MI LAN O

EMILIA-ROMAGNA
CHIOGGIA

BRINDISI
VENETO

SARDEGNA TREVISO
FRIILI PANCALIERI

PUGLIA

LIGURIA

NAPOLI

VERONA

SAVONA

LECCE

EMILIA-ROMAGNA

CHIOGGIA

TREVISO
BRINDISI

ABRUZZO

EMILIA-ROMAGNA

PARMA

SARNO

FAENZA

ADORNO
MONTEBIANCO

Regional Heirloom

CASTELFRANCO

MACERATA
TRENTO
CALABRIA

SARZANA

CUNEO

SARDEGNA

M A N T O VA

ALBENGA LUSIA

CAMPANIA

JESIFIRENZE

PIEMONTE

BOLOGNA

PADANA

TRIESTE

FRANCHI SEMENTI DAL 1783

ROMA GENOVA BERGAMO
BARI ALTO ADIGE LOMBARDIA
TROPEA
PIACENZA
TORINO
TOSCANA
ASTI

I ta l i a n Seed s
pronto

B r i n g i n g o l d w o r l d f l av o u r
to the new world

autumn/winter 2016 catalogue

www.italia ns e e d s p r o nt o . c o . nz
Italian Seeds Pronto

Italianseedsnz

Bringing old world flavour

to the new world

I ta l i a n Seed s
pronto

B r i n g i n g o l d w o r l d f l av o u r
to the new world
Italian Seeds Pronto is a seed business that was formed in 2008. We
import and distribute the authentic heirloom vegetable and herb seed
of Franchi Sementi dal 1783 .
Despite robust MPI testing requirements we are very much committed
to the Franchi brand and to date not encountered any negative results.
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.
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 233 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. Italys vegetables are about
regionality just think about the different zucchini on offer from Veneto,
Genoa, Milano, Piacenza or tomatoes from Firenze, Napoli, Parma or
Liguria.
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.
During the past six years we have experimented with our seed range.
Some have been supported by our customers. Some have not. Many we
will revisit.
Know the origin of your seeds, grow your own and eat well.

SEMENTI
DAL 1783
About our company
A story that begins in 1783 at Bergamo Northern Italy. The same year
Mozarts 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 Franchis 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 unconditionally 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 treated
and GE free.
While vegetable descriptions
and growing information on
the back of most Franchi
packets is in Italian, a brief
description
and
cultural
Wild Rocket (Arugula)
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
www.italianseedspronto.co.nz
conditions.
RED Mediterranean climate
BLUE cool to cold climate
Follow the BLUE
for most of New Zealand
Bringing old world flavour
to the new world

dbo115/5 A stronger more intense spicy

peppery flavour, very robust with deeply
lobed leaves, harvest at any stage but best
when small. Can be slow growing. If you
leave some plants in the ground the seed
will be scattered and come back year after
year. Good to use in pasta dishes as well as
salads. 3g packet.

Rucola
Diplptaxis Tenuifolia L.

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 BLUE for most of New Zealand
Italian Seeds Pronto t/f: 06 758 4190

tellmemore@italianseedspronto.co.nz

Gillian
Gillian Hurley Gordon

Counting individual seeds at Franchi, Bergamo Circa 1920

Italian Seeds Pronto

Italianseedsnz

Mr Giampiero Franchi (7th generation seedsman)

Italian tomatoes are known globally for flavour. Many of the Franchi
varieties have been grown by the same family in their home region for
generations from original seed. Each Italian tomato has its own reason for
being. Making passata, baking, roasting, drying, sauces and for slicing.
Will they grow here in NZ? 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. The Franchi tomato seed on offer are defined by
variety and regional origins so select a variety best suited to your usage
and province in New Zealand. Tomatoes need warm weather to thrive
and are best grown as six to seven week old transplants.

P o mo d o r o

Tomato Red Pear Sel.Franchi dbos106/107

Selezione Speciale Old north Italian variety specifically selected by

Franchi. Its shape is of a lightly scalloped fat pear. Very meaty, few seeds
and although juicy not a wet tomato. Its ideal for stuffing because of its
robustness and shape and also good for salads. A big plant and an
outstanding producer of large fruits. 1g packet. Inderminate

#genuine Italian heirloom varieties

Po mo d or o

Tomato Costoluto Fiorentino dbo106/18

A large Tuscan ribbed beefsteak variety from Florence. Slightly

flattened fruit, large vigorous plant that is a good producer.This
variety will grow well in any part of NZ. Great old fashioned
flavour. Slice off the top, add some olive oil and bake, the flesh will
develop into a delicious sauce.2g packet. Indeterminate

Po mo d or o

Tomato Costoluto Di Parma

dbo106/121

A medium squashed ribbed tomato from Parma in the

region of Emilia-Romagna. A vigorous plant producing meaty fruits with
few seeds and old-fashioned flavour. This particular variety has been
around for a long time and highly respected in this food producing region.
2g packet. Indeterminate

Po mo d or o

Tomato Cuor di Bue of Liguria dbo106/24

Heart of the cow (ox heart) Crimson meaty round, ridged with low acidity;
this is a superior beefy tomato with the bottom shaped like a heart
incredibly sweet and at its best when not too ripe. A vigorous growing plant
that is productive and early. Will grow well in most provinces of NZ. This is
the tomato all Italian grandfathers grew. Good for eating raw. 2g packet.
Indeterminate.

Pomo d or o

Tomato Pantano Romanesco dbo106/64

A rare vivid-red Roman tomato grown in the former marshes of Rome. A

tall beefsteak variety with few seeds and tasty thick flesh. Highly productive
and vigorous plant of fruit up to 250g, pick when shoulder is tinged with
green. Grows well in all provinces of NZ.Good for raw salads or a speedy
sauce. 2g packet. Indeterminate

Po mo d or o

Tomato Principe Borghese dbo106/50

Freshness of the seed: Seeds wont 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.

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

L at t u g a

Lettuce Misticanza dbo93/1

14 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.

L at t u g a

Lettuce Misticanza Quattro Stagioni

dbo93/4 (Four Seasons) A mixture of 14 of Italys 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.

Mid to-late smallish egg shaped heirloom vine tomato with few seeds. A
prolific producer of big sprays set in clusters of 7 to 10 fruits that hold
on well to the vine. Good for fresh eating, drying or roasting. A NZ
favourite that grows just about anywhere. 1.5g packet. Indeterminate

L at t u g a

Po mo d or o

leaves chosen for flavour, balance and suitability spring-summer.

Quick and easy to grow. Cut-and-come again varieties.12g packet.

DUE SOON

T o ma t o R ed C h erry dbo106/111

Open pollinated red cherry Pomodorini with full flavoured fruit.

Dependable vigorous plants producing an abundance of fresh low acid
good tasting tomatoes. Ideal for pots if space is limited. 1.5g packet.
Determinate
San Marzano are thick fleshed and dry rather than juicy. The
lack of juice makes them suitable for sauces as they dont
require cooking down

Po mo d or o

DUE SOON

Tomato San Marzano 2 dbo106/16

From Naples, San Marzano has low acid and less seeds making this
famous oblong (roma) a great tasting paste tomato. San Marzano have
thin skins less water and high in pulp. Ideal for cooking sauces, and
traditionally used to make Passata. 1.5g packet. Indeterminate

Pomo d or o

Tomato Astro Ibrido F.1 dbos106/113

Selezione Speciale Bush plum variety sometimes called small nano or
dwarf San Marzano. This hybrid is resistant to rot and also verticillium
and fusarium. An excellent producer of small oblong tomatoes. Ideal for
cooking. 0.2g packet. Determinate

Lettuce
Misticanza Di Lattughe PrimaveraEstate dbo93/16 An early spring mixture of lettuce

C ic o r ia

Misticanza Di Radicchio dbo93/2

Mid/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.

L at t u g a

Lettuce Misticanza
Di lattughe Autunno-Inverno bo93/15

Mid early mixture of lettuces chosen for their suitability for

autumnwinter growing. Perfect balance and flavour,
cut-and-come again varieties. Quick and easy to grow. 12g packet.

L at t u g a (R o ma n a )

Lettuce Degli Ortolani dbo84/4

Romaine 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.

w w w. i t a l i a n s e e d s p r o n t o . c o . n z

L attu ga

C e t r io l in o

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, and high resistance to bolting.
Highly recommended. 8g packet.

Lebanese-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.

Lettuce Lingua di Canario dbo78/19

Cucumber Beth Alpha dbo38/16

Lattu ga

C e t r io l in o

dbo79/72 A Spanish heirloom variety grown widely in Italy. Mid/ late,

Small green French cucumber or pickling gherkin sometimes called

by its French name cornichon Can grow up to 10cm. Has a long
productive season. Use as a fresh cucumber or pickle. 7g packet.

Lettuce Maravilla De Verano Canasta

green with scarlet edging and good size head. Very high resistance to bolting.
A crunchy flavoursome lettuce. Highly recommended. 6g packet.

Lattu ga

Lettuce
Regina 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.

Lattu ga

Cucumber Piccolo di Parigi dbo38/2

C et r io l in o

Cucumber Marketmore dbo37/29

An English-style cucumber with few spines and of mid-length.

mid/early, this is a very reliable variety and good eating. 7g packet.

R ava n el l o

Lettuce Parella Rossa dbo79/36

Radish Dattero Rosso dbo112/38

L attu ga

R ava n el l o

Also 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.

Lettuce 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.

L attu ga

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.

R ava n el l o

Mixed Radish Ravanelli Colorati

Lettuce Romana da delle lune dbo84/8

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.

L attu ga

Rava n e l l o

Romaine of the 7 moons A rustic (Cos) lettuce with red spots.

The leaves are very large but tender. Has wonderful depth of
flavour. Good resistance to cold & prefers full sun & fertile soils.
6g packet.

Lettuce Passion Brune dbo79/31

Radish Gaudry 2 dbo112/3

Lattu ga

Rava n e l l o

Introduced in 1855, passion brune winter butterhead lettuce is a

vigorous plant that has a good firm head and crisp green blistered
leaves tinged in burgundy. Cold hardy lettuce that can be harvested
until late spring. 6g packet.

Small 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.

Lettuce Rossa di Trento dbo86/33

Radish Zlata dbos112/36

Lattu ga

R ava n el l o

Regional red lettuce from the alpine area of NW Italy. Early to

mature with a great taste and a loose head of red tipped very
crisp green leaves. Can be transplanted, or sown direct in warm
weather. 9g packet.

Lettuce
Valeriana Verte De Cambrai dbo140/6

Also known as lambs 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.

L attu ga

Lettuce La Resistente Sel. Franchi

Selezione Speciale This(Polish) radish has deep yellow golden

skin with white flesh. Mild taste. It doesnt like very cold temperatures, so avoid mid winter planting. Direct sow spring to autumn.
10g packet.

Radish Tondo Bianco dbo112/2

Pure white early variety. Uniform round bulbs with good

resistency from going woody. Flavour is quite spicy. Sow
year-round. 15g packet.

Rucola

Rocket (Arugula) Coltivata dbo115/1

dbos79/18 Selezione Speciale A very resilient lettuce

Peppery, milder and meatier than wild rocket. 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.

Lattu ga

Ru c o la

An 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.

Selezione Selezione Market grower selection. Very high

quality. Early rustic plant with dark green lightly serrated leaves.
Robust flavour. 15g packet.

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 Testa di Burro d Inverno dbo79/8

L attu ga

Lettuce Little Gem dbo79/35

Little Gem is a compact,quick maturing baby cos lettuce with

a firm, sweet heart. The subtly sweet leaves are small enough to
eat whole. This lettuce has been popular in Italy for over 100 years.
8g packet.

Rocket (Arugula)
Coltivata sel. Ortolani dbos115/3

Rucola

Rocket Wild (Arugula) dbo115/5

A stronger more intense spicy peppery flavour than cultivated

rocket. Very robust with deeply lobed leaves, harvest at any stage
but best when small. 3g packet.

w w w. i t a l i a n s e e d s p r o n t o . c o . n z

#genuine Italian heirloom varieties

Rucol a

Rocket Wild (Arugula)

Selvatica dbos115/2

Selezione 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.

Ruco l a

Wild Rocket (Arugula) Selvatica a

Foglie DUlivo 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(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

Melons need warm weather to be successful so

dont plant in cool or very wet soils

Melo n e

Melone Retato Ortolani dbo91/3

Distinctive heavily netted melon. An almost globe shape fruit with thick
orange flesh. The classic melon to serve with Parma ham. Start off
indoors for 3-4 weeks before transplanting into warm soil. 5g packet.

Melo n e

Melone Giallo Da Inverno dbo91/43

Yellow 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.

Melo n e

Watermelon Anguria Sugar Baby

dbo3/10 Dark green watermelon with lush red flesh. Sugar

baby is an early maturing sweet melon that will need full sun and
fertile soil. Can be started in pots. 6g packet.

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
If you find your Chicories too bitter, soak in cold salted water for 30 minutes.

C ic o r ia

Radicchio Variegata di Lusia dbo40/80

Mid/late large variety with ample leaves. Green with red specks.
Tasty and crunchy. This variety has good resistance to frosts. Sow
1 cm in depth late summer/autumn for winter harvesting. Try it
grilled with melted Taleggio cheese. 11g packet.

C ic o r ia

Radicchio Variegata Di Castelfranco

dbo40/5 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.

C ic o r ia

Radicchio Esposizione Di Castelfranco dbos40/20 Selezione Speciale A very high

quality Venetian variety with a round crunchy closed head. Very
hardy.Green chicories have the same growing season as winter
lettuce. Sow 1cm deep from late summer. 4g packet.

C ic o r ia

Cicoria Catalogna Puntarelle

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

C ic o r ia

Cicoria Spadona dbo40/1

Sword chicory is a rustic upright plant with long rounded

leaves and thin stems. An excellent healthy salad green with an
assertive chicory taste. 12g packet.

C ic o r ia

Cicoria Pan Di Zucchero dbo40/10

Cicor i a

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
meaty, curved leaves. Sow 1 cm in depth late summer for winter harvest.
Delicious sauteed then can be added to a pasta dish. 4g packet.

Cico r i a

Radicchio Rossa di Treviso dbo40/4

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

Cico r i a

Radicchio
Variegata di Chioggia dbo40/23

A 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.

Cicor i a

Radicchio Rossa Di Verona dbo40/13

The 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 1950s. 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.

Cico r i a

Chicory/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. Try grilled
radicchio risotto with balsamic vinegar. 10g packet

Sugarloaf is an upright, green heading chicory with a long tight

head similar to a Cos lettuce. Sugarloaf chicory is not as bitter as
other chicories. Use in salads or cooking 12g packet.

C ic o r ia

Chicory Catalogna Pugliese dbo40/9

A 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 juicy vegetable is primarily grown for
salad but can also be cooked. Try boiled in lightly salted water
served over broad bean puree and bread cubes fried in garlic olive oil. 12g packet.

C ic o r ia

Chicory 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.

C ic o r ia

Chicory Witloof Di Bruxelles dbo40/8

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

I n d iv ia S c a r o la
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.

w w w. i t a l i a n s e e d s p r o n t o . c o . n z

Indiv i a S c a r ol a

Endive 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.

I ndiv i a S c a r ol a

Endive Riccia Cuor D Oro dbo75/4

This is a classic 'frise' 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.

I ndiv i a R i c c i a

Endive Riccia Pancalieri A Costa Bianca

dbo75/1 Pancalieri is near Turin. This is the classic frisee type of

endive (or curly endive) with serrated, tough leaves; that is green on
the outside and pale green to white at the heart. An early, vigorous
plant. Tie up a week for before harvesting to blanch. It is best braised as a side
vegetable dish. Sow in late summer for winter harvesting. 12g packet.

Indiv i a

Endive Riccia Romanesca Da Taglio

dbo75/10 A Roman cutting endive with thin, serrated upright dark

green leaves that grow in a small bunch. This is a very easy variety to
grow and has a long sowing season. Best in spring and autumn but
can be grown year-round in the cooler provinces. Commonly used in salads but do try
in a soup made with tomatoes pancetta and celery. A great tasting salad leaf. 12g packet.

A spar a go

DUE SOON

Asparagus Argenteuil thdbo5/1

A French asparagus developed in the 18 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.

Carc i of o

Artichoke Violetto Precoce dbo21/2

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

Carci of o

Artichoke Green Globe dbo21/9

A conical shaped green heirloom variety. A reliable producer with

large 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 cover
spring/autumn. 3g packet.

Mela n z a n a

Eggplant tonda bianca sfumata di

rosa dbos90/43 Selezione Speciale Mid/early vigorous

bushy plant producing very tasty rounded large white fruits with
lilac shading. Firm white flesh with few seeds. Direct sow 1 cm
deep when soil is warm or grow from 8-week seedlings. Space to 40-50cm and
provide support. Eggplants need sunlight to thrive. 3g packet.

Mela n z a n a

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. Good reliable producer in around 70 days.
Grow from 8 week old seedlings or direct sow when soil is warm, space 40 to
50 cm apart and provide support. 4g packet.

Mela n z a n a

Eggplant Prosperosa dbos90/15

Selezione Speciale Mid/early variety. The name of this round

variety translates as prosperous because it is a good variety for
markets. It has shiny mauve skin and the fruits are medium
sized with very few seeds inside. 3g packet.

Bieto l a Da Or t o

Beetroot Egitto Migliorata dbo11/2

This ancient beetroot dates back to around 1850. Medium size

with flat purplish-red roots. Intense sweet taste as opposed to the
more savoury varieties. The tops can be used in your green salad
mix. Sow direct in rows 10cm apart spring - late summer. 9g packet.

B iet o la Da O r t o

Beetroot Bietola Da Orto

Tonda Di Chioggia dbo11/13 A traditional Italian

beetroot that has reddish skin with candy striped ringed flesh.
Incredibly sweet tasting beetroot. The stripes are not so
pronounced when cooked but when raw look great sliced. Direct sow through
spring - late summer. Keep the soil covering the top to ensure the entire bulb
will develop the same colouring. 9g packet.

C avo lo Br o c c o lo

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.

C avo lo Br o c c o lo

Broccoli Ramosa Calabrese bio25/23

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. 7g packet.

C avo l o Br o c c o lo

Broccoli Spigariello dbo25/26

Friarielle one of the most sought after, iconic and renowned

vegetables of Italy. Fast growing, high quality and depth of flavour.
Used traditionally on Pizza in Naples with olives and chilli, or with
sausage. When you pick the central flower, the plant begins to
produce side shoots known as spigariello that have a tiny florets. Grown for
its immature edible leaves not so much the floret. 4g packet.

C avo l o d i B r u x e l l e s

Brussels Sprouts Mezzo Nano

dbo24/2 Small compact producer of sweet tasty brussels sprouts.

Transplant seedling when approx 10cm. The flavour improves once

the frost kick in. These sprouts have a extended growing season.
Harvest when they are small to enjoy the true flavour. When the
sprouts appear remove any base leaves to allow for development. Try finely
shredded, quickly stir fried in butter and cumin. 8g packet

C avo l o Ve r z a

Savoy Cabbage Mantovano dbo33/19

A green alpine Savoy cabbage with a large head of thin crinkled

leaves and sweet texture. Popular with the Milanese. After
blanching the sweet green leaves you can stuff with many options.
Needs cold to develop mature heads. 8g packet.

C avo l o Ve r z a

Savoy Cabbage San Michele dbo33/15

Savoy-type cabbage from the cooler region of Nth 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

C avo l o C h in es e

Cinese-Pe-Tsai (Cabbage) dbo35/5

Chinese cabbage also called Wong Bok. Tightly packed upright

pale green cabbage with mild but distinctive flavour. 8g packet.

C a r o ta

Carrot Nantese di Chioggia bio23/7

A mid-early deep orange heartless Venetian carrot. Sweet taste

and crisp texture. Plant directly 1 cm deep into friable soil. spring
to early summer. Keep weed free. 6g packet.

C a r o ta

Carrot Nantese di Chioggia dbo23/7

A 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.

C a r o ta

Carrot JaunethDu Doubs dbo23/40

Dates back to the 16 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.

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#genuine Italian heirloom varieties

Carota

C a r r o t P arisier dbo23/41
Small 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.

Carota

C a r r o t C h an ten ay dbo23/37

An old French heirloom variety famous not for its good looks but its
pronounced carroty flavour. Medium sized, stubby crunchy and bright
orange. A good winter carrot, sweet and crisp. 10g packet.

Card o

C a r d o on go bo d i N izza dbo22/8

Hunchback of Nice. Very popular in Piedmonte where it is usually

braised. The stems resemble rib-like celery and have a subtle artichoke
flavour. Sow under cover in early spring transplant or direct sow into
fertile, well-drained soil after frost at 80cm spacing. Fleshy stems should be wrapped
with straw or paper to blanch two weeks before harvesting. 5g packet.

Cavo l f i or e

Cauliflower Romanesco dbo30/51

Heirloom cauliflower of Roma Green spiralling florets from Rome. It

has a sweet nut like taste. Plant in fertile soil in late summer for winter
picking. Needs cold temperature to head. 5g packet.

Cavo l f i or e

C im a d i r a pa

Cime di Rapa

Broccoli type turnip tops sometimes called broccoli raab but is

not sprouting broccoli. A bittersweet taste of turnip and mustard
overtones that Italians love and chefs cant 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 Orecchiette 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. The longer the growing period the better the quality;
although we have been very pleased with results with 40 day option. Also good
as a micro green.

40 day Quarantina dbo41/2

60 day Sessantina dbo41/4
90 day Novantina dbo41/5

F in o c c h io

Fennel di Parma sel. Prado dbos62/8

Selezione Speciale Small mid/late 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
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.

F in o c c h io

Cauliflower Di Sicilia Violetto dbo30/29

Fennel Montebianco dbo62/17

From 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.

Mid/late variety. Mont Blanc alpine fennel. Large tight head which
is tasty and crisp. A vigorous plant that prefers light fertile soil
and will run to seed in hot weather, Sow late summer for winter harvest
Plant 1.5cm deep 15cm between plants. 8g packet.

Cavo l f i or e

F in o c c h io

A 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.

Classic fennel from Rome. Medium size head with thick tightly
wrapped stalks. Ready for harvest in approx 85 days. Italian fennel
prefers the cool of autumn but will grow well in spring-summer.
7g packet

Cauliflower Verde Di Macerata dbo30/30

Cavo l f i or e

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

Cavol o La c i n i at o

Kale Cavolo Nero di Toscana dbo35/7

Italian 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

Celer i a c

Celeriac Bianco del Veneto dbo125/4

A late variety from Venice and one of the best in Italy.The plant is medium
sized with ample leaves. A knobbly exterior and creamy fibreless white flesh
that has a subtle celery-like flavour with added nuttiness.Transplant outside
and space 15 to 20cm after the last frosts. Needs extended time to develop bulb. Too much
nitrogen in soil and the bulb wont develop. 4g packet.

Seda n o

Celery (Wild) Groene Pascal dbo124/6

An 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.

Bietol a Da C osta

Chard Verde a Costa Bianca dbo14/3

This Chard favoured by the Italians has crunchy, large white mid ribs and deep
dark green ruffled leaves. Plant year round. In Italy the stems are considered
its best feature. Boil stalks, toss in butter or add to frittata. 9g packet.
Rhubarb Chard dbo14/15 also available.

Cavolo Verza

Cavolo Rapa Di Vienna Bianco Kohlrabi

dbo32/1

Kohlrabri is a spherical vegetable with leaf-topped stems that protrude from

the base bulb that is eaten no larger than the size of a tennis ball. This early
kohlrabi has a distinctive flavour reminiscent of radish and celeriac making
a good foil for other flavourings. Grow it quickly for best flavour in autumn
and spring. Delicious raw and also cooked. 5g packet.

Cavolo Rapa Purple Vienna Kohlrabi

dbo32/1

Finocchio Romanesco VXO62/5

NEW

Porro

Leek Gigante dInverno dbo107/23

Winter giant big and long. This hardy vegetable adds tangy
sweetness with even the thinnest slice from the long white stems.
Thrives in the cooler months . Sow 1cm deep from spring to
early summer allowing 5cm between each plant. They are good
winter harvesting plants only needing an air temperature 10c once planted. 6g packet.

Porro

Leek Porro Di Delft dbo107/12

A late variety of leek with thick white stems. A very hardy winterspring crop. Pick some when size of thumb allowing room for
fatter leeks. A plant with excellent resistance to low temperatures.
Much sweeter than onions when slow cooked.6g packet.

C ip o ll a

Onion Barletta dbo42/1

Small 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.

C ip o ll a

Onion Piatta di Bergamo dbo43/1

Flat onion of Bergamo A small flat cipollini-type reddish brown

onion with white flesh. An excellent storage onion. Can be used
for cooking and pickled. Grow from transplants or direct sow.
5g packet.

C ip o l l a

Onion rosso lunga di Firenze dbo42/23

Long 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.

C ip o ll a

Onion Tropea Rosso Tonda dbo43/22

The 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.

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#genuine Italian heirloom varieties

Cipol l a

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.

Zu c c h in o

Zucchini Tonda di Piacenza dbo146/17

A dark green round zucchini from near Parma. The shape

makes it easy for stuffing. Bake them whole as they stay soft and
creamy inside. Sow in warm fertile soil in a sunny position
in spring, or plant out 5 week-old transplants. 10g packet.

Cipol l a

Zucchino

From Savona along the Ligurian coast of North Italy. This

mid-early red/pink translucent onion has a mild taste so its
great to eat raw or make flavoursome pastes. 4g packet.

A 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. Becoming a NZ favourite. 10g packet

Onion
Rossa Savonese dbo42/26

Cipol l a

Onion (Tris di Cipolle) dbo93/10

A mid-early mixture of three good storage onions. Round large bulbs that
are firm and tasty. As the workhorse of any kitchen they can be grilled,
baked, sauteed or how about pizza with roasted onion, anchovy and
walnuts. 5g packet

Zucc a

Pumpkin Marina di Chioggia dbo145/2

A rustic pumpkin from the seaside area of Chioggia near Venice.

Abundant turban-shaped dark-green warty fruit and sweet (very
sweet)orange flesh. Excellent storeage. Good for roasting, soups and the
most suitable pumpkin for Tortelli di Zucca. 4g packet.

Zucc a

Pumpkin Tonda Padana dbo145/13

From 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.

Zucchini Fiorentino dbo146/52

Zucchino

Zucchino Striato DItalia dbo146/2

The 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.

Zucchino

Zucchini nero di Milano dbo146/1

The black regional zucchini from Milan. Dense dark green. A very
productive zucchini with open plant habit making it easy to harvest.
Try zucchini and marjoram gratin. 10g packet.

Zu c c h in o

Zucchi ni Rom a nesco dbo146 /11

Z u c ca

A good producer of grey/green fruit with prominent ribs,

excellent flavour and abundant flowers. Stuff the flower
blossoms with the many fresh options available, try fresh
ricotta and finely chopped spinach and nutmeg. 10g packet.

A large Italian heirloom butternut with ribbed wrinkled skin.

flesh is fine grained and flavoursome with a hint of chestnut
flavour. A good keeper and ready in around 100 days. 5g packet.

Zucchini Ge nove se bio146/10

Pumpkin Butternut Rugosa dbo145/15

Scorzonera

Scorzonera Geante Noire De Russie

dbo122/1 Black 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.

S p i n a cio

Spinach Baby Leaf Ibrido F.1

dbos127/47 Selezione Selezione Early intense green baby

spinach with soft, smooth rounded leaves and a semi-erect
growing habit. Raise as seedlings and plant autumn to spring.
Perfect for adding to green leaf salad. 10g packet.

S p i n a cio

Z u c c h in o

From Genoa, this is a large light green zucchini with smooth

fruit, very flavoursome with many blossoms for cooking. Can be
sauteed, roasted and added to risotto and frittatas. In spring
plant 5-6 seeds or 4-week-old transplants in ridges 60cm apart;
thin to 2-3 plants. 6g packet.

Z u c c h in o

Zucchini Tondo Chiaro Di Nizza

dbo146/18 Ancient French zucchini. A trailing vigorous plant

with unusual spherical light green zucchini fruits. Pick when
tennis ball size and before they turn from light green to dark
green. Plant in warm soils in sunny position. 10g packet.

Z u c c h in o

Zucchini Alberello Di Sarzana

dbo146/40 Little tree of Sarzana. A light green zucchini

S p ina c h Merlo Nero d bo127/20

Blackbird small 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. 15g packet.

S p i n a cio

Spinacio (Tetragonia) New Zealand

Spinach (Kokihi) dbo130/1 Native New Zealand bush

food. Franchi managed to identify a quality NZ producer of this

seed and now import and sell to the world. It is often found in the
markets of Paris and Provence. A healthy vigorous creeping plant
that will thrive in hot weather and produce until autumn Soak seeds in cold water
for 6-12 hours before sowing. Sow after the spring frosts. 5g packet.

Brassi c a r a pa

Turnip 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
add to green leaf salad or in pasta as you would cime di rapa. 15g packet.

Brassi c a r a pa

Turnip Di Milano a Colletto Viola

dbo110/14 Round with a violet collar. Spherical violet top

above the soil line, white bottoms. Excellent sweet taste and
texture. Grow year round-approx 60 days to harvest. 15g packet.

with white splotches, a good producer of flowers and fruits for

cooking, this is a large plant and can in some cases be resistant
to powdery mildew 10g packet.

Peppers can be started off undercover with warmth and light before
transplanting outside when the weather has warmed up. All peppers
start off green. Some stay green, but most will mature to either red
or yellow. Peppers can be successfully grown in pots. Some Italian
peppers can take longer to germinate, but the reward is a good
germination rate and healthy plants not to mention great food too.

P e p er o n e

Pe ppe r Corno Rosso dbo97/7

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

Peperone

Pepper Friggitello dbo97/101

Famous Neapolitan sweet eat-all pepper also known as

Friariello. Most well known of all Italian peppers. Sweet and
good for frying. Turns brilliant red when ripe. A very productive
plant. 1.5g packet.

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#genuine Italian heirloom varieties

Pepe r on e

Ba s il ic o

A 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.

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 Lombardo dbo97/16

Peper on e

Pepper Padron dbo97/38

DUE SOON

Some are hot some are not. Small horn-shaped pepper from
Galacia Spain. Fried in olive oil with sea salt this is the tapas
pepper. This compact plant produces a large quantity of small
green peppers and as they mature will get hotter. Grow from 8-10 week
transplants 40cm apart when the soil has warmed up. 1g packet.

Pepe r on e

Padron Peperoncino glpe 97/38 Golden Line

A mid early pimiento Padron from Galacia,Spain. The fruits are a
conical shape. Padron are traditionally eaten when the fruits are
green as the fruits turn red so does the heat. Whilst the image on the
front of this packet suggests the fruits are low in heat, when they are
red they are very hot. 2g packet

Peperone

Pepper Giallo dAsti dbo97/1

Yellow from Asti. The most highly prized pepper in Italy.

Classic, large non- pungent pepper from the Piedmont region in
Northern Italy and ideal for stuffing or roasting. Peppers thrive
in warm weather and are best grown from 8-10 week old transplants 40 cm
apart in full sun. Ready in around 80 days. Peppers continue to produce fruit
until the weather cools. 2.5g packet.

Pepe r on e

Pepper Giallo Di Cuneo dbo97/72

Yellow pepper from Cuneo in north Italy. Brilliant yellow thick

flesh. It is an excellent producer and very sweet. Discovered in
1915 this pepper is now protected in the province of Cuneo since
2000. Ideal for roasting. Transplant after last frosts. 2g packet.

Pepe r on e

DUE SOON

Pepper Piccante Calabrese dbos97/115

Selezione 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.

Pepe r on e

DUE SOON

Pepper Topepo Rosso dbo97/91

Red round flat tomato 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 As
with all peppers transplant after the risk of frosts. 1.5g packet.

DUE SOON

Basil Bolloso Napoletano dbo13/8

Ba s il ic o

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.

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.

Cappero

Capers 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.

C a mo m ill a

Camomilla (Chamomile) dba18/1

Franchi German Chamomile has very fragrant yellow & white

daisy-like flowers. A hardy annual that is easy to grow. Scatter the
seeds, press down but dont cover, they need light to germinate in
early spring. Try the flowers in a bath. 1.2g packet.

C e r fo g l io
www.italianseedspronto.co.nz
Chervil Cerfoglio Comune dba36/1

Chervil 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.

E r b a C ip o l l in a

Chives Erba Cipollina dba53/1

Early well-known annual. Chives have their own delicate onion

flavour which is why it doesnt 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.

Erba Stella

Erba Stella dba54/1 Star of the Earth

A small perennial plant with slender green leaves that have a

crunchy texture and will re-grow after cutting. A cold hardy plant
that is perfect for summer or winter salads. When it bolts the
leaves turn bitter. 2g packet.

Pimpinella
All basils can be planted in pots
and allow around 70 days for picking

Anic e

Anice (Aniseed) dba8/1

Garden burnet Pimpinella dba96/1

An annual evergreen herb that grows in a circular mound. Little

crimson-tufted flowers form little balls on the featherlike round
tooth edged leaves. With its cucumber-like flavour Pimpinella
blends well with salad greens. Use only the tender leaves. Direct
sow 1cm in depth in spring after the last frosts. 3g packet.

Ma g g io r a n a

Herbaceous annual. Sweet and aromatic (licorice) Anice is a low

spreading vibrant green bushy plant that produces small yellowwhite flowers. Use in Liquors and cakes. Plant in fertile well-drained
warm soil. 5g packet

M arj oram ge ntil e dba88/1

Bas il i c o

O r ig a n o

Basil Italiano Classico dbo13/2

Zucca

Classic 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.

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.

Ore gano dba94/1

No 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 its 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.

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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.

Soaps

Prezz e m ol o

Parsley Gigante di Napoli dbo108/2

Green Paradise offer a range of high quality artisan

vegetable soaps handmade in Milano,Italy.
These fragrant soaps are made from the finest vegetable
based ingredients. They have a silky texture,softly scented
and free from colorants. The stylish outer is made from
eco-friendly paper and can be used to lightly scent your drawer.

Menta Piperita

Vanilla SOAP 1

Peppermint dba92/1

There 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
quickly in the soil. 0.5g packet.

Senap e B i a n c a

Licorice SOAP 2

White Mustard Senape Bianca dba3006/1

Lemon SOAP 3

Mustard is an annual herb that favours full sun, so plant in spring after
the last frosts. Mustard greens can be eaten raw or cooked. Harvest when
the leaves are young and tender. Can be used in pasta dishes as you
would cime di rapa or rocket. 3g packet.

Raba r b a r o

Rhubarb Rabarbaro dbo109/1

A 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.

Blood Orange SOAP 4

Cinnomon SOAP 5

Rosm a r i n o
Rosmarino dba116/1

The classic perennial herb, one of Italys oldest-most used herbs. Toss whole
branches into marinades for pork, lamb or venison. Grows well from seed but
can be slow to germinate (2-3 weeks) and requires warm soil. 0.15g packet.

Citronella SOAP 6

Salvia officinalis
Sage dba 119/1

Tomato SOAP 7

A robust flavoured herb. Sow in spring in a sunny position. Will

tolerate frost and drought. Sage leaves crisped in melted butter
or olive oil make a perfect sauce for gnocchi. 2g packet.

Sant or e ggi a

Summer Savory Santoreggia dba120/1

An 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.

Fennel SOAP 8
Cucumber SOAP 9

Iperi c o

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.

Carrot SOAP 10

Dragoncello-(Estragon)
Tarragon Dragoncello dba52/1

Pepper SOAP 11

An intense flavoured Russian tarragon that is very useful in many culinary

dishes for its pronounced aniseed flavour. Start seeds under cover and
plant out in sunny position early spring. Plant will grow around one metre
in height. If your seeking true French tarragon,it is never grown from
seed, only cuttings because its infertile so bears no seed. 0.3g packet.

Timo

French Thyme Timo Di Provenza

Cotton SOAP 12

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.

Gardenia SOAP 13

Green Apple SOAP 14

Passion Flower SOAP 15

Violet SOAP 16

Italian Seeds Pronto

Italianseedsnz

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10

Ta x I n v o i c e

I ta l i a n Seed s

gst number 100 124 262

pronto

B r i n g i n g o l d w o r l d f l av o u r
to the new world

Order Form

Mrs Hurleys Trading Mix Limited 21 420 89 Trading as Italian Seeds Pronto

Your personal information is confidential

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Organic (BIO) Selezione Speciale (DBOS) Golden Line (GL) Seed Packets $8.30
Tomatoes & Peppers (DBO) $7.70 Tomatoes & Peppers (DBOS) $8.70 All other (DBO) Seed Packets $7.50
Green Paradise Vegetable Soaps (SOA) $10.20
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Italian Seeds Pronto

Italianseedsnz

February 2016