Italian Vegetables
are easy to grow in the United States since the climate in Italy is not
significantly different than here. General.
Northern Italy (Franchi Sementi seed company is in Bergamo, close to
Milan) and has a climate similar to the Middle Atlantic States, although the
winters there are not quite as cold. If you grow in Zones 4 or 5, you may have a
problem with certain very long season vegetables such as cardoon and Artichoke,
but you can even grow these in the far North if you make some special
efforts. The section on growing instructions has specific information on
how to grow each variety of vegetable we carry; if you are new to starting
your own seeds, check out seed starting basics.
Please note a few things. I have put in "days to maturity" for most items, but you need to remember that this will vary widely depending on many factors: whether you planted in the spring or fall; how much sun you have on your garden area; how consistent your water supply is; whether it is a normal, cool or warm summer. Ten or more days on either side of that date is not unusual.
We would love to hear your experiences, especially since almost all of our growing experience has been in Southern New England. Write and let us know. We will try and find a way to share your experience with other growers.