silky texture,softly scentedand free from colorants. The stylish outer is made fromeco-friendly paper and can be used to lightly scent your drawer.

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Why buy Franchi Sementihere in New Zealand?Traceable- do you know where your seed actually comes from? Most people don’t. Many seeds companies buy from the lowest bidder out of Holland, China or the U.S. They still will be called Italian heirloom.Franchi is the oldest family-run seed company in the world. Founded in 1783 when Giovanni Franchi started selling seed from his horse-drawn cart around the markets of Parma. In 2017 it is still in the same family with Giampiero Franchi at the helm.Genuine Italian heirloom varieties, some of the same families have been supplying Franchi with original (heirloom) seed varieties for 100’s of years; seed saved and passed down from generation to generation.Flavour!Regional varieties. Italian food is regional because their produce is regional. Each region will have its own recipe for cooking its particular variety.Franchi is untreated and GE Free which is why you won’t find beans peas coriander to name a few in our New Zealand range; these varieties require chemical treatment by MPI prior to entering New Zealand.Remember to grow first and foremost for flavour. Not how big the produce will grow or how awesome the plant looks. Flavour is the main reason to grow your own produce. Franchi produce has flavour.High germination rate.Generous seed count. More than 3 times most NZ seed suppliers making them good value for home or commercialgrowers ….so share.Will they grow here in New Zealand? YES. Terroir is a very simple but powerful concept, whereby the climate, soil and plant interact to produce an expression of that interaction.Great examples of terroir can be found in cheese, coffee and wine

Franchi test gardens June 2017

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Pay by fax: Complete the order form, and fax to 06-758 4190 (Phone prior to faxing)Alternatively post, your order form with your cheque to:-Italian Seeds ProntoP.O.Box 8137New Plymouth 4340

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SAVONA PARMA FRIILI LECCE MONTEBIANCO ADORNO …The larger than normal stylish Franchi packets...

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