Eggplant Violetta Lunga (Bag) – Franchi Sementi

Italian Classic Basil. This sweet Genovese basil is our most popular variety. It is the same strain that made pesto famous worldwide. (Our Italian supplier, Franchi Seeds, calls it Italian Classic rather than Genovese because the region of Genoa got an Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP) trademark that limits the use of the name Genovese to basil grown in a certain area of Liguria; however, the seed is grown elsewhere in Italy and so cannot have the name Genovese within Italy. )

Whatever this basil is called, it's the best. This is the classic basil used for sauces, pesto, pizza, and just about everything else. Leaves are soft and fragrant with a delicious taste.

The seed count in a pack is enormous -- about 4,800 seeds. Why so much seed? Because in Italy, people like to pick basil very young, so they seed it repeatedly and just pull the entire plants when they are about 5-6 inches tall. In the U.S., most people grow a few plants and pick from them all summer long, so a packet of seeds lasts a long time. Basil seed, if kept cool and dry (but not in the refrigerator) will remain viable for up to 5 years. Try one of our seed storage tins for keeping extra seed.

Basil has approximately 600-650 seeds per gram.

FUSARIUM FREE - TESTED.

*Heritage Variety*
Basil Classico Italiano - This is the classic style basil which is also used for making 'pesto' but has a million other uses in the kitchen. The ideal windowsill herb too.
This is a mid-early variety producing vigorus plants. Easy to grow and perfect for containers.

Approximate seeds quantity: @4000 seeds.
To be sow from March to July directly on the ground and inside the rest of the year.

L26 - This late variety produces large thight green head with large and numerous leaves. The leaves have pronunced crunchy ribs. This variety is really similar to the iceberg lettuce.
Approximate seeds quantity: @3200 seeds.
To be sown from March to June and harvest from June to October.

This is an Early variety producing round fruit of medium size. The skin is consistent thick and of a dark green colour. The flesh is sugary and of an intense red colour.

To be sow from March to June and harvest from July to September.
Approximate seeds quantity: @60 seeds.

Sugar Baby is an heirloom variety, introduced in 1956, that has remained popular because of its compact size and sweet flavor. It is considered an icebox melon because the fruits are small enough to fit in the icebox, or what we call a refrigerator. The melons are round with dark green, smooth skin and finely textured red flesh. It is one of the sweetest watermelons you can grow. The melons weigh 8-10 pounds and are about 8 inches across. Vines are long, running to 12 feet. Plants should be spaced 4 feet apart. Sugar Baby is one of the earliest melons to mature, requiring about 75 days from planting. Each plant should produce two or three melons. 6 gram packet = 150 seeds. Approximately 6-20 seeds per gram.

Marketmore has long been the standard for fresh eating. The fruits are 8-9" long and slender, with shiny, dark green skin. About 70 days to maturity. A great slicer! 5 gram pack = about 150 seeds. Approximately 30-45 seeds per gram.

English riged variety for indoors our out. Not too long, juicy with some spines on and the one we always grow at home.
Sow: March - end July


Partnership plant: Cauliflower, Cabbage, Bean, Fennel, Lettuce, Pepper,
Spinach, Courgette.

What to sow after: Chard, Carrot, Chicory, Bean, Fennel, Endive, Lettuce, Pea, Leek,
Parsley, Spinach, Lamb's lettuce.