1894

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 39.

ROOTS FOR STOCK. These make the cheapest of foods for all kinds of live stock - horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, etc. They are all easily grown and they help to keep the stock in good condition and free from disease. When requested to do so we will send free to the purchaser directions for growing, keeping and feeding. We would advise friends who are not accustomed to growing root crops to try a small field of each, and assure them they will be pleased with results.

MANGEL BEETS. The best paying crop on any stock farm for feeding all kinds of live stock. Some of the best dairymen claim that a bushel of mangels and a bushel of corn are worth more than two bushels of corn; and a careful analysis has demonstrated the fact that 400 pounds of mangels are equal to 100 pounds of the best hay. To one who has not grown them the immense yield seems incredible: 1,000 bushels to the acre is an ordinary yield, while with good culture 2,339 bushels have been grown to this amount of ground. It costs, counting labor, use of ground and everything, less than $50 to raise an acre of mangels and gather and store them. This, for an ordinary yield, is a cost of only five cents per bushel. Try five pounds of our select Mammoth Long Red or some of our other varieties and we are sure you will be pleased. This will be sufficient for one acre. Mangel seed is scarce this year, owing to short crop.

MAMMOTH LONG RED -Very popular sort. Grows to an immense size and has produced sixty-five tons to the acre. Shape is well shown by our illustration. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 20c., lb. 50c, 5 lbs. or more by express not prepaid at 30c. per lb.

DIGNITY.- An improvement on the above made by careful selection for a number of years. It stands head and shoulders above all other varieties of mangels; unequaled for yielding and feeding qualities. Grows to a very large size, weighing from thirty to fifty pounds, and will yield forty-five tons per acre with good cultivation. Thousands of western farmers have grown our Dignity mangel and call it the most profitable farm crop they ever tried. If you want large crops of large mangels of good quality, don't fail to try the Dignity. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 20c., lb. 50c., by express - 5 lbs, $1.50, 10 lbs. $2.75.

GOLDEN TANKARD MANGEL.- Contains less water and more sugar than any other mangel. A special feature is the rich, deep yellow color of the flesh, nutritious and milk-producing qualities. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 50c.; lb. 50c.; by express - 5 lbs. $1.50, 10 lbs. $2.75.

MAMMOTH LONG YELLOW MANGEL.-Similar to Mammoth Long Red, except color. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 20c., lb. 50c., 5 lbs. or more by express at 35c. per lb.

COLLECTION.- One pound each of the above four varieties by express for $1.10.

[image. right column. mammoth long red with a cow picture insert]

FIELD CARROT. Saved from carefully selected stocks. This is an indispensable root for the farm and is deserving at more general cultivation. They succeed best on sandy soil; will also do well on strong clay loams, when perfectly pulverized, well drained and free from weeds. Well managed, there is no crop pays better, and most farmers would find an acre or so desirable. For horses there is no better alterative, and as a diuretic they are ever worth attention. Sow from the middle of April to the first of June, in drills eighteen or twenty inches apart, and when about three inches high, thin to four inches between each plant. Sow three pounds of seed to the acre. A fair average yield is from 800 to 1,000 bushels.

[image. left column. Large White Vosges with caption]

LARGE WHITE VOSGES.- This new and distinct variety is, we think, destined to take first rank as a field carrot, owing to its enormous productiveness and its growing well out of the ground, making it comparatively easy to harvest. Roots one-half long, smooth, very heavy at the shoulder, but taper regularly to the point, as shown in our illustration; color light green above ground, white below; flesh rich, white, solid and crisp, and of an excellent flavor. This variety is a real acquisition as a heavy yielding, easily harvested, white carrot and is the best of this class. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 30c., lb. $1.00.

IMPROVED LONG ORANGE.- A standard sort for field culture, and also desirable for table use. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 20c., lb. 70c.

DWARF ESSEX RAPE.- This has great merit and should be grown far more than at present for stock feed. There has been much seed of the annual varieties sold for sowing for stock feed, though they are utterly worthless for this purpose. The Dwarf Essex is without doubt the best fall variety for feeding sheep, and is sure to give entire satisfaction. Per lb. 50c., 3 lbs. for $1.20, postpaid. Write for prices in quantity.

IMPROVED AMERIGAN RUTA BAGA.- The best variety grown, either for feeding stock or for table use. It is of large size, smooth, very solid, fine quality, hardy and productive. Flesh yellow; keeps well. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 25c., lb. 75c.

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE ROOTS.

THE GREATEST HOG FOOD KNOWN. This variety is not produced from seed. They are sometimes used as a table vegetable when pickled, but their greatest value is for feeding stock. They are the best hog food known and are attracting much attention on account of their great fattening properties, great productiveness (over one thousand bushels having been grown on one acre) and ease with which they can be grown. They need not be dug in the fall; the hogs should be turned in on them, and will help themselves by rooting for them. One acre will keep from twenty to thirty head in fine condition from October until April, except when the ground is frozen too hard for them to root. They are also said to be a preventative of cholera and other hog diseases; and they are also highly recommended for milch cows, increasing the yield of milk and at the same time improving their condition. They are well adapted to any soil where corn or potatoes can be grown. Three bushels will seed an acre, and they should be cut the same as potatoes, one eye to a cut being sufficient, planted in April or May, in rows three feet apart and two feet in the rows, and covered about two inches deep. To destroy them, they should be ploughed under when the plant is about a foot high, at which time the old tuber has decayed and new ones are not yet formed. Per lb. 35c., 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid; by freight or express - peck 65c., bush. $2.00, bbl. of 3 bush. (enough for one acre) $5.50.

[image. right column. Jerusalem Artichoke Roots with caption]

40. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

FLOWER SEEDS.

[image]

Our floral beauties come in for their full share of attention, and in fact we have this year given them more time and space than ever before on our grounds. We have in our employ an experienced specialist in this line who, under our supervision, attends to growing whatever can be grown to advantage in this country, tests all novelties offered in this country or Europe, and is constantly striving, by selection and hybridization, to improve the leading varieties, and make our Choice Iowa Flower Seeds just what we are striving for--the BEST IN THE WORLD. All who truly love the beautiful, and prize all things new and valuable in the Floral Kingdom, will be interested in the following pages, and also in looking over the Flower Plant and Bulb lists. Our Flower Seeds are all fresh and we know they are unsurpassed. Quality is always the first consideration. Our mixtures are mainly made up by ourselves from named varieties, or from growing a large number of the best named varieties together, and will be found to yield a better variety than is commonly found. This year we list all the varieties alphabetically together. Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Climbers and Everlastings, but mention in the description what class they belong to if they are not Annuals. The ornamental grasses are listed separately. This will make it easier to find any sort named. OUR PRICES.--The cost of raising the various sorts of flower seeds varies greatly from such as Mignonette, which we can grow a hundred pounds of at but comparatively only a few dollars expense, up to Double Petunia, which costs us over one hundred dollars per ounce, and some other kinds which are still more expensive. There are but few who care for more than one good-sized bed of any sort, therefore we have filled our packets with a sufficient amount and made prices as low as possible, some being only two or three cents each, and we are certain customers will be well pleased with the quantity they contain. Discounts.--In spite of our very low prices by the packet we still offer flower seeds in packets only to the amount of $1.25 for only $1.00. This discount does not apply to collections of seeds nor to seeds by weight or measure. DIRECTIONS FOR SOWING, ETC.--To insure success the conditions and requirements of the several species as to soil, moisture, heat, etc., should be studied and then observed in culture. Below we give a few general directions for their culture, though more complete directions will be found printed on many of the seed packets. The soil best adapted to most flowers is light, rich loam, containing enough sand to make it porous. If there is some clay with it the colors will be brighter. Make the surface as smooth and fine as possible, sow seed in rows, covering each sort of seed in proportion to its size (a good general rule being to cover twice the diameter of the seed) and press the soil down firmly over it. Do not plant any Seeds when the ground is wet. Many varieties, such as Pansy, Verbena, Daisy, Hollyhock and the fine greenhouse plant seeds, should be sown early in shallow boxes in the house, in soil consisting of equal parts of fine sand and rich mellow loam, well mixed together and sifted, to remove all gravel and lumps. Sow as before directed. Covering the box with glass helps to retain the moisture and keeps the temperature even. Be careful not to keep them too wet, and as soon as they are large enough to handle transplant into boxes from one to two inches apart, where they are to remain until time to transplant to permanent beds. We will always be glad to answer any questions from our customers, relative to the cultivation of any kind of plants. ALL FLOWER SEEDS ARE SENT FREE BY MAIL ON RECEIPT OF PRICE. NOVELTIES.--We shall list a few of the most desirable floral novelties and varieties worthy of more general cultivation ahead of our general list in order to attract the special attention of our customers to them. They are all most excellent and will give entire satisfaction. A NICE LAWN. Is easily obtained by sowing our Central Park or Evergreen Lawn Grass Seed. It is vastly cheaper than sodding, and you are not bothered with weeds, which are in the sod. See price in grass seed department.

MARGUERITE CENTAUREA. This is a most charming floral novelty. All who saw this grand new variety growing on our trial grounds the past season united in pronouncing it one of the handsomest novelties ever brought out. Entirely distinct from all other sorts, and the most beautiful of all. Named after the lovely Queen Marguerite of Italy. The plants grow about eighteen inches high and are of the easiest culture. The large flowers are of the purest white, deliciously scented, exquisitely laciniated, and freely produced on long stems which renders them valuable for cutting. The illustration does not do the flower justice, and gives but a faint idea of its exquisite unique beauty. It is entirely different from all other flowering plants, and sure to attract attention. Per pkt. 10c.

[image right column. Marguerite Centaurea with caption. Copyrighted 1892 by W.A.B.&C.]

NEW TOM THUMB DAHLIAS. This is a radical departure in the way of Dahlias and is really beautiful. The perfect little plants, only twelve to fifteen inches high, are remarkably regular in their dwarf, bushy habit of growth, and they come into flower very early. Scarcely three months after sowing the seed the plants will be fully developed and covered with showy, pretty flowers, which are produced in constant profusion and great variety the whole summer through. The range of color is something unusual; in many of the flowers the ground is white, with regular zones of magenta, crimson, purple, etc., while in others the ground is yellow or light rose, with charming contrasting variegations. The effect is vivid and striking, yet the blooms may be classed as most refined in their effects. Per pkt. 15c., 2 pkts. for 25c.

[image left column. New Tom Thumb Dahlias with caption. Insert of enarged flower. Copyrighted 1893 by W.A.B&CO.]

The Hibiscus that I got of you had the loveliest blooms on it I ever saw. MARY R. TEETUS, Brazil, Ind.

All the seeds bought of you last year were very satisfactory, Sweet Peas and Nasturtiums especially so. H. ROY MOSNAT, Belle Plaine, Ia.

Your Pansies seem to grow prettier every year. I am delighted with the quality of your seeds. MRS. E. C. POPPLETON, Birminghan, Mich.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 41.

[image. left column. New Double Annual Chrysanthemum]

[center column] NEW DOUBLE ANNUAL CHRYSANTHEMUM - This valuable and most unique novelty has resulted from carefully hybridizing and selecting for several years the semi-double varieties of this useful annual already existing, until a high degree of doubleness has been attained. They are extremely variable and it is impossible to describe the beautiful forms which have been produced, as conveyed by our engraving. Some are pure white, yellow, or crimson, but the prevailing types are bronzy yellow, the florets tinged with red or lilac rose, the imbricated ray florets beautifully penciled, others have rich crimsoned centers with clear yellow guard petals. Although mostly very double, there will be an occasional semi-double or even single, but these are almost equally charming. Per pkt. l0c.

GIANT EMPRESS COCKSCOMB - Very handsome either for pot plants or specimen plants in beds, where they excite the curiosity of visitors more [left column] than almost any plant that be grown. The Empress which we illustrate is the finest and most gorgeous variety yet introduced. It is not uncommon for the heads of this variety to measure over twelve inches in breadth; very bright purple combs and dark bronze foliage. Per pkt. 10c.

OLD FASHIONED GRASS PINKS - The hardy and pretty clove scented flowers which our grandmothers loved. Their fragrance is quickly noticed by any one passing by the yard where they are grown, before seeing the flowers. There has been quite a call for these among our customers and for several years we have tried to obtain seed of this old garden favorite and have at last succeeded in obtaining a fine crop of seed. The flowers range from pure white to a dark pink, most of them, however, being a clear, delicate pink color. A hardy perennial, very desirable for borders. Per pkt. 5c.

ROSY MORN POPPIES - This new Poppy is a really superb novelty. All who tried it last season for the first time were greatly struck with its beauty. The flowers are extremely double and of good size, forming perfect balls of a unique and beautiful shade of rose - an entirely new and distinct color in Poppies. We consider this quite an acquisition. It is of the easiest possible culture, belonging to the annual pæony-flowered section and merely requires to be sown where the plants are to flower. Those who have not already tried this novelty should not fail to do so. Per pkt. 10c.

LARGE FLOWERING PERPETUAL WHITE STOCKS - This fine variety is one of the most valuable kind of Ten Weeks' Stock ever introduced. It is of strong growth and fine branching habit. It grows in the open ground, to the height of one and one-half feet, and if sown early will produce a great abundance of bloom from May or June until November. The individual flowers are uncommonly large, of a fine rosette-like shape and the purest possible white. The flowers appear on each little shoot, and the oftener they are cut the better they seem to like it. Indeed it is a veritable "Cut and Come Again." It also succeeds splendidly as a pot plant, and the flowers are delicately fragrant. Per pkt. 10c.

[image. Rosy Morn Poppies in a vase]

[left column] [image. Ricinus Cambogiensis]

RICINUS CAMBOGIENSIS.- This most beautiful plant is well shown by our illustration. It grows to a height of eight feet, and is of a most stately, majestic, tropical appearance. Its large, palm-like leaves are of the darkest reddish maroon, covered with a bright bronzy lustre, while the main stalk and leaf stems are ebony black. The leaves have large red veins which add to the beauty. The fruit is a fiery red. It is unexcelled as a decorative plant for lawn or garden. More ornamental than many plants which would cost several dollars each at the greenhouse. Seed will always be scarce and high. The seeds are large and will each produce a strong plant. Per pkt. of six seeds, 10 cts. RICINUS GIGANTEUS--The largest of all, 12 feet high, with steel blue stalk and large green leaves often fully 30 inches in diameter. Per pkt. 10c. CURLED AND CRESTED ZINNIAS -A most unique and charming new variety with petals oddly curled, and crested in fantastic contortions and graceful forms. Flowers are of perfect form, large, round, full and double, and the peculiar shape of petal relieves the flower from stiffness which has heretofore characterized this family of flowers. Plants are of perfect form. Per pkt. 15c.

[image] GRASS PINK.

BEGONIA VERNON--This new Begonia is one ot the most remarkable Floral Novelties. It comes absolutely true from seed. The plants grow rapidly and thrive amazingly under our hot summer sun. It seems that the hotter and brighter the sun the richer are the flowers and foliage--this character makes it of the greatest value for bedding and general culture in the open ground. The flowers are borne in constant profusion and with striking effect, from early summer until late autumn. The color is intensely deep red, magnificently set off by the abundant and vigorous foliage, which is waxy and glossy, stained, spotted, and margined bronze purple. Per pkt. 15 cts.

[image] PERPETUAL WHITE STOCK.

42. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] CRIMSON EYE HIBISCUS.

CRIMSON EYE HIBISCUS This elegant strain of Hibiscus is a robust grower, with dark red stems and foliage. The flowers are immense in size, often measuring TWENTY INCHES IN CIRCUMFERENCE. The color is of the purest white, with a large spot of deep velvety crimson in the center of each flower. It is a striking combination of color and one that must be seen to be fully appreciated. A well developed plant will produce several hundred of these flowers in a season. It will succeed anywhere and is perfectly hardy, blooming the first year from seed sown in the open ground. Per pkt. 15 cts.

Centrosema Grandiflora. "LOOK AT ME." Absolutely new to cultivation and at the same time one of the very best in actual merit. It is a hardy, perennial vine of rare and exquisite beauty, which blooms early in June from seed sown in April, and bears in the greatest profusion inverted pea-shaped flowers from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter, and ranging in color from a rosy violet to a reddish purple, with a broad feathered white marking through the center, while the large buds and back of the flowers are pure white. The flowers are produced in the greatest abundance, sometimes six to eight in a cluster, and remain fresh several days after picking. The stem and foliage are very graceful, and of a delightful odor. It is well adapted for every garden purpose, and especially as a climber, running six to eight feet in a season. It will bloom until frost, and if potted will flower freely in the house. One of the most attractive features is the way in which the flowers look up at you in the face. Every imaginative person sees faces in the Pansy, and this is even more suggestive in Centrosema. Therefore, "Look at Me" is not a bad name for it. Per pkt. 15 cts.

Mammoth Passion Flower. This is one of the most desirable of all climbing plants. Sure to be popular with all lovers of beautiful flowers and lovely climbing plants. Seed can be sown in winter in a hot-bed or a box in the house for early spring planting, and if well cared for and seasons are favorable, vines will send out magnificent blossoms the first season, three or four inches in diameter. Its color is odd, comprising a combination of blue, pink and white, which is beautiful, very large and showy, of a feathery and velvet-like appearance, very rich and attractive; foliage is a dark green, with handsome leaves; vines begin to throw out blossoms when only one or two feet high, followed in the fall by a beautiful golden fruit about the size of a hen's egg. If left in the open ground in winter must have some protection. Per pkt. 10 cts. Cosmos. A magnificent race of plants growing about four feet in height, and in the fall literally covered with graceful flowers resembling single Dahlias, but neater and better for cutting. They are about two inches in diameter; rose, purple, flesh color and pure white. As a cut flower for vases or personal wear their grace and beauty are unequaled. They commence to bloom in September and continue through October, the flowers bearing a slight frost remarkably. Easily raised from seed, and if sown early bloom the first season. All colors mixed. Per pkt. 10 cts.

[image] CENTROSEMA GRANDIFLORA.

[image] PHLOX DRUMMONDII GRANDIFLORA

New Sweet Peas. SPLENDOR.--Flowers large and of fine form. Color rich bright pinkish rose, shaded to crimson. Per pkt. 10 cts., oz. 35 cts. DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH.--Very beautiful; standard light scarlet, slashed with crimson, slightly margined at the edge with cream-white; wings tipped with rose. Per pkt. 5 cts., oz., 20 cts. QUEEN OF ENGLAND.--A grand new variety with pure white flowers, only surpassed by Emily Henderson. Per pkt. 5 cts., oz., 25 cts. IMPERIAL BLUE.--One of Eckford's new large flowering varieties of finest form; color ultramarine blue, claret and purple. One of the most effective and handsome sorts. Per pkt. 5 cts., oz. 25 cts. BOREATTON.--A very fine dark variety with immense, bold, attractive flowers, borne in great profusion. Color, red mahogany and maroon, beautiful. Per pkt. 10 cts., oz. 30 cts. PURPLE PRINCE.--Maroon standards, shaded with bronze, and purple-blue wings; very fine and superb. Per pkt. 5 cts., oz., 25 cts. COLLECTION.--One packet each of the seventeen varieties of Sweet peas which we list for 75 cts.

Phlox Drummondii Grandiflora. (Iowa Seed Company's Strain.) For many years the Phlox has been a special favorite with us and we consider it one of the most satisfactory flowers in the whole list for general culture. This special strain of Grandiflora Mixed has been selected with great care for many years until we now have an ideal flower, of immense size and for beauty of colors they are unsurpassed, if equaled, by any other strain in existance. They grow to a height of 15 to 18 inches and produce a great profusion of large trusses of flowers, and if the flowers are cut freely they will continue a mass of bloom until severe freezing weather. The colors range from the purest white to nearly black, including all shades of pink, red, violet, crimson, purple, yellow, blue, scarlet and brown, striped and blended in an indescribable manner. Some of the flowers are very nearly as large as a silver half dollar. Don't fail to try them this year. Per pkt. 10 cts.

Your Pansy and Pink Seeds proved to be excellent for me.--MRS. SAMUEL KUHN, Hoisington, Kansas.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 43.

[image] WILD CUCUMBER.

$1.25 IN PACKETS FOR $1.00

WILD CUCUMBER. A well-known vine common in many sections, and the quickest climber known for covering verandas, old trees and houses, trellises, etc.; never suffering from the heat, but retaining its fresh and lively green color; never infested with insects, and very profuse in bloom. It will sow itself and come up every year in the same place. Pkt. 10c.

CENTAUREA CYANUS fl. pl. New Double Flowered Ragged Sailor, Corn Flower or Blue Bottle. Who does not know and love the old-fashioned Ragged Sailor or Bluets, cherished in our gardens, and its praises sung by poets? It retained its primitiveness for years, but at last has sported, and produced what may be justly called double flowers of unusually large size and filled up to the center with florets, forming handsome globular heads. We offer the seed in mixed colors, which contain, in addition to the usual colors of light and dark blue, white, pink, and red, several striking new shades, such as dark red with light blue edges, white striped with red and blue, etc. A continuous bloomer of great value as a cut flower, destined to popularity and highly recommended. Per pkt. 10c.

[image] DOUBLE CENTAUREA.

EUPHORBIA HETEROPHYLLA. (The Georgeous [Gorgeous?] Annual Poinsetta[Poinsettia].) "Mexican Fire Plant," or "Fire on the Mountain."--This novelty is an annual of the easiest culture, forming bushy plants three to four feet high, with glossy green fiddle-shaped leaves, which form at the ends of the branches into large whorls or bracts, among which small green flowers appear in summer, and immediately after the leaves commence to color up. The smaller bracts among the flowers are of a brilliant orange scarlet, and the large surrounding leaves soon become blazed with a darker, fiery scarlet, so that only a tip of green is left. As these colored bracts almost cover the plant, the effect is indescribably grand. Retain their superb beauty from May until December. Pkt. 10c.

[image] THE ANNUAL POINSETTIA

Princess or SNOWBALL ASTER. A beautiful and distinct variety, the first of a new race, originating from the "Mignon," introduced some years ago. The flowers are semi-spherical, as shown in our engraving; of refined and faultless form; pure white; beautifully imbricated and very freely produced, as many as 30 flowers being frequently borne on a single plant. The cut blooms will remain longer in good condition than most other varieties; and this sort has the additional advantage of being well adapted for pot culture. This will undoubtedly prove a valuable acquisition to the Aster family being a novelty of decided merit and the forerunner of a distinct new class. Per pkt. 15c.

[image] HARLEQUIN ASTER.

HARLEQUIN ASTER. A new dwarf pyramidal strain of great beauty, with oddly spotted and striped very double flowers of red and blue, the same plant often having a great variety of flowers on it. Every one will be pleased with it, and it will always attract great attention. Per pkt. 10c.

GOLDEN ROD. Although considered an objectionable weed on our western prairies, there is no denying the beauty of this flower and it has been adopted by New York State as the State flower. It is greatly admired everywhere, and as it is easily grown from seed there is sure to be a demand for it from flower lovers. Per pkt. 5c.

[image] SNOWBALL ASTER.

I never had such pretty asters as I did from seeds bought of you last spring. I was pleased with all the flower seeds. MRS. W. C. MUSSER, Tracy, Minnesota. My plants have done so well which I bought of you. I had some of the prettiest asters I ever saw. ALMIRA PRINDLE, Stepney Depot, Conn. Your pansy seeds are splendid. I had the finest bed of pansies I ever saw. MRS. A. E. KNOX, Stuart, Iowa.