What's so special about Italian seeds?

[ysb33r]

there seems to be a lot of Italian seeds offered on the market now? Is this just marketing hype? Or are there any special characteristics with these seeds i.e. good taste, hardiness etc.?

[srodders]

It's all hype I reckon. The only reason I (we) get them is 'cause the wife's Italian and the varieties are what she was brought up on! You do get loads of seeds in the packs though and I always get good germination rates - far better than with Thompson and Morgan seeds.

[Wendy]

I just bought some seeds from Italy and have found they are very cheap compared to the Uk and there are about 10 times as many seeds in the packets! also there are some unusual veg and herbs so i think its price and variety

[Snadger]

I made the mistake of trying to grow an Italian climbing french bean last year. Even though we had a wonderful summer and I cossetted the plants by putting windbreaks around the support structure and plants they didn't come to much.
I suppose there's a bit of difference in climate between Rome and the North East of England!

[jacob marley]

there seems to be a lot of Italian seeds offered on the market now? Is this just marketing hype? Or are there any special characteristics with these seeds i.e. good taste, hardiness etc.?

Ibought soe Italian seeds this year half price 1 packet of carrot seeds 7200 seeds in packet i put 2 rows in plot i now have 2 nice rows and enough seeds left to sow another 20 rows i sowed i row of english seed only half row came up and they was sowed on the same day we are being ripped of with half packets that are dearer i also sowed a row of italian spring onions same day they all came as well answer seeds that grow and cheep

[madderbat]

We brought some Italian seeds back from.... crete! We wanted to try and grow some of the varieties we'd had on holiday. The tomatoes and peppers are coming along and we are hopeful of good crops.