"Italiano Classico" is well known for its common association with tomatoes and its use for pesto, but it also can be added to soups and other vegetable dishes. It is a vigorous plant with medium-large, brilliant green, intensely aromatic and strongly flavoured leaves and small white flowers. Can be blitzed with olive oil and frozen for later use.

An attractive, verdant-green bush with a branching habit and can reach heights of 60-90cm. It does best in a warm, sunny position in light, fertile soil. Sow outside or transplant in late spring and thin to 25cm. 70-75 days from direct seeding. Conventional seed is also available.