1890

14 Specialties And Nonelties [Novelties] For 1890.

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Primula Obconica. As will be seen from the illustration, Primula Obconica is a profuse-flowering Primrose, and is as near an everblooming plant as it is possible to obtain. The flowers are pure white, shading to lilac, and have the true Primrose fragrance. The plants, produce on long stems, spikes containing from 10 to 15 flowers; upon two plants, picked at random, we counted 45 to 52 flower spikes, and they had been profusely and steadily blooming for one year. A most attractive novelty. Good, strong plants 25 cents each, or five for $1, postpaid. Seeds of same per pkt. 20 cts.

January 23, 1889.--The flower plants you sent last year were all satisfactory, and were just what they were recmended [recommended] to be.--Hannah McConnell, Milo, Iowa.

April 9, 1889.-I was highly pleased with the plants I received from you.--Mrs. L. Dockendorf, Sheldon, Iowa.

New Comet Aster.

The shape of the flowers in this new class differs from all other Asters in cultivation, resembling closely the large-flowered Japanese Chrysanthemums. The petals are long, somewhat twisted or wavy-like, are recurved from the center of the flower to the outer petals in such a regular manner as to form a loose but still dense half-globe. The flowers are from 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches in diameter, perfectly double, color a delicate pink bordered with white. Per pkt. 15 cts.

New Triumph Aster.

This novelty is undoubtedly the most beautiful and most perfect of all dwarf Asters. It reproduces itself true from seed, and attains a height of but 7 to 8 inches. Each plant forms an elegant bouquet of itself. The individual flowers measure from 2 1/2 to 3 inches across, and are of the most faultless Paeony form, all petals being beautifully in-curved; the color is peculiarly rich and brilliant. When beginning to bloom it is a pure scarlet, but when in full bloom it changes to a magnificent satiny deep scarlet, presenting thus, with these two brilliant colors, a lovely sight. It is well adapted for borders, groups, carpet bedding or for pot culture. Per pkt. 15 cts.

Silverspray Carnation.

The handsomest white Carnation ever offered. It is a delicate silvery white, beautifully fringed, very large flower, perfectly formed, of great substance, and nearly all long stemmed; very fragrant. It is a remarkably robust grower, forming very bushy plants, only 14 or 15 inches high. A profuse bloomer. Plants 25 cts. each postpaid.

A New Begonia.

Semperflorens Gigantea Rosea.- A superb variety, strong, upright growth, fine large flowers of a clear cardinal red, the bud only exceeded in beauty by the open flower, which is borne on a strong, thick stem. The leaves are smooth and glossy and attached closely to the main stem; both leaf and stem quite upright growing, and forming a shrubby, round plant. 25 cts.

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Size of Plant Orders.

No order for flower plants amounting to less than fifty cents will be filled unless ten cents extra accompany same, to cover extra cost of packing and postage. See remarks under head of "Flower Plants."

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA.

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Beauful Fairy Roses.

Of Marvelous Grace and Beauty. Something every one can succeed with! Sure to give satisfaction! They bloom in immense clusters 25 to 50 together on a single stem. The flowers are of singular purity, and resemble miniature camellias in their regularity. They are wonderfully beautiful and bloom constantly, and are entirely distinct from every other rose, and must become very popular. They are elegant, blooming as freely as a geraniun, and require as little care. They are quite hardy, requiring but slight protection even in the North. Excellent for cemetery planting, for out-door bedding, and for growing in pots. Nothing can be handsomer for button-hole and corsage bouquets.

MINATURE - The smallest rose in cultivation; the flowers, which are only about the size of a silver dime, are produced in great profusion, and are very double; the edges of the petals are finely fringed, giving it a striking and beautiful appearance. It is a delicate rose color on opening, changing to pure white as the flowers expand. Plants 15c each.

LITTLE WHITE PET. - Very handsome, pure white, perfect-shaped flower. A strong grower and profuse bloomer. Very hardy. Plants 20 cents each.

MIGNONETTE. - As the name would denote, this is deliciously scented; the flowers are blush or soft rose, borne in dense heads - we have had trusses with over 200 flowers and buds on each at the same time. 15 cts. each.

PERLE d'OR. - Color of the buds beautiful nankeen yellow with vivid orange center, each petal tipped white, changing to buff-tinged rose in the open flower. 15 cts. each.

One plant each of the four "Fairies" for 60 cents.

Rare and Beautiful Orchids. Of all the flower plants grown, there are none which are at the present time attracting such general attention as the Orchids, and it is strange that they are not more generally cultivated. For beauty and peculiar structure no other order of plants can surpass them. Many of the varieties are easily grown, and flower freely. Plants are somewhat expensive, many ranging from $25.00 to $100.00 each. We list only the cheaper varieties, such as will do well in a window-garden, conservatory, green-house or fernery. Don't be afraid to put a little money into them, and you will be pleased, we are sure, and amply repaid. Many of the varieties are as easily grown as Geraniums or Heliotrope, and will do well in any house where Heliotrope can be grown in winter, and where the heat is kept as low as possible by shading and syringing during the hot months of June, July and August. They prosper in any place where Rex Begonias can be grown. During the winter months give the plants plenty of sun, and at the same time merely enough water to prevent bulbs from shriveling. Many varieties do much better on blocks or in hanging baskets, and it is easier to grow them in this way than in pots. Price of plants, $1.00 each, or 6 all different for $5.00, postpaid. Larger plants established on blocks at $2.00 to $10.00 each. These can only be sent by express.

New Pansy Geraniums or Pelargoniums. FRED. DORNER. - Flowers large and perfect, in medium trusses; of the Odier style of Fancy-Pelargoniums, with five blotched petals; throat and edge of pure white. Each petal shaded toward the center with a rich carmine pink, with a glowing crimson blotch on each petal, of which the upper two are the larger. It belongs to the well-known Lady Washington or Fancy Pelargoniums that are perpetual bloomers, continuing fully seven months in the year. For a winter-blooming window plant it is unsurpassed, flowering freely and abundantly in any ordinary living-room. Plants 20 cts. each.

FREDDIE HEINEL. - Another new variety similar to above, except the color, which is pure white with a pink blotch in each petal. Those who want something elegant for parlor decoration should have these two magnificent novelties. Plants 20 cts. each.

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SPECIALTIES AND NOVELTIES FOR 1890.

PEERLESS COLLECTION ROSES.

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Seven varieties worth $1.50 for $1.00. Many varieties are advertised in the east, which, while they are excellent for greenhouse culture, do not do well for general use. These are the best of the entire Rose family for popular culture.

THE BRIDE - Is a pure white Rose of large size and most perfect form. The buds are pointed and the ends of the petals are slightly curved back, giving it a most chaste and elegant appearance. A free-flowering Rose, either for summer or winter. Price 25 cts. each.

WM. FRANOIS BENNETT- Its color is similar to that of General Jacqueminot, a rich, dazzling crimson; its remarkably fragrance exceeds that of La France; its foliage is large, c1ean and bright; and, last and greatest, it is wonderfully prolific and of fine size. As a winter forcing Rose it has no equal. 25 cents each.

PAPA GONTIER - This was the fashionable Tea Rose in New York last winter, and it is certainly a beautiful variety. It produces long pointed buds of a glowing carmine crimson color. Will keep longer after being cut than almost any other Rose. It is a most profuse bloomer, and is adapted for either summer or winter flowering. 25 cents each.

SUNSET - Of strong and healthy growth; the flowers are of a beautiful saffron color, heavily tinted with orange; they are handsome in the bud and perfectly double when open; a splendid Rose. 20 cents each.

GENERAL JACQUEMINOT - Rich dazzling scarlet, shaded with velvety crimson; superb, glowing color; large flower and free bloomer; more grown probably than any other Rose. 20 cents each.

LA FRANCE - Silvery rose, changing to pink; very large, full and globular; a constant bloomer, and the sweetest of the Rose family; its delicacy of color and exquisite fragrance will ever render it one of the most popular favorites. 20 cents each.

MINATURE - Smallest and handsomest Rose grown. See description on another page. Plants 15 cents each.

Send $1.00 for the above seven varieties.

HELIANTHUS MULTIFLORUS.

HARDY DOUBLE GOLDEN SUNFLOWER. - A beautiful hardy plant, growing to the height of three to four feet; flowers a rich golden yellow; very double and as large as a medium-sized Dahlia. Much prized as corsage flowers. It begins to bloom in July and continues until frost. A bed of these on our grounds the past season was the admiration of all who saw it. The plant is hardy in most localities, but the roots are easily wintered in boxes of soil in any cellar without trouble, and this is the surest way to preserve them. No matter how small a plant is when set out in the spring, it will in a short time grow to a large, bushy plant, loaded with bloom. In the way of grandeur and beauty it is a fitting companion for the great Hydragea Paniculata Grandiflora. Those who plant this grand flower will be more than pleased with it. Plants, 20 cts. each; 3 for 50 cts.

CRUEL PLANT.

A beautiful Brazilian climber, with pure white, deliciously-scented blossoms borne in clusters. It derives the peculiar name of "Cruel Plant,'" or "Cruel Flower," because insects are attracted by its highly odoriferous perfume, and thus entrapped in the open flower, struggling, as imprisoned by the sticky nectar contained in the flower, until dead. As an out-door summer climber it is a most excellent plant, and one which gives great satisfaction. During the months of July, August and September they are literally covered with white sweet-scented flowers, blooming from every eye or joint. Makes also a splendid winter bloomer, and have attracted great attention in our green-houses. This plant is one we are sure will please our friends, not only because of its intrinsic beauty, but for its peculiar habit - it might almost be called a carnivorous plant! Order in time - there will be a large demand for this. 25 cts. each.

IOWA SEED COMPANY'S

SELECTED LIST OF

CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS.

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From Good Seed Only Can Good Vegetables Be Grown.

"All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled."-SOLOMON.

Our list of Vegetable Seeds 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.

As much as practicable we have put the varieties in rotation, in the order of their earliness, and those varieties in capitals are such as we can specially recommend 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 or express charges, on all seeds by the packet, ounce, quarter pound, pound and quart, and thus you have them delivered to your door at prices named in the Catalogue. This includes postage on Beans, Peas and Corn by the quart.

PREMIUMS. ON ALL ORDERS FOR SEEDS IN PACKETS the purchaser may select Thirty-five cents worth extra for each one dollar sent us. This premium applies only to seeds in packets at list prices, and cannot be allowed on special collections or on orders for bulk seeds. Persons ordering Vegetable Seeds in bulk amounting to $5.00 or more, 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 ten cents for each pound of seeds which they order.

Please see our special list of novelties in the supplement to this Catalogue.

Anyone desiring to purchase a large bill of seeds will do well to write us sending a list of their requirements and we will make special prices whenever possible. Prices named in this list are very low, quality considered, and therefore we shall issue no separate list for Market Gardeners this year.

Hints to Gardeners. - In all garden work, it is very desirable to do everything on time. To the vigilant and industrious belong 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 at any other. It [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 crops, 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.

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SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

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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. 25c ... 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, of which we have a choice stock this year. See miscellaneous list.

Conover' s Colossal - The most popular variety; per lb. 45c; 1/4 lb. 15c; oz. 10c... 5. "Hub" or Moore's Hybrid - Remarkably uniform and large, very tender and rich in flavor; a specimen bunch of twelve stalks weighed over three pounds; per 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c... 5.

PALMETTO - A new variety, originated in South Carolina. It is beyond question the largest and finest Asparagus ever sent out. Stalks frequently measure two inches in diameter and, even when twelve inches long, are perfectly tender when cooked. Its tenderness is ensured by its remarkably rapid growth and remaining in good condition several days after being ready for cutting; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c... 5.

BEANS - Dwarf Bush Varieties - Ger. Bohnen. One quart will plant one hundred feet of drill. Dwarf or Bush Beans require no support, and should be planted in drills, an inch and a half deep and drop the beans three inches apart in the drills. Beans are tender annuals and cannot be planted till danger of frost is past. Keep clean, but do not hill up or hoe when wet. A sandy 1oam is most desirable.

PRICE INCLUDE POSTAGE.

See special prices by the peck and bushel at the end of the this list.

Early China Red Eye - Great bearer; per qt. 35c; pt. 20c... 5. Early Mohawk - Good string bean and very hardy. A favorite with gardeners; per qt. 40c; pt. 20c... 5. HENDERSON'S NEW BUSH LIMA - See Novelty List; per qt. 90c; pt. 50c... 15. Early Refugee, or Thousand to One - Very prolifc; pods thich and fleshy; per qt. 35c; pt. 20c... 5.

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CLEVELAND'S IMPROVED RED VALENTINE - Is said to be ten days earlier than any other strain of this well-known variety. In addition to this it is more robust and vigorous, and produces the true, round, curved pods very abundantly. Unexcelled in quality and in uniformity of ripening, nearly the whole crop can be taken at one picking. (See cut.) Per qt. 45c; pt. 25c... 5.

Large White Marrow - Excellent as a shelled bean. Cooks in twenty minutes; per qt. 35c; pt. 20c... 5.

[image] California Branch, or Prolific Tree - This is quite a valuable variety for field culture, grows about twenty inches high, has stiff, upright branches and bears immensely, sometimes yielding forty-five bushels to the acre. The beans closely resemble the White Navy. (See cut.) Per qt. 45c; pt. 25c... 5.

DWARF HORTICULTURAL - This has all the good qualities of the old Horticultural Pole Bean, and is much easier to cultivate because of being a dwarf variety; per qt. 65c; pt. 35c... 5.

The wax beans are all stringless, and for the family garden are to be preferred, to the above green podded varieties. White Wax - Pods waxy yellow, very tender; per qt. 40c; pt. 20c... 5. Black Wax - One of the most popular varieties with all Market Gardeners. Pods fleshy, waxy yellow; tender; per qt. 40c; pt. 20c... 5.

Remember that $1.00 pays for seeds in packets to the amount of $1.35, and to deduct 10 cents per lb. if you have seeds sent at your expense.