Vegetable Seeds - Assorted Varieties

Franchi Heritage Vegetable Seeds
Franchi heritage vegetable seeds are supplied by Seeds Of Italy, an award-winning seed importer, ethical UK business, and sole supplier of Franchi seeds. Franchi was founded in 1783. It’s the oldest family-run seed business in the world stretching back seven generations. They specialise in heritage vegetable seeds including endangered, ethical, and regional varieties. They are Vegetarian Society and Slow Food UK approved. 

What Are Heritage Seeds?
Heritage vegetable seeds are old varieties created over centuries of natural windborne and insect cross-pollination. In contrast, the modern hybrids we are used to growing are selected from two strongly performing parent plants bred to obtain the highest yield and disease resistance. Modern hybrids are popular, and many large companies supply them, but growing heritage vegetable seeds instead increases plant range and boosts environmental biodiversity as well as supplying you with tasty veg.

Endangered Vegetables
94% of vegetable varieties have been lost over the past 100 years and some heritage vegetables are in danger of dying out. Franchi seeds encompass a wide range of endangered seeds that are produced in a small geographical area or offered by just a handful of companies. An excellent example is the rare San Marzano 2 tomato, a non-watery plum tomato that tastes great and creates perfect pasta sauce and pizza bases.

Choose Heritage Vegetable Seeds This Year
Many people are choosing to grow heritage vegetable seeds over or alongside their trusted modern hybrids. This brings not only a wider range of biodiversity to the garden but interesting new colours and flavours to the table.

Seed Care
When your heritage vegetable seeds arrive store them in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight until you are ready to sow. See also our collection of heritage flower seeds.