Cavolo Nero kale from Tuscany can be sown until the end of July. Use to make ribollita. Broad Bean Aguadulce Supersimonia from Puglia can be sown from September to November and used to make n’capriata, a bean and potato mash flavoured with the best olive oil. Eat with hunks of bread. Parella Rossa lettuce from the Alps needs a colder climate to flourish and should be sown in February or again in September. Cauliflower Jesi from Le Marche can be sown now and harvested until the end of February.
Radicchio Rosso di Treviso can be sown until September and harvested in winter and used to make risotto alla trevigiana with Italian sausages. Spinach Riccio d’Asti can be sown now – use in a spinach tart. Buy these six Franchi Seeds packets for £11 (usually £1.95 each) by phoning 020 8427 5020 and quoting Telegraph offer