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lOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA.
NEW EXTRA EARLY CORY SWEET CORN. This new variety is undoubtedly the earliest Sweet Corn in cultivation, being about one week earlier than the Marblehead, which, previous to the introduction of this, was generally acknowledged as the earliest. 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 pkt. 10 cts., qt. by mail 65 cts., pk. $2.25, bu. $7.50. [image] NEW EXTRA EARLY CORY CORN
OSKALOOSA, IOWA, June 27, '87. Right here I wish to say that your seeds have been remarkably good. W. H. COMSTOCK, Market Gardener.
DAYTON, IOWA, Feb. 12, 1887. I have dealt with your firm for the past five years, and have always had satisfaction. W. R. MARLING, Market Gardener.
CLERMONT, IOWA, Jan. 22, 1887. I have used your seeds for the past three years and have recommended them to others. O. PAULSON.
NEW MUSK MELON-THE PRINCESS.
We offer this season, for the first time, a new Cantelope, or Musk Melon, of extraordinary value, under the above title of "The Princess," which, after a thorough trial for the past two seasons, has proven the best and richest in flavor, of over forty varieties tested. It is quite distinct from all other varieties, and possesses so many strong points of superiority, that it must speedily become the most popular variety for family and market purposes. Our engraving, made from nature, shows their shape, which is nearly round, with heavily netted dark green skin; the flesh is of a rich salmon color, and in flavor is sweet and luscious beyond description. They ripen early and grow to good size, frequently weighing eight to ten pounds each. Our supply of seed of this grand new melon is very limited. Per pkt. 15 cts. [image] THE MOST DELICIOUS OF ALL MELONS THE PRINCESS
MURRAY, IOWA, Sept. 8, '87. I will just say that the seeds I got from you did very well considering the season. Wm. RIGGLE.
GRINNELL, IOWA, Sept. 8, '87. I would say your onion sets are fifty per cent better than eastern ones planted alongside. And I was satisfied with all the rest of your seeds. DAVID McBLAIN, Market Gardener.
TIPTON, IOWA, Sept. 24, '87. Your seed turned out first-class. JOHN SPRINGER.
New White Strasburg or Hospital Radish. This new early variety, after being thoroughly tested, has proven to be superior in quality and size to any other known variety, and we can confidently recommend it as the best that has ever been offered in the line of early Radishes, 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 characteristics 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 gardeners to cultivate. Per pkt. 5 cts., oz.,15 cts., 1/4 lb. 40 cts., lb. $1.25. [image] WHITE STRASBURG RADISH.
PANORA, IOWA, Sept. 8, '87. The seed I purchased from you last spring was all No. 1; also the seed I got from you in 1884, 1885 and 1886 was all good. JOHN A. GILSON, Market Gardener.
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SPECIALTIES AND NOVEL'l'IES FOR 1888.
Kolb Gem Water Melon.
To illustrate the great superiority of this melon over others, and show the esteem in which it is held in its native home, we have only to relate that in 1884, in Brooks county, Ga., there were planted 2,500 acres in melons for market, of which only 11 acres were of Kolb Gem. The next season out of the same number of acres planted (2,500,) all but 100 acres were Kolb Gem, the seed to plant which cost the growers from $2.50 to $4 per pound. We hav [have] undoubted authority for this statement, and this of itself should be abundant recommendation. The Kolb Gem melon grows of a more uniformly large size, opens up better, ships and keeps better, is more prolific and sells for nearly double the price in all the markets of the country than any other variety. They are suited for the North or South, East or West, near by or far away markets. In short they are perfection, and fill the bill in every particular. Every melon grower should get them at once. Our seed was grown for us this year, by the originator, R. F. Kolb, and you can depend on its quality. Per pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 10 cts.; 1/4 lb. 30 cts.; lb. $1.00. [image] KOLB GEM WATER MELON.
HAVANA, ILL., Sept. 6, 1887, For fine water melons the Kolb Gems beat them all; I had the finest melons from seed bought of you I have ever seen or raised, and I have raised all the kinds named in catalogue. H. HILL.
OAK LEAVED LETTUCE. The distinguishing feature of this new variety of Lettuce, is in its oak shaped leaves, the broader part set to stem and pointed at the tip, thus giving it a very unique, handsome and attractive appearance. It is of quick growth, has no bitterness of taste; is possessed of fine flavor and extreme tenderness, and it is slow in running to seed; in fact will remain in head for a month before its shoots appear. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 25 cts.; 1/4 lb. 80 cts.; lb. $2.50. [image] OAK LEAVED LETTUCE.
PAGE'S NEW STRIPED RICE POP CORN. This splendid novelty, which is th [the] result of a cross between the best White and Red varieties of Rice Pop Corn we have been at work improving during the past five years, until now we have undoubtedly the best, handsomest and most attractive variety of Pop Corn in existence. We offered it to our customers last year for the first time, and are certain that it will prove a splendid acquisition with which all will be pleased. The color is a clear translucent white, and each kernel is distinctly striped with bright crimson as shown in our illustration on the cover of this catalogue. The ears are of good size and well filled out; kernels are long and pointed resembling rice. It ripens earlier than any other variety with which we are acquainted; is unsurpassed in productiveness, extremely tender when popped, bursting out very large, white as snow, and of finest quality. All should try it. Per pkt. 10 cts.; pt. 40 cts.; qt. 65 cts.; all by mail prepaid.
BECKERT'S CHARTIER RADISH. Decidedly distinct in appearance from any Radish in cultivation. Its form is well defined 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. We find the following record of it in our "Garden Notes:" "Planted April 15th, ready for market June 1st. One of the finest Radishes yet introduced, of strong growth, beautiful form, fine flavor, slow to become strong or to run to seed. Remains fit for use longer than any other spring Radish. A splendid Radish for market gardeners." Per pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 10 cts.; 1/4 lb. 30 cts.; lb. $1.00. [image] BECKERT'S CHARTIER RADISH.
PEANUTS Can be Grown in Iowa. The variety which we offer is commonly called the "Red:" They are a 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 growing 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. In cultivating keep blossoms covered with dirt as much as possible. "Splendid to fatten hogs and children." Price per large package, 10 cts.; lb. post paid, 50 cts.
GRAND MOUND, IOWA, Sept. 17, 1887. I take pleasure to inform you that I am perfectly satistied with your seeds that I received from you. We are all pleased with Iowa Seeds, and think they are the best seed we ever bought. EMILY STEMPLE.
DANVILLE, IOWA, August 31, 1887. All the seeds we bought from you proved to be all good, can't be better, and the varieties are all the very best, at least we think so. HENRY FUNCK.
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IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 11.
A FEW FLORAL NOVELTIES.
GIANT TRIMARDEAU PANSIES.
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. Colors are very rich and beautiful. All should try it. Per pkt. 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.
ABUTILON--THOMPSONI PLENA. A very handsome new variety with perfectly double flowers, that resemble in form a double Hollyhock, of rich deep orange color, shaded and streaked with crimson. Leaves are beautifully mottled, golden yellow. Form is shown by the accompanying illustration. Plants postpaid 25 cts. each.
[image] GIANT TRIMARDEAU PANSIES.
IPOMEA NOCTIFLORA-Moon Flower or Evening Glory. This plant has attracted much attention throughout the country. Although not a new variety, it has become popular recently. One lady says that it was trained on strings to a balcony twenty-five feet high and forty feet wide, and that from August to November it was covered nightly, and in dull days, with its white moon-like flowers from five to six inches in diameter. It has also a rich Jessamine-like odor at night. Another correspondent from Richmond, Va., writes that "he
[image] ABUTILON-THOMPSONI PLENA.
set out a plant about May 15th, at the foot of a large dead tree, and by the end of August it had completely covered the tree (forty feet high) and was hanging in festoons of lovely white flowers from every branch." Plants postpaid, 25 cts. each.
"LION'S TAIL." (Leonotus Leonuris.) It blooms from September to December, and if successive propagations are made of it late in spring it can be got to bloom during the winter months, and it is a most valuable plant either for the sitting room or conservatory. The drawing conveys but a meagre idea of it, as the spikes are upwards of a foot in length and of a most vivid orange color, which, next to blue, is the rarest color we have among flowers. All lovers of flowers should have one or more of these strangely curious and attractive plants. Each postpaid 25 cts. [image] LION'S TAIL.
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SPECIALTIES AND NOVELTIES FOR 1888.
FUCHSIA--PHENOMENAL. (See cut.) The largest Fuchsia that has yet come to our notice, even larger than Champion of the World; short tube and sepals of a rich reddish crimson color; corolla very full and double, of a beautiful azure violet, flaked with red. The accompanying illustration will give some idea of the extraordinary size and beauty of the flower. Too much cannot be said in its favor, and all who love flowers should have at least one plant. It will attract universal attention in any collection. Plants each 25 cts. postpaid.
VERBENA, HENDERSON'S NEW MAMMOTH. The characteristics of this new strain of Verbenas, are that when well grown, every flower truss measures over nine inches in circumference, while the single florets are as large as a twenty-five-cent piece; the plant also has the peculiarity of being more vigorous in growth than the ordinary Verbenas. This great improvement in size is certain to increase the popularity of the Verbena. It is altogether distinct and surprisingly beautiful, the colors of which present the same wide range as the ordinary type. Per pkt. 25 cts.; strong plants per doz. $1.
Snow-Queen Candytuft. This is an entirely DISTINCT SPECIES from Spain, and is of MARVELOUS BEAUTY. It is an ANNUAL and grows VERY RAPIDLY, quickly coming into bloom and REMAINING IN FULL FLOWER FOR THREE MONTHS. The very handsome tufted, pure white flowers are produced in such GREAT ABUNDANCE that each plant resembles a BALL OF SNOW, and would seem, at a little distance, to be a single mass of white. It bears but little foliage, which is almost entirely invisible. The flowers are invaluable for BOUQUETS. The Snow-Queen grows VERY REGULARLY, and is unequaled for ribbon beds, borders, and for massing alone in a bed, while even a single plant is a most attractive object. Per pkt. 10 cts.; 6 pkts. for 50 cts. [image] PHENOMENAL - THE LARGEST FUCHSIA IN EXISTENCE.
HENDERSON'S ZEBRA ZINNIAS. Without exception this is the most beautiful and brilliant selection of Double Zinnias we have ever seen. All the flowers produced from the seed we offer will not be striped, but a large percentage of the plants will be; those that are self-colored will be found brilliant in the extreme. An interesting characteristic of the ZEBRA ZINNIA is a tendency shown by some of the plants to throw out a branch on which the flowers are self-colored, while all the other blooms are variegated or striped, making a striking and unique contrast. The flowers of this selection are perfect in shape, and as evenly imbricated as a Camellia. Mixed colors, per pkt. 10 cts.
FUCHSIA--FRAU EMMA TOPFER (Synonym-STORM KING). This variety is of German origin, and is undoubtedly the best double white Fuchsia ever sent out. It is of strong, graceful habit, and bears its pure white double flowers in the greatest profusion. Unlike many of the other white varieties, it is free from disease, and under ordinary care, will yield satisfactory results. Plants 25 cts. each, postpaid.
GOLDEN DAWN GERANIUM. Those knowing the GILDED GOLD or PROGRESSION will admit that they are the most marked varieties leading to the coveted yellow we so much desire; the variety we now offer is far in advance of those excellent kinds. Artists in color who have for the past two seasons seen it in flower declare it to be of a RICH GOLDEN ORANGE SHADE of the most brilliant hue - we need not add another word as to the color. The flowers are of the largest size, most perfectly shaped, in large trusses, opening freely at all seasons; the habit and growth is as free and robust as in any other variety. Awarded Certificate of Merit by the New York Horticultural Society. Plants 30 cts. each, postpaid.
PELARGONIUM-" Victor." This variety has been grown, we believe, almost exclusively by the florists in the vicinity of New York for the past two years to supply the critical New York trade; and we take great pleasure in offering it this season for the first time, knowing it will give great satisfaction. The ground color of the flower is bright cherry pink, white at the base of the petals. The two upper petals are dark crimson maroon, almost black. The flowers are produced very freely and are immense in size, single florets exceeding in size a silver dollar BY ACTUAL MEASUREMENT. Plants 30 cts. each, postpaid.
DOUBLE GOLDEN MARGUERITE. Nothing could be more showy than this beautiful new plant, either as a pot plant or bedded out. This plant might well be called the" Shower of Gold," as it is a perfect mass of rich, golden yellow flowers, the whole year round. Well-grown plants having as many as one hundred and fifty flowers on them at once. Plants 30 cts. each, postpaid.
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The Iowa Seed Company's SELECTED LIST OF CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS.
From Good Seeds Only Can Good Vegetables Be Grown. We desire to call the particular attention of our friends and patrons to this list of Vegetable Seeds, which will be found to contain all the leading and most popular varieties in cultivation, including all novelties which have proven of merit in this section of the country. We are each year testing a large number of the novelties which are offered, many of which, while they may be of value in the latitude where they originated, are not at all desirable in this section of the country, and we therefore do not offer them. We exercise the greatest care in the selection of our stock, growing all in Iowa, the garden spot of the United States, which we can to advantage, and those varieties which we do not grow ourselves we have obtained from the most responsible growers, and we have gone personally and inspected the crop while growing, in many instances, and the seeds are all carefully tested to prove their vitality before sending them out, and we are certain that a trial will prove to all that they cannot be excelled in purity and high quality by any. As much as practicable we bave put the varieties in rotation, in the order of their earliness, and those varieties in CAPITALS are such as we can specially recommend, and will be found best for general use. Those of our customers who are not acquainted with the varieties cannot go far wrong in selecting these. The testimonials which we are constantly receiving from the largest and most critical Market Gardeners in this and other States are the best evidence that our Garden Seeds are unsurpassed in quality and our trade-mark "Only one quality, the Best," is well taken. SEEDS BY MAIL POSTPAID. In comparing our Catalogue with others, please remember that our prices include the prepayment of postage on all seeds by the packet, ounce, quarter pound and pound, and thus you have them delivered to your door at prices named in Catalogue. Beans, Peas and Corn will be sent by express or freight, unless thirty cents per quart for Peas and Beans and twenty-five cents per quart for Corn is added to prepay postage. It is usually cheaper and better to have them sent by express. PREMIUMS. ON ALL ORDERS FOR SEEDS IN PACKETS the purchaser may select TWENTY-FIVE CENTS WORTH EXTRA for each ONE DOLLAR sent us. This premium applies only to seeds in packets, and cannot be allowed on orders for bulk seeds. Orders amounting to OVER FIVE DOLLARS for seeds IN BULK may select seeds to the amount of ten per cent of order extra. All who are willing to have their vegetable seeds sent by express or freight at their expense, may deduct fifteen cents for each pound of seeds, except Beans, Corn and Peas, which they order. Please see our special list of novelties on the pink supplement to this Catalogue. Market Gardeners and others who use large quantities of seeds should send for our special Market Gardener's price list. Hints to Gardeners.- In all garden work it is very desirable to do everything on time. To the vigilant and industrious belongs the prize. In the spring of the year weeds grow with astonishing rapidity, and a day's time lost at this season equals much more than in any other. If you want to have a good garden, which you can enjoy and take pride in, commence early, fertilize and work the soil thoroughly, keep free from weeds, and give all crops the best of care. Don't try to cultivate too much ground, but plan your garden so as to have a rotation of orops, and you can often utilize the ground so as to obtain two or three crops each season.
"GET THE BEST AND GROW IT WELL."
The figures at the right of the column show the price of seeds per packet, postpaid.
ARTICHOKE- Ger. Artischoke. Plant early in spring, in drills, two inches deep. When strong transplant to permanent beds, in rich soil, in rows three feet apart and two feet in the row. They mature the second year. Must be protected in winter. French Green Globe- Per oz. 25 cts.... 5. Artichoke Roots- See miscellaneous list.
ASPARAGUS-Ger. Spargel. One ounce will sow forty feet of drill. Soak the seed twenty-four hours in tepid water; sow early in spring, in rows a foot apart; keep clean by frequent weeding and hoeing. At one or two years old transplant to permanent beds, in rows eighteen inches apart, and a foot apart in the rows. Cover four inches with light, rich soil. One or two years' time can be saved by buying the roots. See miscellaneous list.
Conover's Colossal- The most popular variety; per lb. 60 cts; 1/4 lb. 20 cts; oz. 10 cts.... 5. "Hub" or Moore's Hybrid- Remarkably uniform and large, very tender and rich in flavor; a specimen bunch of twelve stocks weighed over three pounds. Its large size and fine appearance insure quick sales. (See cut); per 1/4 lb. 50 cts; oz. 15 cts.... 5. Palmetto - A new variety, originated in South Carolina. It is very early, yields well and is of good quality; per 1/4 lb. 50 cts; oz.15 cts.... 5. [image]
BEANS-Dwarf Bush Varieties- Ger. Bohne. One quart will plant one hundred feet of drill. Dwarf or Bush Beans require no support, and should [continued next page]