1889

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 39.

Early Varieties.

Cleveland's Alaska- Earliest of all. See description on novelty sheet, page 7; per qt. 50c; pt. 30c. ... 10.

Iowa's Challenge- The best extra early variety grown, either for gardeners or private use. Don't fail to try it. See novelties, page 7; per qt. 50c; pt. 30c. ... 10.

Rural New Yorker- In our trial grounds, before the introduction of the Alaska, this proved to be the earliest of all, and the most even in growth and maturity; eighty to ninety per cent of the pods can be removed at ne picking. Our stock is from the introducer; per qt. 45c; pt. 25c. ... 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, peas hanging from vine.]

First and Best- One of the earliest and most generally used varieties. It is an improvement on the Philadelphia Extra Early. Popular on account of its uniformity in ripening. Pods good size and well filled with smooth Peas of excellent flavor; per qt. 40c; pt.20c. ... 5.

*Bliss' American Wonder - The

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration of Bliss American Wonder plant with pea pods. Text: (vertical, left) Earliest Wrinkled Pea in Existance, (vertical, right) Best and Sweetest for the Family Garden.]

earliest and most prolific dwarf wrinkled Pea, unsurpassed for early sowing. On good soil each vine will average twelve pods and each pod six peas. Fifteen pods have been counted on some vines, and nine large peas in some of the pods, and every pod is well filled. The vine grows from eight to ten inches high; per qt. 55c; pt. 30c. ... 5.

*McLean's Littl [Little] Gem- The most popular variety for private gardens; very sweet; per qt. 45c; pt. 25c. ... 5.

*PREMIUM GEM- Height one foot, early and prolific. A type of, and improvement on the Little Gem. Pods long and of a dark green color. Don't fail to plant at least a few of these if you want extra nice sweet peas; per qt. 45c; pt. 25c. ... 5.

Tom Thumb- Very scarce this year; qt. 45c. ... 5.

Blue Peter, or Blue Tom Thumb- Similar to above, except in color; seed blue; pods large and well filled with delicious and large sized peas; per qt. 45c; pt. 25c. ... 5.

[right column]

*Laxton's Alpha- One of the very earliest wrinkled peas in cultivation; very prolific; fine flavor; pods well filled with large sweet peas; per qt. 45c; pt. 25c. ... 5.

Kentish Invicta- Seed green; very early and preferred by canners on account of its uniformity and productiveness; per qt. 40c; pt. 20c. ... 10.

Carter's First Crop- Per qt. 35c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

Philadelphia Extra Early- Qt. 35c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

Early Kent, or Dan O'Rourke- Per qt. 30c; pt. 15c. ... 5.

For General Crop.

*Improved Advancer- Seed green, wrinkled; height two feet; next to Little Gem in earlinessr [earliness]; pods large and well fiilled [filled] with peas of a delicious flavor; a very popular variety both for family and market purposes; per qt. 55c; pt. 30c. ... 5.

*Stratagem- Seed green, square; vigorous branching habit; under favorable conditions an enormous cropper; pods long, well filled with from seven to nine peas of the largest size, extra fine quality. Not only one of the most elegant and showy peas in cultivation, but the most desirable acquisition of its class for the last number of years; per qt. 60c; pt. 30c. ... 5.

Dwarf White Marrow- Similar in quality to the tall variety, but much earlier, and does well without bushing. Good yielder, much prized by gardeners; per qt. 35c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

*Champion of England- Universally admitted by all to be one of the richest and best flavored peas grown. It's very popular, and will bring a higher price in the market than any other; per qt. 40c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

*Bliss' Abundance- Height 20 inches; time of ripening medium; remarkably strong vigorous branching habit and unusually productive, often sending out three or more branches; pods of fair size, well filled with peas of good quality; per qt. 45c; pt. 25c. ... 5.

*Bliss' Ever-Bearing- Height 2 feet; late to very late; hardy, vigorous, enormous cropper; pods and peas of large size and good quality; per qt. 50c; pt. 25c. ... 5.

White Marrowfat- Per qt. 30c; pt. 15c. ... 5.

Black-Eyed Marrowfat- This is extensively grown as a field pea; very productive, height about four feet; per qt. 30c; pt. 15c. ... 5.

*Yorkshire Hero- One of the largest and handsomest peas grown. Very prolific and of fine flavor; per qt. 40c; pt. 20c. ... 5.

Dwarf Sugar- Edible pods, use like Snap Beans. Very vigorous and prolific, quality excellent. If you have never grown Sugar Peas try them this year; per qt. 60c; pt. 30c. ... 5.

White Field- Per qt. 25c. ... 5.

Blue Field- Per qt. 25c. ... 5.

PEPPER- Ger. Pfeffer. One ounce will produce about 1,800 plants. Sow seed in hot-bed early in spring; transplant to open ground when the weather is favorable, in warm, mellow soil, in rows eighteen inches apart. Seeds germinate slowly and require considerable heat.

40. Seed Catalogue and Garden Guide. [left column] [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, three kinds of peppers on vines. Captions below each-Ruby King., Large Bell., Red Cayenne.]

Celestial- One of the best novelties this year. See page 5; per oz. 60c. ... 10.

RED CLUSTER- This very handsome new variety is a sport of the Chili, which it slightly resembles, the leaves and fruits are smaller, while it is much more productive, the fruits being curiously crowded together on each branch, making the plants extremely ornamental as well as useful. The Peppers are very hot and of a conspicuous coral red color; per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 25c. ... 5.

Red Chili- Small, very hot, used everywhere for pepper sauce; per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 25c. ... 5.

RUBY KING- This new Pepper has given most excellent satisfaction everywhere. The Peppers often attain a very large size. Ordinarily they grow 4-1/2 to 6 inches long by 3-1/2 to 4 inches thick. When ripe they are of a beautiful, bright, ruby red color, and are always remarkable mild and pleasant to the taste. The plant is of sturdy bushy habit, and each plant produces from 6 to 12 large handsome fruits; per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

New Golden Queen- See description on novelty sheet, page 6; per oz. 40c. ... 10.

Large Bell, or Bull Nose- Early standard sort; per 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Sweet Mountain, or Mammoth- Similar to above, but milder; per 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Red Cayenne- Per 1/4 lb. 90c; oz. 25c. ... 5.

New Golden Dawn Mango- A handsome Mango Pepper, very sweet and entirely exempt from the fiery flavor peculiar to most other varieties; per 1/4 lb. 80c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

SEED POTATOES. See list of choice varieties on another page.

PUMPKIN- Ger. Kurbis. One pound will plant about 250 hills.

Principally used for agricultural purposes, but there has been a great improvement in the varieties during the past few years, by the introduction and hybridization of foreign varieties with our old sorts. Plant in hills eight feet apart in May among potatoes, or corn, or in open field. Do not plant near squashes.

King of Mammoths- See description in novelty sheet; per 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 10.

Tennessee Sweet Potato- An excellent variety for pies, pear shaped, of medium size, flesh and skin creamy white, fine grained, very sweet and delicious, a first-rate keeper; per lb. $1.60; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Mammoth Tours- A French variety which grows to immense size; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Mammoth Etampes Bright Red- This giant variety is from France, where it is quite celebrated. It has been grown in this country

[right column] to enormous size, it is of a bright glossy red color, and makes a splendid variety to grow for exhibition purposes; per lb. $1.65; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 10.

Connecticut Field- This is the common field or cow Pumpkin, grown principally for stock. Immense crops can be grown by planting the seed among corn. In this way as many as five tons have been grown on one acre, without any detriment to the corn; per bu., by express or freight, $3; pk. 90c; lb. by mail, 30c; 1/4 lb. 10c. ... 5.

Cushaw Crook-Neck- For table use; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Large Cheese- Per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Sweet, or Sugar- Not large, but very sweet and an excellent table variety; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb, 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Negro- A small variety of peculiar shape and color. Very fine grain, extra fine for cooking; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Mammoth P. & S. Collection.

As an inducement for all to try the Mammoth Squashes and Pumpkins we will send you postpaid one packet each, King of Mammoths, Mammoth Bright Red Etampes, Mammoth Tours Pumpkin and Mammoth Chili Squash for 25 cents. Don't fail to try these and exhibit your products at your County Fair. We will send free exhibition cards for use at your fair.

[Images: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration of different types of raddishes in bunches. Captions- Scarlet Turnip White Tip, Scarlet Olive, French Breakfast, Long Scarlet, Golden Globe, China Rose Winter.]

RADISH- Ger. Rettig. One ounce will sow about 100 feet of drill.

Radish seed should be sown in light rich soil as early as the ground can be worked, and for a succession, at intervals of two weeks until mid-summer. Radishes must be grown quickly, and have plenty of room or they will invariably be tough and pithy. Sow in drills one foot apart and thin to one to three inches apart as soon as the rough leaves appear. Most of our Radish seed was grown for us in France, "the natural home of Radishes," and we think it cannot be surpassed.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 41.

[left column]

New Rosy Gem- A splendid acquisition for the market gardener and the family garden. See description in novelty list, page 9; per lb. $1.50; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 10.

New Suprise- Of very early, quick growth, the Surprise is remarkable for remaining in fine condition, without becoming pithy, longer than any other early Radish. By successive sowings the Surprise will keep the table constantly supplied with the very choicest Radishes. The skin is thin and colored a rich light brown. So thin is the skin that the pure white of the flesh shows through. In quality it is par excellence, firm, juicy and of fine flavor; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 45c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Early Scarlet Turnip White Tip- Bright scarlet, tipped with white, very showy; per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Early Scarlet Turnip- First early, round, white flesh; per lb. 50c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Early Deep Scarlet Turnip- An improvement on the above, richer in color and smoother in skin; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

White Turnip- Per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Scarlet, Olive Shaped- Very early; tender; prized by gardeners; lb. 65c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

French Breakfast- A very handsome table variety of medium size, quick growth and fine quality. It is oval shaped, scarlet tipped with white, very crisp and tender, a favorite variety wherever grown for early use; per lb. 65c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Wood's Early Frame- A favorite with our market gardeners, as it is about ten days earlier than the Long Scarlet, which it very much resembles, although not quite so long; per lb. 65c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Beckert's Improved Chartier

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, bunch of long radishes, A. Blanc., Caption-Chartier Radish.]

- Decidedly distinct in appearance from any Radish in cultivation. Its form is well defined

[right column] by our engraving, the color at the top being crimson, running into pink about the middle, and from thence downward it is a pure waxy white; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Early Long Scarlet Short Top- Very popular variety with gardeners and for family use; per lb. 50c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz 10c.

New White Strasburg or Hospital- This new early variety, after being

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, bunch of radishes, A. Blanc.]

thoroughly tested, has proven to be superior in quality and size to any other known variety, being possessed of the finest flavor combined with brittleness and quick growth, producing in six weeks' time Radishes of a clear white color, from five to six inches long and three inches in diameter at the crown. But its distinguishing and most valuable haracteristics are, that it will keep in eatable condition a long time before going to seed, making it the most profitable early variety for the market; per lb. 85c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Early Mixed- A mixture of all the above named varieties, except New Rosy Gem. This will certainly take well for the family garden, as in it there is an assortment of all the best early sorts. They will make a handsome show on the table; per 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Iowa Seed Co's Perpetual White Summer- See description with with novelties, page 6; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 20c. ... 10.

Long White Naples, or Vienna- A long, clear, white Radish, very handsome, crisp, tender and mild; per lb. 85c; 1/4 lb, 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

White Lady Finger- A large, white, crisp variety, about half as long as Long Sear1et [Scarlet?], and similar in shape. A very desirable sort, decidedly the best of its kind ever introduced. A novelty of merit; lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb.35c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

GOLDEN GLOBE- One of the best summer Radishes, amber flesh, and keeps long in eating condition, extra fine quality and rapid growth; per lb. 85c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 6.

Giant White Stuttgart- Flesh and skin are both snowy white, very crisp, mild and of good flavor, suitable for pulling at any size; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

China Rose Winter- One of the best winter varieties, a general favorite, bright [continued next page]

42. Seed Catalogue and Garden Guide. [left column, top half of page] [continued from previous page] rose colored, flesh white, firm and of superior quality; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Long Black Spanish- A large winter variety, one of the hardiest, with dark green leaves, firm in texture, keeping until spring; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

California Mammoth White- A winter variety, growing twelve inches long, white fleshed, firm and of excellent quality. It is the largest Radish grown; per lb. $l; 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Rhubarb, or Pie Plant- Ger. Rhabarber. One ounce will produce about 100 plants.

Suceeds best in deep, rich, soil. Sow in spring in drills, cover one inch. Thin plants to six inches apart. Transplant in autumn or spring to permanent beds, three feet apart each way.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, bundle of cut rhubarb.]

Victoria, or Mammoth- Per lb. $1.65; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Rhubarb Roots- See miscellaneous list.

Salsify, or Vegetable Oyster- Ger. Bocksbart. One ounce will sow aboout 50 feet of drill. A delicious substitute for oysters in soups. Cultivate same [as] Parsnips. Salsify should be more generally cultivated. All who have once grown it continue to thereafter.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, a bundle of salsify.]

[right column, top half of page]

Mammoth Sandwich Island- The best. See description in novelty list, page 4. Per oz. 40c. ... 10.

Long White- The standard kind; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

SPINACH- Ger. Spinat. One ounce will sow about 80 feet of drill; 10 pounds to an acre.

This makes the finest "greens" of any plant in cultivation. For summer, sow early in spring in [duplicate words] spring in deep, rich soil in drills one foot apart, cover one inch. Sow at intervals of two weeks through the season. For very early spring use, sow the winter varieties last of August, and protect by covering with straw.

LONG STANDING- Far superior to all others; leaves thick, fleshy and crumpled. Slow in running to seed. (See cut.) Per lb. 50c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, spinach plant]

Round- Main market sort. Equally good for summer or fall; per lb. 40c; 1/4 lb. 15c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Savoy Leaved- Per lb. 50c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5. Prickly, or Winter- Per lb. 50c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Viroflay-Grows to an enormous size and produces wonderful crops; per lb. 50c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz.10c. ... 5

[Images: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration across width of page, 5 different types of squash. Captions-(left to right), New Golden Bush, Early Bush Crookneck, Perfect Gem, Essex Hybrid, True Hubbard.]

[left column, bottom half of page]

SQUASH- Ger. Kurbiss. One ounce early varieties will plant about 40 hills; one ounce late will plant 20 hills; 4 to 6 pounds to the acre.

Plant about the middle of spring in hills, the early sorts four to six feet apart, late varieties eight to twelve. Thin to three plants to each hill. The soil cannot be too rich.

New Golden Bush- The best summer Squash yet brought out. It is thicker; larger and superior in every way to the old varities. Very early. Try it; per lb. 80c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Yellow Bush Scolloped- Early market variety; per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

White Bush Scolloped- Similar to above, color creamy white; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

[right column, bottom half of page] Early Bush Crook-Neck- Splendid summer sort; early, productive, very fine quality; per lb. 50c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Perfect Gem- Excellent both as a summer and winter Squash. Flesh fine grained, sweet and of a delicious flavor, very productive, a free grower and good keeper; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

New Early Prolific Marrow- The earliest Squash, aside from the small summer varieties, in existence. See description in novelty list, page 10; per 1/4 lb. 50c.; oz. 15c. ... 5.

New Mediterranean- The accompanying illustration, from a photograph, is an exact representation, showing its handsome form. They grow about the same size as the "Hubbard," but owing to their very thick flesh will weigh much heavier. The outside [continued next page]

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 43.

[left column] [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, single round squash. Caption- New Mediterranean Squash.] [continued from previous page] skin is quite smooth, and of a pleasing red salmon color, while the flesh is of a beautiful rich yellow, very sweet, fine and floury; per 1/4 lb. 55c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Sibley, Pike's Peak- New. See description on novelty sheet: per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 25c. ... 10.

Boston Marrow- This delicious variety is of a rich orange color all the way through, exquisite flavor; per lb. 85c; 1/4 lb. 25; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Essex Hybrid- Combines the shape of the Turban with the hard shell of the Hubbard, and a better keeper than either. Flesh very thick, rich colored, solid and fine flavored; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

HUBBARD- This old variety has for years stood the test of all rivals, and is undoubtedly the best winter Squash known; hard, green shell, flesh bright orange yellow, fine grained, very dry, sweet and rich flavored, keeps in perfect condition throughout the winter; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Winter Crook-Neck- All old standard table variety. Varies in color from light yellow to green; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

American Turban- Fine grained, very dry, sweet, and of delicious flavor; for fall and winter use; per lb. $1.; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Marblehead- A splendid winter variety, only equaled by the Hubbard. Shell very hard, of a light blue color, flesh fully equal to the Hubbard in quality; per lb. 85c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Mammoth Chili- Is certainly the largest variety of Squash (or Pumpkin as some call it) grown. Specimens have been grown weigh over 300 pounds, but to obtain this weight they must be forced by special culture, leaving but one Squash on the vine to mature. From 100 to 200 pounds is a common weight with ordinary culture. Flesh is thick and nutritious for feeding stock, but not considered good for cooking purposes. Grown mainly for curiosity and exhibition at fairs; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c. ... 5,

Brazilian Sugar- As its name indicates, it is one of the sweetest of all Squashes, the flesh being unusually fine grained and tender, so

[right column]

much so that it is palatable even when eaten raw. They ripen early, and grow so vigorously that they are but little affected by the squash bug; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c. ... 5.

Vegetable Marrow- A very popular varity with the English; per lb. 1.50; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Tobacco.

One ounce will sow 25 feet square and produce plants for one acre.

[Image: Drawing/scratchboard illustration(?) of tobacco plant.]

This is a paying crop, and will do well in this State. The following varieties have been thoroughly tested in this climate. Our seed of most of these was grown on the crown panicles of select plants. Early in spring burn a brush pile on the ground to be used for seed bed. Then thoroughly pulverize the soil, digging and mixing in ashes. Sow seed very shallow. When plants are six inches high transplant into rows four feet apart. Cultivate thoroughly.

Hester- Makes fine cigar stock. It has size, shape, texture and color, and ripens early. It recommends itself greatly in this, that it has greater adaptability over a wider range of soils and latitude than any other of the yellow varieties, and may, on this score, be considered the surest; per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 25c. ... 10.

STERLING- The newest and brightest of the yellow type, and the earliest to ripen; per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 25c. ... 5.

Big Havana- A Hybrid Havana or Cuban seed-leaf. A heavy cropper, of fine texture, delightful flavor, and the earlist [earliest] cigar variety to mature and ripen; per 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

Connecticut Seed Leaf- Well adapted to this climate; per 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. ... 5.

White Burley- Thrives best on a limestone soil; per 1/4 lb. 85c; oz. 30c. ... 5.

Imported Havana- Per 1/4 lb. $1.00; oz. 35c. ... 5.

TOMATO- Ger. Leibesapfel. One ounce will produce about 1,500 plants.

Sow early in March in hot-beds or seed-boxes, and when plants have four leaves transplant to our or five inches apart; give plenty of air and endeavor to secure a vigorus [vigorous] and healthy growth. When all danger of frost is past, transplant to open ground, four to six feet apart each way. Well manured, light sandy soil is best, but it must be remembered that a surplus of manure stimulates [leaf?] growth to the detriment of fruit.

Early Conquerer- Very early, smooth and good sized; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Early Canada Victor- Per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. ... 5.

Dwarf Champion - See novelty list, page 11. ... 10.

Turner's Hybrid or Mikado- It is a rank, coarse grower, with thick stalk, and is enormously productive. The fruit is extra arge in size and remarkably solid. An average specimen measured four by four and three-eighths inches in diameter, and weighed one pound. They ripen up evenly, and are entirely free from core. The form of the fruit is round and thick through, very smooth in [continued next page]