Agretti (140-99)

Due to poor germination with the 2022 batch of Agretti, we have changed our policies regarding Agretti.  For 2023 we are going the extra mile to ensure that we get the freshest Agretti seed we can into the US, as quickly as we possibly can, to eliminate chances of this rare and fragile seed's viability declining before customer purchase.  Despite increased cost for us, we are not raising the price of the Agretti, but will no longer offer a germination guarantee on Agretti.  We've taken every possible step to ensure that the seed retains viability from when it is germination tested in Italy prior to packaging in the fall.  That being said, this is an incredibly delicate seed with very short viability, that is very hard to find outside of Italy.  Order at your own risk (but we have always had success when planting our own Agretti!)

Also known as Barba di Frate, Salsola Soda, and Roscano, Agretti is an annual with long, chive-like foliage. It is very popular in Italy and has become the latest trend in high-end Italian restaurants in the U.S. When mature (50 or so days) Agretti is a 18" wide, 24" tall bush that looks like a huge chive plant or rosemary plant. Flavor is a bit bitter, a bit sourish. You can just braise them in some olive oil with garlic and serve as a side dish. You can also boil them and dress with olive oil.

Plant in spring, when soil temperatures reach about 60 to 65 degrees. Sow and cover with 1/3 to 1/2 inch soil. Space seeds 4-6 inches apart. Thin to one plant 8-12 inches apart in row or raised bed. Germination time: 7-10 days. Start cutting from the plants when they are about 6-8 inches tall. Cut the green tops or sections of the plant; it then will regrow. 100 gram (3.5 ounce) box contains approximately 2,000 seeds. Minimum germination 65 percent.