[puravida]

They sure know how to package a product!
These seed packets are twice the size of the ones I am used to...

(anyone know how to grow Borlotti Beans?? :? - got 250 seeds in that box! :shock: )

[compostqueen]

 borlotties grow easily but I did the dwarf one last year and they are a bit fiddly to pick so might be a good one for a raised bed or better still grow the climbing variety

I have a few of their seed packets - blooming enormous tin you're gonna need  

[puravida]

Hmm - think the ones I have bought might be dwarf variety- some reference to  50/60cm 'alta' on the box.

So you recommend raised bed for these bad boys then?

Should I sow direct or bring them on inside as of now do you think?? Throw some in a seed tray and on the windowsill??

[compostqueen]

it's just that I have a rubbish back and getting that low to pick beans gives me the right 'ump.  The climbing ones are better cos you can see them better, they are very beautiful beans     Mind you cos the packet is huge I'll stick with the dwarf ones til the seed all used up

Yeah I think raised bed is better.  Pigeons love them in the early stages so you have to fleece or net them etc (make sure it's taut as the last thing you want to do is ensnare a bird)  They are fine sown direct or started indoors.  I did both so I had reserves in case of losses to birds/mice/frost

[puravida]

Great! Thanks!!
I'm presuming they like a lot of sunshine seeing as they are Italian!

Are they pretty enough to grow in pots on the deck do you think???

[compostqueen]

The pods are drop dead gorgeous. You can always remove any tatty leaves that you invariably get with wet, windy weather. They're small plants (if you've got the dwarf variety that is   )  I love them and will be growing more as the yield is quite small.  I mostly dry mine and store them in jars and use them in soups and stews, minestrone that kind of thing.  They look fab in the jars  

[flowerlady]

Great selection youo have there     Was at their office yesterday ... as I keep on saying "Best Sweet Shop" in town      they are just brilliant in there.  If you can visit they have a special offer on quantity.

I've grown the Costo toms, the Cavolo, the borlottis which scrambled around my sweet corn and looked great ... eat good too  :roll: , but my fav was the Romanesco  

[puravida]

ooooh - thanks flowerlady - any tips on any of the above???

[noshed]

They sent us a load of stuff for our allotment open day last year as well. I'm going to invite them to this year's one as they are the only seed company in London and we have a lot of argumentative Italian pensioners on our site!

[compostqueen]

what a great idea  

[gobs]

ooooh - thanks flowerlady - any tips on any of the above???

I'm sowing some Romanesco this week in the cold greenhouse/ cold window sill.
Also, tomatoes if you have indoor space for them later on. Probably can start the herb, too.

All the rest can well wait.

[Trillium]

The Romanescos are quite rare around here yet I'm quite curious about them. How do they taste compared to regular broccoli? Are they easier or the same to cook?

I just bought seeds for purple cauliflower, which is also very hard to find around here. Like yours, mine are Italian pkg'd seeds and loads in the pkg for a decent price.

[GrannieAnnie]

Romanescu's Trill, are more like cauliflower tasting than brocolli.  The man who first introduced me to them said they are great for getting children to like cauliflower as the florets are like little Trees!!!!

[wighty]

We've just this year started to sell the Seeds of the World range from Fothergills.  Apart from borlotti and cannalloni I'm trying gherkins as well as I love them.  It's nice to have some different choices of what to try.

[puravida]

Romanesco is wonderful. I love it - a real regular purchase from the farmer's market. I really hope I have some success growing it.

Simple way we eat it is just slice it in half lengthways, steam for five mins and then cover in cheese sauce. Bung in the over for ten mins and eat. Lush.