Key Points
- Seeds of Italy, based in Harrow, imports Franchi Seeds from Bergamo, a seventh-generation family seed company founded in 1783.
- The business specialises in heritage, ethical, and regional Italian seed varieties, supporting sustainable gardening from seed to plate.
- Franchi Seeds holds accolades including recognition as the most ethical major packet seed brand by Ethical Consumer Magazine and Vegetarian Society approval.
- The Harrow store at D2 Phoenix Business Park offers seeds, provisions, kitchenware, and expert advice, open Wednesday to Saturday.
- Online orders are available 24/7 with UK shipping, alongside a showroom for Tuscan wood-burning ovens and Italian specialties.
Harrow (West London News) January 13, 2026 – Seeds of Italy, a Harrow-based importer, plays a vital role in preserving Italy’s heritage seeds by bringing Franchi Seeds, the world’s oldest family-run seed company, to UK gardeners.
The company, led by Paolo Arrigo, imports directly from Franchi Seeds in Bergamo, ensuring access to authentic Italian varieties known for their vigour and taste.
What is Seeds of Italy and its connection to Italian heritage?
Seeds of Italy operates from D2 Phoenix Business Park, Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 2SP, serving as the UK importer for Franchi Seeds, a seventh-generation family business from Bergamo established in 1783.
The company focuses on Italy from seed to plate, stocking over hundreds of heritage vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower varieties that reflect regional Italian traditions.
As reported by Sterling Grove Accountants in their success story on Paolo Arrigo, the business champions ethical and regional seeds, with Franchi recognised as the most ethical major packet seed brand by Ethical Consumer Magazine.
It also holds Vegetarian Society approval and Slow Food UK endorsement, maintaining a 5-star Food Safety Rating.
How does the Harrow store support community gardeners?
The Harrow store opens to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30am to 5pm, allowing visitors to browse seeds, provisions, kitchenware, preserving equipment, Tuscan perfumery, gifts, and Italian novelties.
A showroom features Tuscan wood-burning ovens, while staff provide expert advice on hard-to-find Italian products, nearest to Harrow & Wealdstone tube station.
According to the company’s official details, the warehouse doubles as a retail space, fostering direct engagement with customers passionate about authentic Italian gardening.
As reported by Seeds of Italy’s own listings, popular items include heritage varieties like Basil Classico Italiano, Black Tuscan Cabbage featured on television, and stringless French beans.
What products highlight Italy’s seed heritage?
Franchi Seeds offers pure seed packets without grasses or fillers, covering varieties such as Tropea Rossa Lunga onions praised by The Hairy Bikers, plaited white Italian garlic, and Carnevale pumpkins.
Heritage selections include those seen on BBC Gardeners’ World and 2 Greedy Italians, such as V13 Black Tuscan Cabbage and large flat-leaf basil from Naples.
Additional provisions like Moldera Cacioricotta cheese, Amato sundried tomatoes, and Prunotto wildflower honey complement the seed range, emphasising quality Italian produce.
What challenges and opportunities face Seeds of Italy?
Online orders process 24/7 via www.seedsofitaly.com, with dispatch by second-class post or courier, though import delays from border controls occasionally affect stock.
Shipping remains UK-only, starting at £2.99 for seed packets, with higher rates for larger items like trees, and potential surcharges for remote areas.
The business promotes its 2026 catalogue, available free, showcasing heritage veg from 1928 and new products like plant-based bioplastic tags printed in the UK.
Reporting from the company’s site notes the store’s adjusted hours, now Monday to Friday 9:30am-5pm and Saturday 9:30am-5pm, with phone lines open Monday to Saturday.
Seeds of Italy continues to bridge Italian agricultural heritage with Harrow’s community, offering a unique resource for ethical gardening and authentic flavours amid growing interest in sustainable food sources.
