1889

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. ...9

New Rosy Gem Radish. This wonderful new radish has won golden opinions in all sections of the country. The illustration is perfect from nature, and will give some idea of their great beauty. It is absolutely the earliest radish in cultivation. Their shape is perfectly globular, with rich deep scarlet top, blending into pure white at the bottom, exceedingly tender, crisp and delicious, never becoming hollow or pithy, equally desirable for either the market or home garden, and should be planted by everybody. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 1/4 lb. 50 cts.; lb. $1.50.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, bunch of radishes, Williams. Text-New Rosy Gem Radish.]

New Extra Early Express Cabbage. "Excels in earliness all the sorts we have grown, has the shape and appearance of our well known Etampes Cabbage, but is smaller and eight to ten days earlier; has but a few outside leaves, and therefore may be planted very close and yield large crops; for forcing can hardly be surpassed."

Above is a description of the Express Cabbage as sent out in France last year by the introducers of The Etampes Cabbage, now so justly popular. It has proved to be about one week earlier than the Etampes and is therefore an important acquisition for the market gardener. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 30 cts.; 1/4 lb. $1.00; lb. $3.00.

Carroll, Iowa, Feb'y 2, '88:- "I bought seed of you last year; all done well. Vine Peach yielded beyond all reason." Sylvanus White, Market Gardener.

Orient, Iowa, Jan. 12, '88:- I have bought seeds of your house for a number of years, both for myself and others, and have found them satisfactory. Fred M. Collins.

New Osage Musk Melon. A new variety originated near Benton Harbor, Mich., and in great demand on the Chicago markets. The skin is very thin, of dark green color, and slightly netted. The flesh is salmon color of a luscious spicy flavor, extremely thick, sweet and delicious to the rind. The seed cavity is remarkably small. Per pkt, 10 cts.; oz. 35 cts.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, squash, A. Blanc. Text-Sibley Squash.]

New Sibley Squash. Claimed to be a great improvement on the Hubbard. It originated in Iowa, and was named in honor of the late Mr. Hiram Sibley; is also called Pike's Peak by some dealers. The form, correctly shown by the cut, is obviously entirely new, having the stem at the swelled end. The shell is pale green in color, very hard and flinty, but at the same time so very thin and smooth as to occasion the least possible waste in baking. The flesh is solid and thick, a vivid brilliant orange in color, dry, and has a rich delicate flavor peculiarly its own. In productiveness the new Sibley Squash has decidedly the advantage of either the Hubbard or Marblehead. In its keeping qualities it excels all, remaining in a good dry cellar, perfectly sound until the last of March, constantly improving in flavor and quality until the very last. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 25 cts.; 1/4 lb. 75 cts.

10 ... Specialties and Novelties for 1889.

Early Prolific Marrow Squash. This new variety has been proven by trials made under varying conditions of soil and climate by seed growers and gardeners in different parts of the country to be a most valuable acquisition. There is no variety for fall and winter that can compete with it in earliness and productiveness, the two most important features for the market gardener, while its attractive color - brilliant orange red - good cooking and keeping qualities, make it popular with the consumer. A large crop of this variety, which were being grown in Nebraska for seed last season, was the finest and handsomest field of squash we ever had the opportunity of seeing. Per pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 1/4 lb. 60 cts.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Marrow Squash.]

New Golden Andalusia Wax Beans. We gave this variety a thorough test in our trial grounds this season and were very agreeably surprised with it. It is undoubtedly the Finest Pole Bean in existance and its handsome, large golden pods are borne in great profusion, one half bushel having been picked from a single vine. Pods are entirely stringless, broad, fleshy and exceedingly rich and delicious. Is quite early, and clings to poles better than other variety we had on the place this year. Don't fall to try it. Per pkt. 15 cts.; 4 pkts. 50 cts.

New Kalamazoo Celery. There is probably more celery shipped from Kalamazoo than any other town in the United States, and it has attained a high reputation in all large markets, owing to its handsome appearance, solidity, crisp eating and delicious flavor. We have this year succeeded in obtaining a quantity of the seed and should like to have all our customers try it. It is perfectly distinct, and is of a beautiful cream white color throughout, attains a very large size, is of quick growth, stiff, close habit, while by reason of its neat growth and showy and handsome appearance it is a specially valuable variety for market. It is also a first-class keeper. For the use of hotels, restaurants, and other large establishments, it is unequalled, there being scarcely any waste in dressing it for the table. It is sure to take the lead among the white varieties of celery, and should be grown in every garden, large and small alike. Market gardeners, if you want a good thing do not fail to give the "Kalamazoo" a trial. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 40 cts.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, peanut plants with roots, shelled peanut, peanut in shell.]

Red Cross Peanuts. Peanuts can be grown in Iowa, and everyone should plant a few for themselves and the children. This very desirable variety as early as the earliest, the most hardy, very prolific and of the best quality. Boys, here is a chance for you. Think of growning Peanuts in your own garden, and having plenty of them to eat. Plant soon as ground becomes warm, from two to three feet apart each way, four or five to the hill, covering two or three inches. The soil should be deep and mellow and well broken up, so as to be ready for planting soon after frosts are over - April is a suitable time. They produce 25 to 70 bushels per acre, and are as easily cultivated as corn. "Splendid to fatten hogs and children." Price per large package, 10 cts.; lb. post paid, 50 cts.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa ... 11

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, dwarf Champion Tomato.]

New Dwarf Champion Tomato. Its habit of growth is peculiar, for not only is it dwarf and compact, but the stem being thick, stiff and short jointed, it is actually self-supporting when laden with fruit, a characteristic we have seen in no other variety. The foliage is also distinct and peculiar, being very dark green in color; thick and corrugated. Its close upright growth also enables it to be planted much nearer together than any of the older sorts, and the yield, therefore, is likely to be much greater, for in productiveness it is unsurpassed. At their best stage we had plants that had on half a bushel of grown fruit, green and ripe. It is also very early. The fruit resembles the Acme, and is of a purplish pink color, and always smooth and symmetrical in form. It is of medium size and attractive in appearance; the skin is tough, and the flesh solid and of fine quality. Altogether the Dwarf Champion Tomato is a decided acquisition, whether wanted for market or for private use. Can almost be called a Tree Tomato. Don't fail to try this novelty. Per pkt. 10 cts.

New Astro Cucumber. A rare novelty, sure to excite the curiosity of your neighbors. It attracted more attention than anything else in the vegetable line at the State Fair, except the Yard Long Beans. Try it and see how many persons will lean over lhe fence and ask. "What's that?" It is the largest variety we have ever seen. With common outdoor culture growing fifteen to eighteen inches in length and with very few seeds. Excellent for slicing; flesh white and very crisp. In pkts. only, each 10 cts.; 6 for 50 cts.

Floral Novelties.

Foliage Beets. The new ornamental bedding plant, and one of the most effective foliage plants in existence, its leaves producing a wealth of tropical beauty. Its metallic, lustrous and glistening leaves equal any of the most expensive exotics and conservatory plants. Some of the varieties have leaves three feet in length and one foot in width, with glistening varnish like surface and an intense scarlet midrib surrounded on each side by the most exquisite shading and variegation. Others have mid-ribs of deep crimson, blood red, light yellow, golden yellow, silvery white, etc., and are veined with same colors. Seed may be sown in bed out doors and transplanted as soon as they are large enough to show colors, into very handsome ribbon beds or borders, or may be sown where wanted. Are very handsome as pot plants and are used as the most effective decorative plants in some of the most elaborate ball-room decorations in New York City. Our collection contains nine of the handsomest varieties. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 35 cts.

Edelweiss. This is the famous and true "Edelweiss" of the Alps, found growing there in the most inaccessible spots among the rocks, and gathered by tourists and others at great risk of life. The flower is considered the proper present for a bride from her fiance on her wedding morn. The flowers are of downy texture, pure white and star-shaped, and easily cultivated. Per pkt. 20 cts.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Edelweiss plant with bloom.]

12 ... Specialties and Novelties for 1889.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Pansy bloom. Caption-Giant Trimardeau Pansies.]

"Those Lovely Pansies." We offer this season two of the choicest new Pansies that have ever been produced. Every one loves Pansies, and every one should try these new varieties this year. They cannot be obtained from any one but the Iowa Seed Co.

Iowa Beauty- Of all the varieties of Pansies ever introduced this is certainly the finest. It contains a great number of varieties, all of which are beautifully marked, blotched or striped with the handsomest and most delicately blended colors. The flowers are of rich, velvety substance and perfect shape, and larger than any other kind, except our Iowa Giant and Trimardeau. All should see the large colored representation of these in our store. Per pkt. 25c; 5 pkts. $1.

Iowa Giant- The largest variety of Pansies in existence; equal, if not larger, than the Trimardeau, and of much better colors. Is much larger than the Iowa Beauty, but has not the velvety substance and delicate rich colors of that variety. They produce a great variety of shades and markings, and are sure to please all pansy lovers Per pkt. 25 cts.; 5 pkts. $1.00.

Giant Trimardeau- Was offered by us last season for the first time, and has given splendid satisfaction. An altogether distinct and beautiful new class of Pansy, the flowers of which are of very large size; some have measured four inches in diameter - in fact, larger than anything hitherto attained in the genus. Each flower is marked with three large blotches or spots, and stands well above the foliage; the plants may be expected to produce the same endless variety and beautiful shades of color that are found in other classes of this popular plant. They continue to bloom profusely throughout the season. Per pkt. 25 cts.

Golden Trimardeau - Has the large size of the above variety, but is of a rich golden yellow color. Remarkably handsome and showy variety. Per pkt. 25c.

Special--One packet each of the above four varieties for 75 cts. Plants of the above varieties 75 cts. per dozen, postpaid.

Phlox Drummondi, Cuspidata or Star A magnificent novelty for 1889, which is of such extraordinary form and beauty that every lover of the beautiful "must have it." The growth is generally four inches dwarfer and the habit slightly more compact than the common. The size of the flower is partly the same, partly a little smaller, but the pointed center-teeth of the petals (five in number) are four or five times as long as the lateral ones and project beyond them like little spines 1/4 to 1/8 inch long. Thus the flowers appear to have a splendid, long-pointed, distinctly marked, regular star-like form, whose beauty is improved by the broad, white margins, which borders the edges of the petals. This novelty will soon prove to be one of the finest flowers for fine bouquets and garden culture. A first-class certificate of merit has been awarded to this novelty by the Royal Prussian Horticultural Society. Per pkt. 25 cts.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, blooming Phlox Drummondi plant.]

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. ... 13

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Verbena Hybrida Erecta Compacta.]

Verbena Hybrida Erecta Compacta. A new and fine strain, remarkable for its growth. The plants spread so as to form almost circular bushes of about two feet in diameter, throwing up in a singularly compact manner on stiff and erect stems a great number of flowers, which are elegantly carried above the dark green foliage. The individual flowers are large and well formed, the mixture contains a great variety of color. Per pkt. 25 cts.

New Striped Larkspur. This handsome novelty, which we introduce this season, we are certain will be appreciated by all lovers of flowers. It is quite well illustrated on the cover of this catalogue; still, but a faint idea of their extreme beauty can be obtained from it. We have grown and been improving them for many years. The colors are pink, carmine, dark blue, purple, and white, striped and blotched, and are delicately and beautifully blended, and flowers are produced in the greatest profusion, making it one of the finest annuals in cultivation. All customers should try this novelty this season. Per pkt. 15 cts.

Sweet Peas. May well be called America's Favorite, as it is such a popular and easily grown flower that rich and poor alike can enjoy its fragrance and beauty. They are hardy, free from insects and disease, and if cut freely as soon as they begin to fade will continue to bloom throughout the season. We grow a splendid variety of these on our seed farm, and can recommend all of the named varieties, as well as the mixed, to our customers. They are unsurpassed. One ounce will sow a row fifty feet long, and make a lovely hedge. Try them.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Sweet Peas bouquet with fan, A. Blanc.]

Queen of the Isles- After careful and continued selection, this unique variety has become fixed. The large flowers are handsomely striped with both blue and red on a white ground; very fine. Per pkt. 10 cts.

Butterfly- White ground, delicately laced with lavender blue; fragrant and valuable for bouquets. 10 cts. per packet.

Crown Princess of Prussia- A delicate blush; very fine; pkt. 10c. [10 cts.?]

Violet Queen- Of dwarf habit, but very free-flowering; the flowers range in color from deep mauve of the standard to light violet of the wings; very pretty; pkt. 10c. [10 cts.?]

Invincible Scarlet- Per oz. 15 cts.; pkt. 5 cts.

White- Per oz. 15 cts; pkt. 5 cts.

Painted Lady- Very pretty, delicate, pink and white; per oz. 20c [20 cts.?]; pkt. 5 [5 cts?].

Extra Fine Mixed--Contains a splendid assortment; 1/4 lb. 35c [35 cts.?]; oz. 10c. [10 cts.?]; pkt 5. [Image: inline graphic, pointed finger.] One packet each of the above varieties, 50 cts.