Italian American Seed Collection

Sabatino’s "Peppe Insalata" Lettuce

Our first seed to be offered is a classic example of a hardy salad green from Abruzzo. This lettuce was grown by Sabatino DiNardo in Pittsburgh, PA. Sabatino was  born in 1937 in a small town called Gamberale, within the Abruzzo region of Italy. He immigrated to the US in 1956 at age 18. He began working as a laborer  and eventually worked as a Steelworker. In 1961, he returned to the “old country” to marry the love of his life, Maria Bucci. They were married for 52 years and built a beautiful life together in America.  One of the many things they enjoyed doing together was gardening; Maria tended to a colorful flower garden in the front of the home, which was a beautiful focal point for neighbors to walk by and enjoy.   Sabatino grew a robust vegetable garden, including this lettuce, which he called  “Peppe Insalata” because the seeds were given to him by his father-in-law Giuseppe, “Peppe”.

These seeds have traveled a long way, through time and distance. Originally grown in Abruzzo, they were brought to America. Sabatino grew this lettuce in the Oakland-area of Pittsburgh where he first lived when he arrived; then he moved to Brookline where he lived and gardened for over 30 years.

Offered by: Truelove Seeds

Grown by: Growers Grange

Your purchase supports the work of The Italian Garden Project Foundation.