{"title":"The Italian Garden Project's Italian American Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese seeds are part of the Italian Garden Project’s\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eItalian American Collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection represents seeds from the most cherished vegetables of Italian immigrants, those flavors that just couldn't be left behind. Only the best of the best would have been deemed worthy of the passage from the Old World to the New. These are seeds which have been passed down through families for generations, saved from the most vigorous specimens hand-selected each season. When they arrived in America, they were lovingly propagated in backyard gardens and traded as valuable commodities within Italian communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeirloom seeds such as these which have been nurtured over hundreds of years and traveled across continents are at risk of being lost and their histories forgotten. In order to safeguard these treasures, The Italian Garden Project has been seeking out these heirlooms from across the US and serving as their caretaker. And now our partnership with Truelove Seeds and their growers ensures that these unique varieties will continue to flourish and provide the authentic flavors of the past well into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"sabatino-s-peppe-insalata-lettuce","title":"Sabatino’s \"Peppe Insalata\" Lettuce","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis light green Italian oakleaf lettuce was grown by Sabatino DiNardo who was born in Gamberale in Abruzzo, Italy and immigrated to the US at the age of 18 in 1956. Sabatino called it \"Peppe Insalata\" because the seed was given to him by his father-in-law Giuseppe (\"Peppe\"). It looks quite a bit like the Italian variety called \"Lingua di Canarino,\" or Canary's Tongue. 8-10\" rosettes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn more about Sabatino on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/videos\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eItalian Garden Project website here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis seed is part of the Italian Garden Project’s Italian American Collection. Read about our shared work \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e. Shop for more varieties in this special collection \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/the-italian-garden-projects-italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection represents seeds from the most cherished vegetables of Italian immigrants, those flavors that just couldn't be left behind. Only the best of the best would have been deemed worthy of the passage from the Old World to the New. These are seeds which have been passed down through families for generations, saved from the most vigorous specimens hand-selected each season. When they arrived in America, they were lovingly propagated in backyard gardens and traded as valuable commodities within Italian communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeirloom seeds such as these which have been nurtured over hundreds of years and traveled across continents are at risk of being lost and their histories forgotten. In order to safeguard these treasures, The Italian Garden Project has been seeking out these heirlooms from across the US and serving as their caretaker. And now our partnership with Truelove Seeds and their growers ensures that these unique varieties will continue to flourish and provide the authentic flavors of the past well into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50-55\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 96% on 05\/27\/2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed every 1 inch in rows 8-12 inches apart, 1\/4-1\/2 inches deep. Keep watered until germination. Thin to every 8 inches. Harvest when you can't wait anymore!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLettuce is very much self-pollinating, but give at least 10 feet between plants (we give at least 35 feet) to avoid unwanted cross-pollination from flying insects. Allow the plants to bolt and flower. Often, flowering lettuce benefits from simple staking (we tie several plants together) so that the flowers and seedheads do not fall to the ground. Seed is ripe when the flowers turn to 'feathers,' which are fluff balls like dandelions. In the moist summers of Pennsylvania, we harvest the entire seedheads when at least 50% of the plant has gone to seed. If there are dry days in the forecast, feel free to wait longer for more ripe seed. Cut the seedheads a few feet down, and allow to dry about a week in a sunny dry place like a greenhouse, sunny window, or even a car seat. Later, wearing a handkerchief or mask to avoid breathing in the feathers and dust, bang the seedheads in a bucket allowing the seed to fall to the bottom. The ripest seeds fall, the least ripe stay in the plant, so do not over do it. Sift through strainers to remove the large chaff, and then use your breath, a fan, or the wind to carefully blow off the smaller dust.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Growers Grange","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44075963252974,"sku":"LET-011","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/SabatinosPeppeInsalataLettuce_close2.jpg?v=1678306470"},{"product_id":"poverella-bean","title":"Poverella Bean","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTender purple and purple-striped Roma type pole beans that traveled with Concetta Liberto and family from Calabria, Italy to Pittsburgh, PA. An \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/\"\u003eItalian Garden Project\u003c\/a\u003e variety! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese tender, but meaty beans are most productive when allowed to climb poles of at least seven feet and harvested regularly. Pods mature to a lovely purple, green with purple striations, or light purple with dark purple striations, but turn bright green when cooked. The Liberto family would plant 6-8 seeds in holes dug where poles are to be situated. When beans sprout to 3-4” tall, place the poles. At Truelove Seeds, we plant the seeds every 3-4” along a seven foot tall vertical trellis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese beans were shared with The Italian Garden Project by Concetta Liberto of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania. Concetta was born in the town of Maierato in the province of Vibo Valentia in Calabria where she grew up working alongside her family on their small, self-sufficient farm. Of the many vegetables they grew, these pole beans were among their favorites. Her mother referred to them as Poverella beans, meaning “Poor thing” in Italian. Concetta came to the US in 1954 with her sister to meet several other family members who had recently arrived. Eventually, the whole family settled in the Larimer neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where many others from Maierato also settled. During a return visit to her hometown in 1958, Concetta met her husband, Giuseppe Liberto. They married in 1959 and returned to the US. Concetta and Giuseppe always maintained a large garden where they grew many of the fruits and vegetables of their homeland. Concetta continues to garden and prepare her traditional foods for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_default\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn more about Concetta Liberto on the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/c-liberto\"\u003eItalian Garden Project website here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis seed is part of the Italian Garden Project’s Italian American Collection. Read about our shared work \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e. Shop for more varieties in this special collection \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/the-italian-garden-projects-italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection represents seeds from the most cherished vegetables of Italian immigrants, those flavors that just couldn't be left behind. Only the best of the best would have been deemed worthy of the passage from the Old World to the New. These are seeds which have been passed down through families for generations, saved from the most vigorous specimens hand-selected each season. When they arrived in America, they were lovingly propagated in backyard gardens and traded as valuable commodities within Italian communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeirloom seeds such as these which have been nurtured over hundreds of years and traveled across continents are at risk of being lost and their histories forgotten. In order to safeguard these treasures, The Italian Garden Project has been seeking out these heirlooms from across the US and serving as their caretaker. And now our partnership with Truelove Seeds and their growers ensures that these unique varieties will continue to flourish and provide the authentic flavors of the past well into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_default\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 96% on 12\/04\/2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in warm soil at least a couple weeks after the last danger of frost has passed. The Liberto family would plant 6-8 seeds in holes dug where poles are to be situated. When beans sprout to 3-4” tall, place the poles. At Truelove Seeds, we sow the seeds ½ to 1 inch deep every 3-4” along a seven foot tall vertical trellis. Provide a sturdy trellis as the vines can grow six to eight feet tall. Needs ample sun and good airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeans are self-pollinating, though it is best to isolate different varieties of P. vulgaris by at least 25 feet (we do 75 feet to be sure) to avoid unwanted cross-pollination from flying insects. For seed saving, harvest the beans when their shells have become dried and crispy on the plants. Lay out the pods in a dry, sunny place to dry down further. Shell the beans and lay out the seeds in a well ventilated place away from direct sunlight for at least another few days to a week before storing for next year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Truelove Seeds Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44545182466286,"sku":"BN-025","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/files\/IMG_7755.jpg?v=1703005109"},{"product_id":"baciccia-beans","title":"Baciccia Beans","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Baciccia bean is remarkable because it resembles and tastes like a Roma bean but unlike its pole loving relatives, Baciccia grows on a bush. This 1-1.5 foot plant has white flowers. Baciccia beans were brought to the U.S. by immigrants from Genoa in the Ligurian region of Italy. These beans were a favorite among the Genoese who settled in Northern California, many of whom became vegetable farmers. Saint John the Baptist (San Giovanni Battista in Italian, but in Genoese dialect, San Giovanni Baciccia) is the patron saint of Genoa and the Genoese in the U.S. affectionately referred to each other as Baciccia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seed was given to The Italian Garden Project by one of the last of its growers, a descendent of a Genoese farming family in Richmond, CA. The Baciccia bean highlights the importance of seeking out and preserving Italian American heirloom seeds. In 2021, it was discovered that Baciccia beans could no longer be found in Liguria and had to be reintroduced to the region from seed still grown in Stockton, CA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis seed is part of the Italian Garden Project’s Italian American Collection. Read about our shared work \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e. Shop for more varieties in this special collection \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/the-italian-garden-projects-italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection represents seeds from the most cherished vegetables of Italian immigrants, those flavors that just couldn't be left behind. Only the best of the best would have been deemed worthy of the passage from the Old World to the New. These are seeds which have been passed down through families for generations, saved from the most vigorous specimens hand-selected each season. When they arrived in America, they were lovingly propagated in backyard gardens and traded as valuable commodities within Italian communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeirloom seeds such as these which have been nurtured over hundreds of years and traveled across continents are at risk of being lost and their histories forgotten. In order to safeguard these treasures, The Italian Garden Project has been seeking out these heirlooms from across the US and serving as their caretaker. And now our partnership with Truelove Seeds and their growers ensures that these unique varieties will continue to flourish and provide the authentic flavors of the past well into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 99% on 12\/21\/2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in a fully sunny location at least a couple weeks after the last danger of frost has passed. Sow directly in the ground at a depth of one inch, spaced every few inches in rows 12 inches apart. Thin to one plant every six inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeans are self-pollinating, though it is best to isolate different varieties of P. vulgaris by at least 25 feet (we do 75 feet to be sure) to avoid unwanted cross-pollination from flying insects. For seed saving, harvest the beans when their shells have become dried and crispy on the plants. Lay out the pods in a dry, sunny place to dry down further. Shell the beans and lay out the seeds in a well ventilated place away from direct sunlight for at least another few days to a week before storing for next year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Growers Grange","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44570400850158,"sku":"BN-028","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/files\/IMG_3598.heic?v=1704136203"},{"product_id":"precoce-mora-fava","title":"Precoce Mora Fava","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis early purple-seeded fava bean comes to us from the Italian Garden Project who gathered them from Nicola Ranieri of Commack, Long Island. Born in Mola di Bari, Puglia, Nicola immigrated to the US in 1965. These are Nicola’s favorite fava because they flower before the weather warms enough in late spring to wilt the blooms. Produces many stalks from one seed and many large fava pods on each plant. Seed originally from Salerno, Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis seed is part of the Italian Garden Project’s Italian American Collection. Read about our shared work \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e. Shop for more varieties in this special collection \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/the-italian-garden-projects-italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection represents seeds from the most cherished vegetables of Italian immigrants, those flavors that just couldn't be left behind. Only the best of the best would have been deemed worthy of the passage from the Old World to the New. These are seeds which have been passed down through families for generations, saved from the most vigorous specimens hand-selected each season. When they arrived in America, they were lovingly propagated in backyard gardens and traded as valuable commodities within Italian communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeirloom seeds such as these which have been nurtured over hundreds of years and traveled across continents are at risk of being lost and their histories forgotten. In order to safeguard these treasures, The Italian Garden Project has been seeking out these heirlooms from across the US and serving as their caretaker. And now our partnership with Truelove Seeds and their growers ensures that these unique varieties will continue to flourish and provide the authentic flavors of the past well into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80-90\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-24 minimum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate: \u003c\/strong\u003e75% on 07\/08\/2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirect sow in late winter or early spring when the soil is able to be worked. Favas prefer cool weather. Here in Philadelphia, we plant ours around St Joseph's day. Grow plants 8-10\" apart. These short bushy plants may benefit from a trellis or pen to keep them from toppling as they develop their heavy pods. Do not handle the plants when wet from dew or rain, as this can spread disease. Pinch the new top growth when the plant is blooming to control aphids, which prefer the tender new leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest the seeds when the pods have dried and turned black. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Good Way Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45980676096238,"sku":"LEG-010","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/files\/IMG_5203.jpg?v=1732567880"},{"product_id":"rabi-broccoli-rabe","title":"Rabi (Broccoli Rabe)","description":"\u003cp\u003eRabi, a green with many variations and known by many names, is loved by Italians. It is usually the first taste of the garden in the spring. With seeds sown in the fall, it is ready for spring harvest before most other vegetables are planted. This variety has hearty greens and thick white roots that can be eaten as turnips with the tops. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrown by Erminia Ianni in Warwick, RI. Erminia was born in Frosinone in the province of Lazio. She immigrated to the US in 1950. This seed was given to her by her Calabrian husband’s uncle who obtained it from a friend in Italy, although she’s not certain from which region. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis seed is part of the Italian Garden Project’s Italian American Collection. Read about our shared work \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e. Shop for more varieties in this special collection \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/the-italian-garden-projects-italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection represents seeds from the most cherished vegetables of Italian immigrants, those flavors that just couldn't be left behind. Only the best of the best would have been deemed worthy of the passage from the Old World to the New. These are seeds which have been passed down through families for generations, saved from the most vigorous specimens hand-selected each season. When they arrived in America, they were lovingly propagated in backyard gardens and traded as valuable commodities within Italian communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeirloom seeds such as these which have been nurtured over hundreds of years and traveled across continents are at risk of being lost and their histories forgotten. In order to safeguard these treasures, The Italian Garden Project has been seeking out these heirlooms from across the US and serving as their caretaker. And now our partnership with Truelove Seeds and their growers ensures that these unique varieties will continue to flourish and provide the authentic flavors of the past well into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e overwinter for sweetest earliest spring results or 60 days to maturity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9\u003cspan\u003e4% on 08\/31\/2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed every 1\" in rows 8-12\" apart, 1\/4-1\/2\" deep. Keep watered until germination. Thin to every 6\". You can sow them in the fall for early spring harvests!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIsolate by 1\/2 mile from other flowering members of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eB. rapa\u003c\/em\u003e, including turnips, napa cabbage, and bok choy to avoid unwanted cross-pollination. Allow seed pods to turn brown and dry before seed harvest. Protect from birds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Truelove Seeds Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45980754903278,"sku":"BRA-032","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/files\/IMG_6012.jpg?v=1732634730"},{"product_id":"broccoletti","title":"Broccoletti","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis flowering-headed broccoli, also known as Friarielli, is an annual, sending up long,  delicious, tender flower stalks within 50 days of planting. Trim any tough stems, and prepare the florets sautéed, steamed, grilled, broiled or roasted. Sauté boiled broccoletti with olive oil, salt, garlic, Italian chilis, and add a squeeze of lemon. As broccoletti seems to be something between a broccoli and Gai Lan, the leaves are also edible, like kale or collards. Similar to broccoli rabe, rapini, and napini. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis seed comes to us from the Italian Garden Project who gathered them from Domenico Carpico in Jefferson Hills, PA. Domenico was born in the town of Sora in Lazio, Italy. Seed was shared with him by a Calabrian coworker at a steel mill where they worked laying bricks. \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis seed is part of the Italian Garden Project’s Italian American Collection. Read about our shared work \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e. Shop for more varieties in this special collection \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/the-italian-garden-projects-italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection represents seeds from the most cherished vegetables of Italian immigrants, those flavors that just couldn't be left behind. Only the best of the best would have been deemed worthy of the passage from the Old World to the New. These are seeds which have been passed down through families for generations, saved from the most vigorous specimens hand-selected each season. When they arrived in America, they were lovingly propagated in backyard gardens and traded as valuable commodities within Italian communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeirloom seeds such as these which have been nurtured over hundreds of years and traveled across continents are at risk of being lost and their histories forgotten. In order to safeguard these treasures, The Italian Garden Project has been seeking out these heirlooms from across the US and serving as their caretaker. And now our partnership with Truelove Seeds and their growers ensures that these unique varieties will continue to flourish and provide the authentic flavors of the past well into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80% on 11\/12\/2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEither start indoors or direct sow. Sow seeds 1\/4\" deep in potting soil 4-8 weeks before the last frost, and transplant 6\" apart just before the last frost. Alternatively, mix seeds with sand and direct sow in early spring, thinning to 6\" apart. Eat the thinnings! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIsolate by 1\/2 mile from other flowering members of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eB. oleracea\u003c\/em\u003e, including Collards, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts to avoid unwanted cross-pollination. Allow seed pods to turn brown and dry before seed harvest. Protect from birds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Truelove Seeds Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46024181514478,"sku":"BRA-034","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/files\/IMG_7879.jpg?v=1734551089"},{"product_id":"finocchio-italian-fennel","title":"Finocchio (Italian Fennel)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinocchio (Italian Fennel) from the Macchione family of Pittsburgh, PA, originally from Falerna, Calabria, Italy\u003c\/span\u003e. The wildly abundant seeds are harvested green and then dried for adding to s\u003cspan\u003eoppressata (salami)\u003c\/span\u003e, soup, stew, spaghetti sauce, meatloaf - \"you can use it anywhere you wish - it's good for anything\" \u003cspan\u003eaccording to fellow \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003epaesana\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (villager\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fenice Mercurio\u003c\/span\u003e. The seeds are also great for making a stomach calming tea. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor eating, harvest the seeds when they are plump and green but before they turn dark and dry on the plant. Clip seed clusters about an inch below the umbel, and allow them to finish drying indoors. When fully dry, rub the clusters between your hand to remove the seeds. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis is a bushy, leafy perennial that can grow 7 feet tall when flowering. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis seed is part of the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/\"\u003eItalian Garden Project\u003c\/a\u003e’s Italian American Collection. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eRead about our shared work \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eShop for more varieties in this special collection \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/the-italian-garden-projects-italian-american-seed-collection\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eY\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eou can see photos and read about the garden of Giovanni and Maria Macchione, which was documented for the Smithsonian Institute’s Archives of American Gardens \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.theitaliangardenproject.com\/archives-of-american-gardens\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection represents seeds from the most cherished vegetables of Italian immigrants, those flavors that just couldn't be left behind. Only the best of the best would have been deemed worthy of the passage from the Old World to the New. These are seeds which have been passed down through families for generations, saved from the most vigorous specimens hand-selected each season. When they arrived in America, they were lovingly propagated in backyard gardens and traded as valuable commodities within Italian communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeirloom seeds such as these which have been nurtured over hundreds of years and traveled across continents are at risk of being lost and their histories forgotten. In order to safeguard these treasures, The Italian Garden Project has been seeking out these heirlooms from across the US and serving as their caretaker. And now our partnership with Truelove Seeds and their growers ensures that these unique varieties will continue to flourish and provide the authentic flavors of the past well into the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90-120 days\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 175-200 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70\u003cspan\u003e%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (total viability: 72%) on 02\/19\/2026 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e(\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"What is the difference between germination rate and total viability?\" href=\"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/pages\/faq\/#seedviability\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eread more about viability\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can sow fennel indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost and then transplant into the garden, though it prefers to be direct sown. When soils have warmed to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit, direct sow seeds 4-5 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18\" apart. Thin to 8-12\" apart. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIsolate different fennel varieties from each other by 1\/2 a mile to prevent unwanted hybridization. For seed harvest, clip seed clusters when they have started darkening towards dry (after the plump green phase). They can continue drying indoors if you are in a wet climate. (like us). \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Truelove Seeds Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46106988314862,"sku":"HERB-090","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/files\/fennel2.jpg?v=1738177381"},{"product_id":"sengara-swiss-chard","title":"Sengara Swiss Chard","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFrom Mary Menniti, of The Italian Garden Project:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSengara is an Italian variety of Swiss Chard that also has characteristics of spinach. It does not form the wide stems of traditional Swiss chard, and the leaf is not as large. It was shared with The Italian Garden Project by Mariano Floro of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mariano obtained it from his hometown of Falerna, in Calabria, Italy where it is occasionally cultivated but now more often grows on the edges of farm fields, reseeding itself each season. It can be blanched, drained well, and then sauteed with olive oil and garlic. Often boiled potatoes or beans are added. See Mariano harvesting Sengara and teaching how to grow it as well as how to save its seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Q2Lp66atAeE\"\u003eHow Mariano Cooks Sengara\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Pnswt8AtdE8\"\u003eMariano’s Sengara\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=AK5QeR5dgMM\"\u003eHow Mariano Plants Sengara\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=190TnU4Pwiw\"\u003eHow Mariano Harvests Sengara\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=LG2z5SlSnRQ\"\u003eMariano Harvests Sengara\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25 days for baby greens, 50 for full leaf\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 69% on 01\/24\/2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow chard seeds 1\/2\" to 3\/4\" deep, and thin to 12-16\" apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBeets and chard are the same species, so you'll want to isolate different varieties by 1\/4-1\/2 a mile to prevent unwanted hybridization. Harvest seed head when 2\/3 of the seed clusters are brown. Dry further in a well-ventilated, dry place before pulling the seeds off the stem.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Truelove Seeds Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46748357558510,"sku":"AMAR-013","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/files\/IMG-8585.jpg?v=1753819865"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/collections\/TIGP_The_Italian_Garden_Project_logo.png?v=1738178152","url":"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/the-italian-garden-projects-italian-american-seed-collection.oembed","provider":"Truelove Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}