Seeds From Italy (GrowItalian.com)

Seeds: Vegetables

P.O. Box 3908
Lawrence, Kansas 66046 (United States)
(785) 748-0959

Notes

Seeds from Italy imports and distributes Italian vegetable, herb and flower seeds. We specialize in traditional open pollinated Italian varieties. At present we have close to three hundred Italian varieties. In addition, we have a good selection of certified organic varieties.

Most of our seeds are untreated. None are GMO. Packs are of generous size and are packed in thermosealed envelopes or vacumn packed bags inside the seed package. They have a long shelf live and all are guaranteed (replacement or money back) to germinate at the rate stated on the pack.

posted on June 7, 2003

Reviews:

positives
neutrals
negatives

Displaying the 42 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Positive
On Apr 13, 2018, Pepperhead19 (3 reviews) from Houston, TX

This was my first time ordering from this company and I was pleased. I think the prices are great for the number of seeds offered in each package . Most of the packages contain 200-400 seeds. The seed packets are the most colorful and pretty I have seen. Some of the seed packets have the seed loose in them and some packets have the seeds within another little packet. Shipping was fast and the shipping rate was reasonable. Seed germination was remarkably good. I can't wait to order from them again.

Positive
On Jul 16, 2017, Zonker_Dog (7 reviews) from Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a)

I ordered several packets of seeds during their half price sale. I received all but one packet within about a week. Regarding the missing one, they had contacted me ahead of time to tell me they were out of it, and offered to substitute for it. I told them I was not in a hurry, so should be receiving it soon. I liked the fact that the order form was checked off in pen and comments added, a personal touch. That is important to me. I haven't started any of the seeds yet, but am looking forward to growing some varieties that are not available from the larger seed companies.

Positive
On Apr 3, 2017, momtomany12 (1 reviews) from Dalton, PA

This was my first time ordering from this company. I'm not ready to plant outside yet, but I was very impressed with the prompt mailing of my order (less than a week), quick germination of the seeds that I have started indoors (tomatoes, onions, peppers, and basil) and the generous amount of seeds in the large, attractive seed packets. Can't wait to see how they do in the garden!

Positive
On Feb 9, 2017, debles (16 reviews) from Tulsa, OK

I've been purchasing seed from them for years now. They provide so much more seed per packet than most other companies and the seed is always fresh. I've started saving some of my own seed using blossom bags, but mostly tomato and pepper varieties. All of the seed I've ordered from GrowItalian.com have been fresh and delivered quickly. I do order from other seed companies, but Seeds From Italy is one of my preferred sources. I've been able to germinate seed for several seasons from their generous seed packets.

Positive
On Apr 15, 2016, pfrutescens (6 reviews) from Havertown, PA

Good source for seeds from Italian seed companies. Website is easy to navigate, and shipping times are in line with other seed companies. Shipping is a bit more expensive than in most places, and seed packages tend to be larger and therefore more expensive than what most home gardeners may need, but there are some hard to find varieties that only Seeds from Italy has. Also, their seed is fresh, clearly dated, and excellently packaged, and I have high confidence that they will be true to type. This is why I sometimes order varieties from them that I could get cheaper elsewhere.

Positive
On May 6, 2014, Trinacria (5 reviews) from Stony Brook, NY

I received a catalog of theirs in the mail, and I'm not entirely certain how - I didn't ask for it, and I'm not sure on whose list my name appeared. Since a bunch of companies throw catalogs at you, I wasn't too eager to open it up. But once I did, I was impressed, to say the least. A colleague at work also confirmed for me that they were a legitimate company. Once I gave the catalog some more attention, I was blown away by the incredible selection of mediterranean varieties and vegetables that you hardly ever see in the states - dandelion greens, broccolo spigariello, yellow melons, you name it. My family comes from Italy, and I have a lot of family still there, so I seized the opportunity to grow Italian heirloom vegetables just like what we eat in Italy. Not only were the prices extremely reasonable and the shipping as prompt as possible, but the seed packets have a huge number of seeds - you'd have to see it to believe it. Beautifully sealed and decorated packages they send you often contain 3, 5, 10 times the amount of seed contained in packets from other companies with similar prices. I highly recommend Seeds from Italy!

Positive
On Jan 3, 2014, JoefromOrleans (8 reviews) from Orleans, MA

A few years ago, I first looked for a source for the vegetables my grandparents fed me. I found Seeds from Italy and was overjoyed. I also like that the company was just across the river from me in the Boston area. The seed packages are very generous and are a real value. Germination rates are very high. A year or so ago, the company was purchased by a couple from Kansas. The change over was seamless and the service even got better. If you are looking for heirloom Italian cultivars that taste like the vegetables you ate when you were a child, this is the company for you. By the way, if you have a question, Dave, one of the owners, will always get back to you with a couple of days. This family owned company is a gem. I recommend Seeds from Italy without reservation.

Positive
On Feb 26, 2013, Cville_Gardener (13 reviews) from Clarksville, TN (Zone 7a)

I have always been pleased with my orders from this company. They have a nice selection and I especially like their selection of cold-hardy vegetable seeds. The packets contain lots of seeds, delivery is quick, and the service is efficient with good communication.

Positive
On May 23, 2012, Sherilou (23 reviews) from Panhandle Gulf Coast, FL (Zone 8b)

Seeds From Italy has super-quick order processing and shipping. Postage is very reasonable. Their Franchi seeds have an excellent germination rate, producing strong healthy plants.

Positive
On Dec 8, 2011, susybell (20 reviews) from Vancouver, WA (Zone 8a)

Posted on January 19, 2011, updated December 8, 2011 Posted on January 19, 2011, updated January 19, 2011 Just received my second order from Seeds of Italy. Very pleased-love getting these fabulous big packets of Italian seed-very good value.I've seen this same line of seed elsewhere for more money. They really do last for a couple of years. He shipped promptly and I received all of the items I ordered without any problems. I'm sure I'll order from him again.


On January 19th, 2011, susybell added the following: er, Seeds FROM Italy....oops...
On December 8th, 2011, susybell added the following: Just wanted to follow-up. We had a really wacky spring here again, so everything I planted was late getting in the ground but the seeds I bought from Seeds From Italy did very, very well anyway. I got a great crop and will definitely order from them again. I even used some leftover seeds from my original order in 09, and they also germinated well and produced nicely.

Positive
On Dec 2, 2011, midlandsmanna (1 reviews) from Gaston, SC

Placed phone order 11/29/2011 and received the order 12/2/2011. Dan was very easy to talk to and friendly. Packaging was excellent and well insulated. The seed packs were sealed in full color professional packages. I have to say that for the price, the seeds are a GREAT deal. Other sites listed 200-300 seeds and this site gives you several thousand seeds! I am very pleased with my purchase and fully intend to order again and will tell my gardening friends about this site. Excellent service and sale!!!

Positive
On Mar 28, 2011, borealrose (6 reviews) from East Hardwick, VT

Love this company! Good selection of hard to find varieties, especially Italian greens and winter squash and just about the most generous seed packages I've ever encountered; excellent value for the money. Highly recommended.

Positive
On Mar 12, 2011, Horseshoe (21 reviews) from Efland, NC (Zone 7a)

Another one of my very few favorite vegetable seed suppliers! The source to go to for true Italian varieties of seeds, many of them open-pollinated, meaning you can save your own seeds, folks, or just let Seeds From Italy do that for you! Their prices are excellent, the packaging (hermetically sealed) is a plus, germination rate is wonderful. And from what I've read you can be assured none of their seeds are GMO. I'd rate them a Positive Plus if the rating system went that high.

Positive
On Feb 12, 2011, redjeep (9 reviews) from hillsboro, OR

Posted on January 17, 2010, updated February 12, 2011 In 2009, the artichoke and fennel seeds I recieved were extremly well packaged, had a tremendous germination rate, and produced fast growing, healthy plants that did great in western oregon. I ordered a lot more this year, and the shipping rates were very good. These seeds are the real deal, and ordering them here allowed me to stop utilizing several other companies that since being purchased by Burpee and Monsanto, now only sell the more generic seeds.


On February 12th, 2011, redjeep added the following: Literally every seed germinates. This has become my top supplier, and has allowed me to cut back on Territorial and Abundant Life, which were getting expensive, Seeds of Change, which are crooks, and Pinetree which has been having germination issues. According to wikileaks Europeans are a lot freakier on GMO then we are, which makes these seeds much less likely to be Franken seeds then anything from any large domestic catalog. And the packaging is terrific. I am a buy American person to the extreme, however, these are great seeds, the customer service is great and responsive, and the vegetables do great in Western Oregon despite the lack of sun or warmth--and the taste--especially the tomatoes--incredible! It is a joy each year to try new varieties because they never dissappoint.

Positive
On Feb 9, 2011, mgsid (4 reviews) from Sumner, MO (Zone 5b)

This was my 3rd year ordering from the Seeds From Italy catalog and I have always had a good experience. They have varieties that I cannot find elswhere, orders are promptly filled, and the packages contain a very genereous number of seeds.

Positive
On Dec 8, 2010, robert693 (2 reviews) from Dahinda, IL

I have never had a problem with this company. The seeds that I order always arrive quickly and in great shape. The owner, Bill, is really a nice man who gives his personal attention to each order. He also puts out a quarterly newsletter with helpful hints and other news. This company was the only seed company that I could find that had the Italian cucumber/melons that all of the old italian guys in my old neighborhood used to grow. The seed packets that he sends, that come from Franchi and several other Italian seed companies, have many more seeds that the packets that you get at your local garden center or Wal Mart. I would highly reccommend Seeds From Italy for Italian varieties as well as common varieties!

Positive
On Mar 12, 2010, NStrasser (2 reviews) from Pulaski, VA

Posted on April 7, 2005, updated March 12, 2010 My order was filled quickly, and with the personal touch that let me know I was dealing with an enthusiastic fellow-gardener. The packaging of the seeds is particularly nice: it's attractive, moisture-proof, and labeled IN ENGLISH with growing instructions.


On March 12th, 2010, NStrasser added the following: For several years now, Seeds from Italy has been my #1 choice for seed shopping. Great selection, excellent value, and top-quality seed products with excellent germination. And I am 100% satisfied with the service.

Positive
On Jan 23, 2010, Spinonitaliani (5 reviews) from Newington, CT

Great company! I received my order of about 6 packets on Thursday after ordering Monday...all in good shape. The packets are giant, attractive, and have plenty of information. I guess that's what you get from Italy! I think it's great that this company allows me to get the Italian seeds I love straight from the source. Keep up the good work, will definitely be ordering more next year!

Positive
On Jan 19, 2010, Poajoan (2 reviews) from Reno, NV (Zone 5a)

I ordered from this company in 2009 and was very impressed with the number and quality of seeds. Excellent germination both indoors and outdoors, both peppers and tomatoes were vigorous and continued producing throughout the growing season. Although we had a very early frost the tomatoes in the unheated hoop house continue producing until November. I've already placed an order for this year. The comments that were made on the seed order last year were very helpful. Nice to find a company that has a personal touch. Zone 5

Positive
On Jan 29, 2009, hokie75 (1 reviews) from Richmond, VA

In December 2008, I ordered and received seed from Seeds From Italy. Since then, they have charged my credit card twice for orders I did not place.


On February 2nd, 2009, hokie75 changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: The two erroneous charges have been refunded. The owner acknowledged his error and apologized.

Positive
On Jan 9, 2009, cics (7 reviews) from Fort Worth, TX (Zone 8a)

Ordered several seeds from their website and everything went very smoothly. I received the seeds in about three days and would definitely order from them again.

Positive
On Dec 18, 2008, dmj1218 (23 reviews) from west Houston, TX (Zone 9a)

Great vegetable seed company to order from--much larger packages than other seed companies and super fast delivery even in the middle of the holiday season. Definitely now one of my favorite seed companies.

Positive
On Aug 30, 2008, cottonpicker (2 reviews) from Audubon, PA (Zone 6b)

I have nothing but PRAISE for this company! Have ordered their products several times and am always very pleased with the QUICK & FRIENDLY service. Their wide selection and perfectly "hermetically" sealed colorful packages are only second to the X-tra GENEROUS quantity of seeds inside!! My hat's off to them! GREAT job!!!!

Positive
On Feb 27, 2008, bibbykitty (41 reviews) from San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b)

I have ordered seeds from Bill many times. Some bulk seeds some regular packages. The seeds have all had very good germination rates. The packages are usually very generous compared to most seed companies. A lot of seeds. The turnaround time is always fast. Will definitely buy more in the future.

Positive
On Jan 18, 2008, hart (10 reviews) from Shenandoah Valley, VA

I ordered from Seeds from Italy last year for the first time and was extremely pleased. The seed packets - nearly all are under $3 - are huge with many times the amount you'd receive from an American seed company. There are many interesting varieties of all kinds of vegetables, not just from Italy but some continental specialties that are sometimes hard to find here such as haricot vert. There's a nice selection of flower seeds too and even some mushroom spawn. If you like to grow your own basil, their catalog has a huge selection of varieties as well as many other herbs. I have to say the turnaround on my order was faster than any seed company I've dealt with. My seeds arrived about two days after I ordered. Shipping charges are very reasonable too.

Positive
On Jan 10, 2008, arachide (12 reviews) from Chicago, IL (Zone 5b)

I love this company. Their seed packets are large and colorful with information in various languages. Prices are very reasonable, large amount of seed per pack and varieties I couldn't find other places. They were super fast to ship (even over the holidays). Thanks!

Positive
On Dec 3, 2007, gdionelli (31 reviews) from Huntington, WV (Zone 6a)

Wow! I just received my first order from Seeds from Italy. The website was easy to use, and the descriptions were very helpful in making my decisions. I found this company because I was looking for agretti seeds, which are hard to find and only available part of the year. I told Bill to save my order and ship it all when the agretti came it - it actually seemed to take no time at all before they arrived. The packaging is beautiful, and I expect the hermetically sealed Italian seed packets will guarantee good germination. The printed planting instructions in English are helpful, and Bill enclosed handwritten instructions for agretti - much appreciated. I highly recommend this company for its selection and customer service.

Positive
On Nov 24, 2006, (0 reviews)

I have been growing seeds from Italian seed companies for several years now (they are readily available in Toronto, where I frequently visit), although this was my first order with Seeds from Italy. I have enjoyed dealing with this seed company. The on-line catalog is exciting to read. Very enticing in it's description of both the plant, it's known performance and also the taste of the vegetables. The seed packages themselves are eye candy, and I really appreciated that the information in the catalog is printed onto stickers (in English) and stuck on each package. Very thoughtful!! The handwritten note returned to me with the seeds kindly stated two seeds where out of stock, and if they come in, I will be receiving them when they arrive from Italy. Seeds from Italy is a small operation, and I appreciated the note, and if they remember to send the seed I'll be pleased. Sometimes these things are hard for small companies to keep up with so I'm really not that worried about it. I'm just so pleased with what arrived today! These seeds are just so darned hard to get here!! THUMBS UP!


On January 8th, 2007, girlgroupgirl added the following: It took poor Bill months to get the seeds I had ordered from Italy. They didn't really cost much to me, but Bill kept in contact, and sent them when they arrive. I AM SO IMPRESSED!

Positive
On Oct 25, 2006, kmhughes (5 reviews) from Los Altos, CA

I have been ordering and planting seeds from here for about 5 years. In general, I have only had a few instances where I had problems germinating seeds, and Bill was always quick to refund or replace the seeds. I have been very happy with the quality of the seeds--in my Bay Area California climate, most of them germinate and grow much better than similar US varieties I have tried, ordered from places like Cooks Garden and Seeds of Change. Compared to other seed vendors, I usually get many, many more seeds per packet but at a similar price, and use them for 2-3 years with great success. I have to agree with Bill--even with the packets opened (no longer hermetically sealed), I get good germination results for most things for 2-3 years.

Neutral
On Oct 7, 2006, containergarden (8 reviews) from Los Angeles, CA

My first experience was mixed. I put in a large order and many of the packets I received had been packed for previous seasons, some for two seasons earlier. Yes, they were well packaged, better packaged than most American seeds, but their useful life was limited by their packing dates. I e-mailed the owner and his e-mail response was defensive and off-point. Nevertheless, I liked the seeds and reordered the following year (spring, 2006) specifying that I wanted only seeds packed for that year or the previous year. My order was filled accordingly. I expect that one explanation of the relatively low prices is the owner's practice of filling orders with seeds packed in a previous season. I would not have minded if the catalog had explained this practice, which is highly unusual in the U.S., giving me the opportunity to weigh the costs and benefits of ordering. But, as is, it was a rude surprise. I'm surprised that no one else has mentioned it.


Company representative comment on October 8, 2006:

On Oct 8, 2006 7:06 AM, Seeds From Italy added:

Italian seed companies package their seeds in hermetically sealed packages designed to prevent air and water infiltration. Because of that, they have much longer 'use by" dates than American seeds which are packaged in paper packs. This type of packaging is recognized by USDA which allows a three year 'use by" date as opposed to one year for paper packets. In fact, my seeds would always have a longer 'use by" date than any packet from an American seed company. I guarantee the germination rate on the packet.

While the vast majority of my seeds are normally from the current year, sometimes that is not the case. It has nothing to do with economics (selling old seeds); sometimes, especially with varieties which do not sell in large quantity, I either have seed from the previous year or I receive previous year seed from my Italian supplier.

I am sure I would have explained that to the commentator. If not, I apologize.

Bill McKay

Positive
On Feb 27, 2006, TinyTomato (6 reviews) from Chardon, OH

This is now my second year ordering from this company and again I am very satisfied. They provide many hard to find varieties, lots of seed and friendly service. I look forward to what they will offer next year.

Positive
On Jun 21, 2005, Pegmumm (3 reviews) from Mount Vernon, WA

I ordered 11 packages of seed on night of the 16th and everything I ordered arrived in this morning's mail and today is the 20th. That's just 4 days. Huge packages with large amounts of seed. I am very pleased. It was my first order, it won't be my last.

Positive
On Apr 21, 2005, rdinjian (9 reviews) from Watertown, MA (Zone 6a)

I bought tomato seeds from them last year; good, quick shipping of seeds; huge amount of seeds in the packet, must have been 200 tomato seeds, far more than any other seed company I have ever seen

Positive
On Apr 20, 2005, jcsgreenthumb (19 reviews) from Pisgah Forest, NC (Zone 6b)

I have ordered from this company for a number of years. I have nothing but good things to say. The shipping is quick, VERY reasonable, the seed packets are very generous compared to many seed companies. Definitely worth a try!

Positive
On Mar 7, 2005, grwleye (1 reviews) from Long Beach, CA

I have placed several orders with the company and can echo several others' comments: great seeds in good quantity, quick response to emails, a nice news letter and helpful recipes. Great place!

Positive
On Feb 13, 2005, MollymDG (10 reviews) from Manteca, CA (Zone 9b)

Great variety, great varieties, large packets, good growing instructions, great service, and above all GREAT SEEDS. GrowItalian.com's seeds germinate so well that I buy varieties I could get here from them, and have found that in addition to better germination, the selections are often head and shoulders better in vigor, quality, and flavor than the same named varieties as packaged by U.S. firms. Oh yes --the packets are large in size as well as number of seeds, and beautiful enough to use in a montage. Varieties are sealed in interior foil packets where appropriate. Excellent recipes and growing tips on the web site.

Positive
On Dec 13, 2004, CritterCapers (2 reviews) from Spring Hope, NC (Zone 8a)

Excellent service! I received what I ordered right away. The one back-ordered item was sent sooner than it was supposed to be sent. Great quality seeds, and many, many more per packet you're used to. They seem genuinely excited about growing Italian varieties; I'm glad to have found them.

Positive
On Dec 12, 2004, skunkster (8 reviews) from Moscow, ID (Zone 6a)

Have ordered twice. This place is now one of my favorites. Fast shipping!!!!!!! Ten times as many seeds in each pack. Just wish they had a larger selection.

Positive
On Jul 3, 2004, evan1 (4 reviews) from Somerville, NJ

Quick response to catalog request and quick turnaround time on order. Many more seeds in a pack than you would expect. Very happy here.

Positive
On Apr 3, 2004, gponder (8 reviews) from Gold Hill, OR

A wonderful source for unusal seeds from Italy not available locally. These people stand behind their product!! Great customer service. Prompt responses to email.

Neutral
On Mar 1, 2004, GardenGuru5 (2 reviews)

Orderd seed from them as Ive heard they were good. Nice selection but they had alot of stuff on backorder. Couldnt get a response to my emails. Finally arrived, No Agretti, got what I needed elswhere at Harvest Moon Farms Seed and Johnny's Seed but will order again.

Positive
On Jan 1, 2004, emeraldblue70 (10 reviews) from West Sacramento, CA

For those folks that love Italian vegetables and are looking for the "Italian Experience" in gardening this is the site to visit. I placed my order one week before Christmas and received by seeds in immaculate condition three days after they shipped in the same week. I ordered tomatoes and zucchini and I already have tomato seedlings from the seed I purchased. I am overall impressed with the product, packaging, customer service, and value. No need to count seeds here, seed packets are very generous. Their website is also very informative with Italian recipes, and detailed product descriptions from a gardener's perspective. It is a great site to visit if you are just new to gardening or just have an appreciation for Italian cooking/vegetables. Not only do you learn how to grow the vegetables but how to use them once they come out of the garden. They also publish a quarterly newsletter that offers some worthwhile reading. Overall I am very happy to receive superior quality seeds and excellent customer service. Hands down, I will definitely order from Seeds from Italy again.

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