1889

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 29.

[left column] [continued from previous page] transplant to four inches apart each way in a rich well pulverized bed.

For main crop, seed should be sown in the open ground as soon as it is fit to work in April, and kept carefully free from weeds until the time for transplanting in June or early July.

The tops are shorn off once or twice before planting, so as to insure "stocky" plants, which suffer less on being transplanted. After the ground has been nicely prepared, lines are struck out on the level surface, three feet apart, and the plants set six inches apart in rows. If the weather s dry at the time of planting great care should be taken that the roots are properly "firmed."

Keep clear of weeds until about the middle of August, when it will be time to begin earthing up. Draw the soil up against the plants with a hoe as closely as possible, firming it enough to keep plants in an upright position and prevent them from spreading. Later in the season the blanching process must be finished by the spade, which is done by digging the soil from between the rows and banking it up clear to the tops on each side of the row of Celery.

Some of the growers for the Des Moines market blanch the plants by placing a length of drain tile over them, others use a roll of pasteboard for the ame purpose, and thus save the labor of banking.

Kreamer- A novelty introduced by the Iowa Seed Co. This delicious Celery was originated by Mr. Kreamer, one of the most careful and successful Celery growers in the country. It is the result of a careful cross, and is one of the very earliest sorts we have ever seen, coming into market from the first to the middle of June. It grows very rapidly, and is consequently extremely crisp and tender. It is of a close, compact, upright habit; bleaches readily and rapidly. The flavor is exquisitely fine and rich, partaking largely of a mild and delicious walnut taste; oz. 50c. ... 10.

New Kalamazoo- See novelties, page 10; per oz. 40c. ... 10.

New Golden Self-Blanching- This new variety has fully realized all claimed for it, and is pronounced by all a great acquisition. The stalks grow vigorously with large large ribs, very thickly aud closely set. It is entirely self-blanching, without any banking up or covering whatever, even the outer ribs assuming a yellowish-white color of a very fresh and pleasing appearance. The heart is of a beautiful, golden-yellow, very large, crisp and solid. Unlike other self-blanching varieties, it is an extra good keeper - keeping well all winter - and of fine, sweet flavor. On the market stall or table it is unequaled in handsome and striking appearance; seed very scarce; per oz. 65c. ... 10.

White Plume- The stalk and portions of inner leaves and heart are naturally white, and becomes fit for use by simply tying it up closely with soft twine. This variety does not blanch during the hot weather, but as soon as the weather becomes cooler it shows its self-blanching character; per lb. $2.50; 1/4 lb. 85c; oz. 25c. ... 5.

[right column]

Sandringham Dwarf White- Very popular, excellent quality; per lb. $1.50 ; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Henderson's Half Dwarf- The favorite market variety; close habit, solid, crisp and tender; per lb. $1.50; 1/4 lb 50c; oz 15c. ... 5.

Golden Dwarf- A new variety of decided merit. When blanched, the heart is of rich, golden color, excellent quality, good keeper; per lb. $1.50; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Crawford's Half Dwarf- Much like the above; per lb. $2; 1/4 lb. 60c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Large White Solid- Per lb. $1.50; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Boston Market- Very tender and crisp; per lb. $1.75; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Dwarf Crimson- Considered by some superior to the white sorts. This is by far the best of all red varieties; per lb. $2.50; 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Turnip-Rooted, or Celeriac- Per lb. $2; 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Apple Shaped- The best and most handsome of the turnip-rooted varieties; per oz. 35c. ... 10.

Old Celery Seed- For flavoring; per lb. 50c; 1/4 lb. 15c; oz. 5c.

Celery Plants- See list of Vegetable Plants.

Chervil- Ger. Gartenkerbel. One ounce will sow 100 feet of drill.

Curled- Leaves used in soups and salads. Cultivated like parsely; per oz. 20c. ... 5.

Chicory- Ger. Cichorie. One ounce will sow about 15 square feet.

Large Rooted- Used as a substitute for coffee. Cultivate as Carrots. Take up the roots in the fall, cut into small pieces and put away to dry. When wanted for use, it is roasted and ground like Coffee; per 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Collards- Ger. Blatter-Kohl.

One ounce will prodnce [produce] about 3,000 plants.

Georgia- Sow seed in May; transplant and treat as Cabbage; per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Corn Salad, or Fetticus- Gr. Lammersalat. One ounce will sow about 20 square feet.

A delicious winter Salad. Sow early in September in drills, quarter of an inch deep and six inches apart. Just before cold weather cover with straw or leaves; per 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Corn. One quart will plant 200 hills; one peck will plant one acre in hills.

Plant as soon as the ground becomes warm in the spring, in hills about three feet apart; five or six grains to the hill, and when up, thin them out, allowing three or four of the strongest plants to remain. Give thorough cultivation. For a succession, plant every two weeks until mid-summer. We make the growing of Sweet Corn for seed a specialty, and have had a splendid crop this year. Notice reduction in price of packets.

30. Seed Catalogue and Garden Guide.

[left column] [Box with inset text] Price Includes Postage. See special prices by the peck and bushel at the end of Vegetable List. Market Gardeners and Canners write for prices; 15 cents per qt., less if sent by express.

Early Des Moines- See description with novelties, on page 8, qt. 40c; pt. 25c. ... 10.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Corn stalk, two ears, leaves pulled back to expose the ears. Caption-New Extra Early Cory Corn.]

New Extra Early Cory- This new variety is undoubtedly the earliest Sweet Corn in cultivation, being about one week earlier than the Marblehead. It grows a larger kernel and a larger and more marketable ear than the Marblehead, and will soon supplant that variety in our markets. Its habit of growth, productiveness and otherwise general appearance is very similar to the Marblehead, from which it is supposed to have been originally extracted, and over which it is a great improvement. It is well worth trial, and has but to be tested to be appreciated. Per qt. 45c; pt. 25c. ... 10.

Early Marblehead- This variety has with us proved to be earlier than the Early Minnesota; per qt. 40c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

Early Minnesota- The standard early corn; ears fair size and uniform, and very sweet; per qt. 35c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

Perry's Hybrid- The largest early twelve rowed Sweet Corn in the market. Our crop this year, grown in the southern part of this State, matured only eight days later than the Cory, and the yield was more than double - being about sixty bushels. It does not waste any time making stalks, its object is for ears, large ones and plenty of them, in the shortest possible length of time. In spite of the large competition, we obtained the First Premium on this variety at the Iowa State Fair in 1887; per qt. 50c; pt. 25c. ... 5.

Crosby's Early- A standard medium early variety; per qt. 30c; pt. 15c. ... 5.

[right column] Moore's Concord- Produces handsome ten-rowed ears, low on the stalk, and comes into use immediately after the Crosby's; per qt. 30c; pt. 15c. ... 5.

Stowell's Evergreen- The standard variety throughout the United States. Our stock of this variety is very choice, better we think than any ever offered before in this State; per qt. 30c; pt. 15c. ... 5.

Amber Cream- A delicious new variety, which is sure to grow in favor; per qt. 40c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

Black Mexican- A black-grained variety; one of the sweetest of all kinds; per qt. 40c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

Egyptian Sweet- Very prolific, and by all who have tried it believed to be the best late Sweet Corn in cultivation; per qt. 35c; pt. 20c. ...5.

Asylum- A good, large, late Sweet Corn; per qt. 35c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

Mammoth Sweet- The largest variety grown; per qt. 35c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

Sweet Corn for Fodder- We can furnish either early or late; per qt. 25c. ... [?]

Pop-Corn.

It pays to raise Pop-Corn as a general crop. It is a sure crop, and the demand always exceeds the supply.

Page's New Striped Rice- The best of all for family use. See description in novelty sheet, page 3, and illustration on cover; per qt. 55c; pt. 30c. ... 10.

Fine White Rice- A standard variety, which always brings the best price in the market; per qt. 45c. ... 5.

Fine Red Rice- Per qt. 50c. ... 5.

Smooth White- Per qt. 50c. ... 5.

Field Corn. See list of varieties under heading Miscellaneous Farm Seeds.

Cress, or Peppergrass.- Ger- Kresse. One ounce will sow about 16 square feet.

Early Curled- A well-known salad. Sow thickly and at intervals during the season; cover seed slightly; per 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

True Water- One of the most delicious of small salads. Will only grow where its roots are covered with water. Sow the seeds along the borders of running water and cover lightly; per oz. 25c. ... 10.

Upland Cress- This new vegetable is destined to become a valuable and important acquisition. It is a hardy perennial, thriving on soil wet or dry. The young and tender leaves can be eaten raw, or as a salad. It is excellent prepared same as lettuce, or when the leaves become large and plentiful, boiled as greens. In taste it is very pleasant, having the identical flavor of Water Cress, so highly prized, and is agreeable to all. Fifteen degrees below frost will not change the color of [continued next page]

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 31.

[left column] [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, full plant, A. Blanc.-Phla.] [continued from previous page] its leaves nor damage it, and therefore the foliage of the summer growth can be used in winter, same as Kale. In pkts. only, each. ... 10.

Cucumbers- Ger. Gurke. One ounce will plant 50 hills; two pounds will plant one acre.

Cucumbers succeed best in a rich, loamy soil. For first early, sow in hot-beds, upon pieces of sod or in small flower pots, six weeks before they can be set out in open ground. When danger of frost is over transplant in hills four feet apart each way. For general crop, plant in open ground in May, about twelve seeds in a hill. When danger of bugs is past, thin to four strong plants in a hill. For pickling, plant in June. Sprinkle vines with plaster or air-slacked lime, to protect from bugs. Slug Shot will kill the bugs.

Early Russian- Very early and productive; quite hardy; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Early White Spine, or Boston Market- The standard variety here. When small it is of a bright green color, and is excellent for pickling. It also makes a choice variety for slicing; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Iowa Seed Co's Perfect White Spine- An improvement on the above. See description with novelties, page 4; per lb. $1.35; 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, two small cucumbers hanging from a vine.]

Early Cluster- Grows in clusters, is extremely productive and of good quality. Our seed of this variety was grown on our home farm, and we think it cannot be excelled in purity. (See cut.) Per lb. 90c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Nichols' Medium Green- A new variety, which is the result of careful selection. Fruit of medium length, nearly cylindrical, ery uniform in shape and of good color when young; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Early Frame, or Short Green- One of the best, well-known; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Green Prolific- One of the best pickling sorts. Its characteristics are its very uniform growth, seldom yielding fruit too large for pickling, and its immense productiveness; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

[right column]

Boston, or Jersey Pickle- Is used almost exclusively by the market gardeners near Boston for pickling, and it makes as good short pickles as any on the list; per lb. $1; 1/4 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, two large cucumbers lying on a vine.]

Improved Long Green- Old standard sort; crisp, tender, good flavor; per lb. 90c; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

New Astro- A new large variety. See description with novelties, page 11. In packets only, each. ... 15.

Russian Netted- This is really a curiosity in the Cucumber family, and withal a variety of excellent quality; per 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Snake Cucumber, curling among vines, Blanc.]

Snake- A remarkable and very interesting curiosity. The cucumbers grow curled up like a snake with the head protruding, and sometimes are six feet in length. The illustration well represents their shape, and, although they attain great size, the quality is only fair; grown more as a curiosity than anything else, and to exhibit at fairs; packets only. ... 10.

London Long Green- One foot in length, flesh greenish white; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, 3 small, round, developing cucumbers on vine.]

White India Gherkin, or Burr- Makes a handsome pickle of first class quality. Be sure and try it. (See cut.) Per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Dandelion- Ger. Pardeblum. One ounce will sow about 100 feet of drill.

Those who only know the Dandelion as the persistent weed of our roadsides and lawns, know no more of its real value than one who has only seen the poisonous wild parsnip or carrot knows of the value of these vegetables. The improved variety makes one of the earliest and best greens in cultivation. It is used also for blanching for salad. The roots when dried and roasted are often employed as a substitute for coffee. The seed should be sown in May or June, in drills half an inch deep and twelve inches apart, and the earth firmly pressed over the seed. The plants will be ready for use the following spring.

32. Seed Catalogue and Garden Guide. [left column]

Thick-Leaved French- Seven hundred bushels of this sort have been grown on three-fourths of an acre; per 1/4 lb. $1.25: oz. 40c .... 10.

EGG PLANT- Ger. Eierpflanse. One ounce will produce about 1,000 plants. A tender plant, which should be started quite early in a hot-bed or box in the house, which must be kept warm. Late in the spring transplant to en ground, two and a half feet apart each way in warm, rich soil. From the time the weather becomes warm they are thrifty and easily grown. They are a decided luxury, which everyone should grow. Productive and always bring a high price in market. The only trouble in growing them is in producing the plants up to season of setting out, and if desired, we can furnish strong plants at low prices. See Vegetable Plant list.

Early Long Purple- Hardy and productive, six to eight inches long; per 1/4 lb. 90c; oz. 25c. ... 5.

Improved New York- Extra large and choice, fine flavor. The best. (See cut.) Per 1/4 lb. $ 1.25; oz. 40c. ... 5.

Black Pekin- The fruit of this handsome variety is jet black, round in form and very solid; per 1/4 lb. $1.25; oz. 40c. ... 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Black Pekin Eggplant hanging from stem.]

Endive- Ger. Endivien.

One ounce will sow sixty square feet.

Extra Curled- Sow early and thin, cover slightly. Soon as large enough, thin to nine inches apart. When leaves are eight inches long, tie them together with string near the top to blanch; this must be done when quite dry. Before cold weather, take up for winter, being careful to leave a small amount of dirt around the roots. Store in dry cellar with plenty of fresh air; per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Garlic- Ger. Knoblauch.

A specie of Onions propagated by offsets; used for flavoring soups, stews and other dishes. Divide a bulb in small parts and plant them in early spring, in rows one foot apart, and from two to five inches between the plants in the rows. The crop matures in August, when it is harvested like the Onion.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Cluster of garlic bulbs, A. Blanc, Phila.] Garlic Sets-(See cut.) Per lb. 40c, postpaid; by express per lb. 30c.

[right column]

GOURDS. The following four varieties will be found quite serviceable in any household. No one would think, without having tried them, of the many uses they can be put to. Cultivate as Cucumbers, or they may be trained over lattice work or utilized to cover stumps or fences.

Dipper Gourd- Makes a more light and convenient dipper than can be bought. When grown on the ground the stems will be curved, while if raised as a climbing vine, on a trellis, the weight of the blossom end will cause the stem to grow straight. Dippers of various sizes, of a capacity of from a pint to a quart and a half, can be had from a few vines. Per oz. 20c. ... 5.

Luffa, or Dish-Cloth Gourd.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Flattened, dried luffa in oval shape with ribbons attached at each end. Caption-Ladies Bonnet made from Dish Rag Gourd.]

The peculiar lining of this fruit, which is sponge-like, porous, tough, elastic and durable, makes a natural dish-cloth. The fruit grows about two feet in length, and the vine is very ornamental, producing clusters of large yellow blossoms, in pleasing contrast with the silvery-shaded, dark-green foliage. Many ladies prefer this dish-cloth to anything that can be made. It also makes a handsome and neat Ladies Summer Bonnet, very unique and tasteful suitably trimmed and ribboned, (see illustration.) For the bath, and for all uses of the toilet in general, the "Dish-Rag Gourd" is taking the place of the sponge. It is in fact, a sponge, a soft brush and a bath glove combined, and are almost indestructible. Even with daily use, they will last for years, and taking into consideration that a packet of seed only costs ten cents, and contains seed sufficient to raise at least 30 to 50 Gourds and the different uses it can [continued next page]

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 33.

[left column] [continued from previous page] be applied to around the house; it is something every one should grow. In the North the seed should be started in a hot-bed or in the house. Per oz. 50c; pkt. 10c.

Sugar Trough- Very convenient for buckets, baskets, nest-boxes, etc. Sometimes grow so large as to hold ten gallons each; per oz. 20c. ... 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, 3 Nest Egg Gourds hanging from vine.]

Nest Egg- Very closely resembles an egg, and makes an excellent substitute for a nest egg. Housewives will also find them handy in darning stockings; per oz. 25c. ... 5.

Mixed Varieties- Per oz. 25c. ... 5.

For Ornamental Gourds, see Flower Seeds.

Improved Ground Cherry. The fruit has a pleasant strawberry-like flavor, and is much esteemed, and by some considered indispensable for pies, sauce, etc., both green and dry. When dried they resemble raisins somewhat. See description with novelties, page 3; per oz. 50c; 1/2 oz. 30c. ... 10.

Herbs. See list at end of Vegetables.

Horse Radish Sets. See list of Vegetable Plants.

Kale, or Borecole--Ger. Blatter-Kohl.

One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants.

This most excellent vegetable deserves to be more generally cultivated, being hardier than Cabbage, and furnishing most excellent greens during winter and spring. It is also a splendid winter food for poultry. It is quite hardy and is improved by frost. Cultivate same as Cabbage. For winter, sow in September and treat as Spinach, giving it a light covering of straw or litter to protect from severe cold.

Dwarf German Green- Best for winter greens; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Tall Curled Scotch- Per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

green. This is the favorite variety with Des

Kohl Rabi- Ger. Kohlrabi. One ounce will sow a 200 foot drill.

An excellent vegetable, intermediate between the Cabbage and Turnip. Sow in rows in May or June, eighteen inches apart, thinning to eight inches between the plants. Cook as Turnips.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, single kolrabi with roots.]

Early White Vienna- Flesh white and tender; best market sort; per lb. $2; 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Early Purple Vienna- Per lb. $2; 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Lettuce- Ger. Lattich. One ounce will sow 120 feet of drill. Probably no vegetable is more universally used than Lettuce, and to be fully appreciated must be brought to the table fresh and unwilted. As it requires but little room, and is of the easiest culture, there are few families that cannot have it direct from the bed.

[right column]

The quality of Lettuce depends largely upon a rapid and vigorous, growth. Sow in hot-beds in March, and in open ground as early as it it can be worked, thinly in drills one foot apart. For a succession, sow every three weeks during the season. The soil should be rich and mellow. Thin out plants as they grow, so that the plants left to head will stand 10 or 12 inches apart in the rows.

Early Curled Silesia- Large loose heads, excellent flavor; per 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Early Curled Simpson- An improved variety of the preceding; per 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Tennis Ball, or Boston Market- One of the earliest heading varieties, being very compact and solid, very best for hot-bed culture, but it runs to seed so rapidly that for out-door culture it is not recommended; per 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Early Prize Head, Improved Head or Imperial Head- Heads well, tender, slow running to seed, first-class for summer, leaves dark reddish brown; per 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Hubbard's Market- This variety of Lettuce is one of the best forcing Lettuces ever introduced. Its merits are: Good size, compact although not solid heads, fine flavor, hardiness and long keeping quality after being cut; per 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

All the Year Round- Excellent, very large, dark green color, quite curly, don't form solid heads, but is very compact. As its name indicates, it is good for all seasons; per 1/4 lb. 60c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, head of lettuce.

Hanson- Extra large and solid heads, light green. This is the favorite variety with Des Moines market gardeners; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Ice Drumhead- Much liked in some localities. Is better for the hot-bed than out of doors; per 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Black Seeded Simpson- Resists the heat very well; per 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Salamander- Excellent variety for summer use, as it withstands the heat and drouth [drought] admirably and is very slow in running to seed. Forms immense heads 12 to 24 inches in diameter, althought not very solid, attains size early, light green; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Green Fringed- It is a very delicate shade of green, the inner parts of the leaves white with the edges beautifully cut and fringed. Its ornamental character makes it very desirable for garnishing and table decoration. Quality is not as good ... 5. [continued next page]

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, A head of Green Fringed lettuce.]