1911

Front Cover

ESTABLISHED 46 YEARS ANNUAL CATALOGUE FOR 1911

RAINBOW ROSE COLLECTION 75 ¢: LARGE TWO-YEAR OLD PLANTS $ 1.85 CHARGES PREPAID.

[Image] Greenhouses

33 LARGE GREENHOUSES 12 ACRES IN FLOWER AT OUR CITY ESTABLISHMENT

[Images of roses] BLUE RAMBLER GOLD NUGGET QUEEN BEATRICE WHITE KILLARNEY RHEA REID MY MARYLAND

IOWA SEED CO.

ONLY ONE QUALITY THE BEST

SEEDSMEN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.A.

RAINBOW ROSE COLLECTION

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There is no flower sweeter, or more fragrant and beautiful than the rose, and they are so universally satisfactory that the demand for them is almost doubling every year. This superb collection which we are this year giving special prominence by illustrating in colors on the cover of our catalogue, contains some of the finest roses ever offered and we are sure every rose lover will want it. The collection should really sell for at least [illegible]1.50, but we have propagated a large number this season and offer one strong plant of each for 75 cents, postpaid.

BLUE RAMBLER.—(Vellchenblau.)—The wonderful new rose introduced last year which has attracted so much attention. It resembles the well known Crimson Rambler in its climbing habit and manner of growth, having glossy green foliage and bearing large clusters of medium sized flowers. When first opened, its color is an attractive shade of violet-crimson, later changing to a more distinctive and the unique shade of violet-blue. It is markedly distinct in color from any other rose within our knowledge: and from a conservative standpoint, is a novelty deserving of attention and trial on pillar, arbor on trellis. Strong, young plants ea. 25c; large two-year-old 50c.

WHITE KILLARNEY.— Probably no rose has ever taken such a prominent place as quickly as the Killarney, and this new variety is exactly like it except in color. It is one of the best of our garden roses being perfectly hardy in this climate with slight protection. In growth, it is strong and robust and as free flowering as any rose we know. The color is pure, snowy white; the blooms are large and the buds long and pointed. The petals are very large and of great substance and just as handsome in the full-bloomed flower as in the bud form. In the garden, the flowers are very last ing and color remains clear and pure to the last. Each 15c; large two-year-old 40c.

QUEEN BEATRICE.—The $30,000 rose. This new hybrid tea rose is one of the finest varieties ever sent out. It is a strong, vigorous grower, free flowering, pro ducing large, perfect-shaped blooms of delightful fragrance. When first opening, it is a beautiful, dark, rich pink and gradually fades to the beautiful silvery pink of the La France, when the rose is at its best. The form of the flower resembles that of Liberty, large, full and double. It is a strong and healthy grower and very free flowering, and a splendid keeper. It is ideal for cut-flower purposes. Each 20c; large two-year-old plants 40c.

GOLDEN NUGGET.—(Blumenschmidt.)—A vigorous grower, bearing its large, beautiful flowers on long, erect stems. Color deep golden-orange, shading out to creamy-yellow, occasionally washed with salmon-rose. This magnificent variety will certainly prove one of the best yellows among they hybrid teas. It is the most beau tiful golden yellow color we ever saw in any rose and suggestive of the name. The freedom with which its blooms are produced, combined with their long lasting quali ties, will render it a most valuable rose for cutting. Each 25c; large two-year-old 50c.

MY MARYLAND. - This grand variety is an ideal garden sort and promises to be one of the most popular in this country. The color is a soft, salmon-pink which lights up beautifully as the flowers expand. The shade is most pleasing, surpassing all other pink roses in the eyes of many competent judges. Under artificial light, it is even more beautiful than in daylight. The growth is splendid, sturdy and healthy; the foliage large and abundant; the large flowers are strongly and delightfully perfumed. Each 20c; large two-year-old plants.

RHEA REID. - A magnificent new crimson garden rose described by an enthusiastic rose lover as being "as large as American Beauty, as double as La France and as red as Richmond." For an all-round garden rose for outdoor culture it has no equal. The color is vivid scarlet-crimson, and the flowers are marvels of beauty, large, bold and of splendid substance. It has a strong, disease-resisting constitution, makes a rapid growth, and throws up a profusion of canes from the roots and is always blooming. Very hardy and of thriving growth. Each 20c; large two-year-old plants 50c.

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[Image] BLUE RAMBLER ROSE

RAINBOW ROSE COLLECTION Consists of one strong plant each of the above six varieties for only 75 cents, or a large-sized two-year-old plant of each, ready to begin blooming at once, for only $1.85, sent prepaid to any town in the United States. Four collections $6.

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AMERICAN BEAUTY ROSE COLLECTION Who has not heard of the American Beauty, the rose famed in story, poetry and song? The cut flowers are frequently sold during the winter at $10.00 to $25.00 per dozen. What flower lover has not hoped some day to have a "garden of roses" with American Beauties galore? This collection has proven very popular and we are growing vast numbers of plants for the immense demand. Read carefully the list of varieties fully described in the Plant List and notice the low prices. American Beauty, White American Beauty, Black Beauty, Striped Beauty, Pink Beauty, and Moss Beauty. SPECIAL One strong plant each of the above six roses for 75c. One large two-year-old plant of each for $1.65. By mail to any town in the United States.

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INTERNATIONAL ROSE COLLECTION The rose is the world's most popular flower, and almost every civilized country has a favorite variety of its own. The American Beauty, of course, heads the list, but our collection contains also the favorite varieties of the English, German, Irish, Swedish and French nations. Full descriptions in the Plant Department. American Beauty, Rosy Crimson; England's Favorite, Golden Yellow; Kaiserin, Pearl White; Killarney, Bright Pink; Marechal Neil, Bright Yellow; King Oscar, Dark Crimson. International Rose Collection consists of one strong plant each of the above six varieties for only 75c; or a large sized two-year-old plant of each, ready to begin blooming at once, for only $1.75, sent postpaid to any town in the United States. Four collections for $5.75.

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"COMPLETE GARDEN COLLECTION"

35 Varieties Best FOR $1.00 All Good Desirable Sorts Garden Vegetables Sure to Please You

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A selection of vegetables listed in the text.

Consists of one full-sized packet each of Improved Golden Wax Beans, Old Homestead Pole Beans, Market Gardener's Beet, Henderson's Snowball Cauliflower, Washington Wakefield Cabbage, Shortstem Drumhead Cabbage, Oxheart Carrot, White Plume Celery; Early Cory Corn, Country Gentleman Corn, Perfect White Spine Cucumber. Improved Ground Cherry, American Mammoth Brussells Sprouts, Page's Striped Rice Pop Corn, Continuity Lettuce, Improved Hanson Lettuce. Rocky Ford Musk Melon. Duke Jones Watermelon, Large Red Wethersfield Onion, Mammoth Prizetaker Onion, Nott's Excelsior Peas, Early Scarlet Globe Radish, White Icicle Radish, Improved Table Guernsey Parsnip, Ruby King Pepper, Early Crookneck Squash, Long Standing Spinach, Mammoth Sandwish Island Salsify, Market Gardener's Parsley, Iowa Standard Tomato, Matchless Tomato, White Egg Turnip, Purple Top Strap Leaf Turnip, Monarch Ruta Baga, and Vine Peach.

Total of 35 Full Sized Packets Sent Postpaid for $1.00 At Regular Catalogue Price they Amount to About $2.00

NOTICE: These collections are all put up ready for mailing before our busy season begins, and therefore can not be changed or divided. It is a Bargain. Can a Dollar Be Better Invested?

The best investment I ever made with one dollar was this spring when I sent to you for garden seeds. I wish you could see my garden. It is just grand. - Mrs. David Horton, Caseville, Mich.

1865 1911 Fortysix Years Successful Business!

Des Moines, Iowa, January, 1911.

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Established 1865

To Our Customers: We owe you increased gratitude for your kindnesses extended to us during the year just past. Our trade was greater than ever before and you have added greatly to our hope for the future by the confidence expressed in hundreds of kind letters which you sent us. We realize from reports received that this year you will make still heavier demands upon us and we assure you we shall do everything in our power to keep up the quality and excellence of our Choice Iowa Seeds. Competition, with us, is only a secondary matter. The question of price or the offers of competitors worry us not a bit, but our unceasing thought and effort is that the customer shall get satisfaction in results. We believe that it is this policy that has caused the growing demands for our stocks and added so greatly to our constantly increasing list of customers, so that we can justly claim to be

"SEEDSMEN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE" By this we mean not only native born Americans, but all residents of this country.

[Image of a handwritten note that states]

A satisfactiory business deal must benefit both the buyer and seller. We consider your interests as well as our own in every transaction.

See our bond proposition page 39.

If you are an old customer no introduction or solicitation on our part is necessary, and we shall only ask that you accept our sincere thanks. Every year, however, we meet fifty to seventy-five thousand prospective buyers and we desire to solicit the trade of such on the basis of quality of stocks supplied and service rendered. Look over this catalogue carefully, and note the great diversity and completeness of our line. Read our descriptions carefully, and note our offers. We take great pains to not exaggerate but to set forth in plain words descriptions that will describe and not mislead; illustrations that will truthfully convey to the mind the object shown. The catalogue itself is intended to be a reflection of the house and its methods - neat, not gaudy - clean, showing care and pains, - honest, telling the truth as we know it, - and fair, offering a square deal to both parties, and we believe you will concede the truth of these clalms if you will favor us with a share of your patronage. This year we have made our usual careful investigation of goods and stocks offered. We have spent a great deal of time and money in personal inspection of crops and testing of varieties; also in testing and comparing tools and miscellaneous articles in our list, and we believe we have the very best to be obtained in every department of our business.

IOWA SEED COMPANY

See our bond proposition on page 39.

SUGGESTIONS TO CUSTOMERS.

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Our constant aim is to make the highest quality the first consideration and next to put our prices as low as good seed can be sold,

Order Early: The best time to order is just as soon as you receive this catalogue, as we can always give your orders more of our personal attention if they come in before the rush of the spring trade. Please use the order sheet, as it makes it more convenient for us in filling orders. You will note there are two order sheets enclosed: one for seeds, tools and miscellaneous goods, and the other for plants, bulbs and nursery stock. If you will use them as intended, it will greatly facilitate the execution of your orders. Terms are invariably cash with order, as we keep no book accounts in our mail order department, and the expense of sending goods C.O.D. is quite large. Postage stamps received as cash.

Shipping: There are five express companies and fifteen railroad lines at Des Moines, so that quick shipments can be made to any town in the United States.

Charges Prepaid: All Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Bulbs and Plants, except those noted, are sent prepaid by mail or express by the quickest and most direct routes, unless ordered otherwise, and we guarantee the safe arrival. Seeds sold by the peck or bushel, Field Seeds, Potatoes, Implements and other heavy goods are sent by freight or express, customers paying charges. Remember seeds go at special rates by express.

Delivery: The point of delivery of all goods is on cars at Des Moines. When we quote a delivery price it means simply that we prepay the freight, express charges or postage. Many of our farmer customers live at railroad stations where there are no agents. In such cases we must request them to send sufficient money to prepay freight charges on heavy shipments; also in cases where perishable or other goods are ordered to be sent by freight or express to such great distances that cost of transportation will nearly or quite equal the value of the goods.

Discounts: We have this year made the prices in this catalogue as low as our high grade seeds can be sold, and we can give no discounts. In ordering seeds in bulk you may deduct ten cents per pound on vegetable seeds, such as are listed prepaid, if you are willing to have them sent by express or freight at your expense.

Premiums: Each year we put up thousands of packets of new or particulary desirable varieties of seeds for free distribution to our customers. We will send these out with the seeds ordered by you and will treat you liberally in this respect. We shall also try to please our plant customers by adding something to their order when shipping it.

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Our Responsibility: As this book will probably go into the hands of some who are unacquainted with us, this question will naturally arise, and in answer to same we refer you, by permission, to the Century Savings Bank of this city, to the postmaster, or to any express company.

What We Guarantee: That all money sent to us for seed shall reach us if sent us by registered letter, postoffice or express money order, or bank draft, made payable to our order. That your orders will be filled promptly and well. That goods ordered will reach you safely. Keep a copy of your order. Sometimes persons think they have ordered articles which they have omitted, and blame us for not sending them.

About Warranting: We thoroughly test all our seeds and nothing is sent out which we do not believe to be good in every respect. When it is considered how many are the contingencies on which the success of any crop depends, such as sowing too deep or too shallow, too wet or dry soil, unfavorable weather, insects, etc., our customers will readily see that it would be sheer folly for anyone to warrant seeds to produce a perfect crop, and we want it plainly understood that while we exercise great care to have all seeds pure and reliable, and also true to name, we do not give any warranty express or implied as to description, quality, productiveness, or any other matter of any seeds, bulbs or plants we send out, and we will not be in any way responsible for the crop. If the purchaser does not accept the seeds on these terms and conditions they are to be returned at once, and the money that has been paid for same will be refunded. No officer, agent or employe [employee] of this company is authorized to make any warranty whatsoever. However we have so much confidence in our seeds that we hereby agree to refill any retail order for vegetable or flower seeds free of charge should they prove otherwise than as we represent them. We know of no responsible seed firm in the world which guarantees seeds any further than this. Compare with other seed catalogues and you will find that we are right.

Market Gardeners: and others who buy vegetable seeds in bulk to the amount of $5.00 or more are requested to send their list of seeds wanted to us and let us make special quotations.

Plant Orders: Orders for Plants will be filled as early in the spring as we consider it safe to send them. If ordered for immediate shipment in severe weather they will be sent at purchaser's risk.

Small Orders: We take pains to fill orders promptly and correctly, no matter if only for one packet of seeds, but we request that plant orders amount to at least 25 cents and nursery stock to at least 50 cents, as otherwise they are filled at a loss to us.

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SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUlDE.

ADDED IMPROVEMENTS FOR 1911.

A STATEMENT OF OUR PREPARATIONS FOR THE PRESENT YEAR.

No changes have been made in the directive forces of our establishment. The same management continues in force and the same policies will be the rule as for former seasons. Experience counts, and each year adds to the knowledge of our chiefs who remain in direction on the different departments of our business. We consider the years of training given to our men our chiefest hope for the future, as we know that the same care and conscientious effort which has prevailed in the past will continue; and result in increased numbers of firm friends and generous patrons.

While the personal force is yearly growing stronger from added knowledge, the facilities for handling the trade are constantly being increased by the investment of earnings in new buildings and appliances to save time and labor and assist in the rapid and successful handling of the business entrusted to us. The enormous growth of our plant trade has forced us to extend ten of our greenhouses, adding 12,000 feet of glass to our already large plant, and we have been compelled to place additional heating apparatus; these improvements together costing several thousand dollars.

At the mail order building we have spent large sums of money in new cleaning machinery, in building for increased storage space, and in new equipment to enable us to move larger stocks than were possible before.

At Altoona we have added additional room for corn sorting, increased our shelling capacity, installed more grading machinery; and in fact have nearly doubled the daily output of seed corn of the best quality, and this has been accomplished only by the outlay of a considerable sum.

No material change has been made at the retail store except that new appliances and fixtures have been installed, so that an increased trade of forty per cent has been handled without added space.

Several hundred acres were this year added to our plantings, and we are pleased to say that our crops will not only be increased in quantity but the quality generally is superior to most seasons.

This business has now reached such proportions, and is so diversified that it is impossible to conduct it all under one roof, and the accompanying illustrations will help you appreciate our efforts in building up one of the most substantial enterprises in the world.

[Images] FIFTH STREET WAREHOUSE STORE AND OFFICE MAIL ORDER BUILDING SEED FARMS - 8600 ACRES ALTOONA CORN HOUSE GREENHOUSES

OUR ESTABLISHMENTS

THE IOWA SEED STORE is so well known in Des Moines that it would be difficult to find even a child in this city of 100,000 inhabitants who does not know its location. It occupies the large building at 613 - 615 Locust street, within a few blocks of the postoffice, express offices and the principal railroad passenger stations. The large store room is full of interest to everyone who has a farm or garden, or who loves flowers. Here are located the offices and correspondence department. During the busy season we receive 2,000 to 7,000 letters every day. We are always glad to have our customers call and see us.

THIRTY - THREE GREENHOUSES erected during the past few years are devoted exclusively to growing plants for the mail order trade, and contain a greater variety of plants than any other greenhouse establishment in the west. They are located convenient to the electric car line and fronting on Kingman boulevard, one of the finest driving streets in the city. Here we devote fully twelve acres to flowers, making the finest display to be found in the west.

MAIL ORDER BUILDING. - Our trade has increased so constantly that we purchased the ground at 208-210-212 South Eighth street, about six blocks from our store, and erected thereon a large building specially arranged for our business. The railway tracks beside the building give us excellent facilities for handling carload lots, and we are centrally located between the various freight depots so that small shipments can be made promptly. Our machinery is operated by four electric motors, and we claim that our mills for cleaning seed cannot be surpassed. We can readily fill 2,000 to 4,000 orders per day in this building, and they are handled in such a careful way that errors seldom occur. Most of our empoyees have been with us many years, and no 'green hands' handle seeds in bulk.

THE WAREHOUSE on South Fifth street we have occupied for many years for storage purposes only. Large lots of seed which come in after harvest are thoroughly cleaned and then put away in this building for the spring trade.

SEED CORN HOUSE. - The seed corn branch of our business has continued to grow every year and in order to handle it in the best manner increased facilities were necessary. To meet this urgent need and provide for future growth which was sure to come, we erected this building on our seed farm at Altoona. We now have capacity for 25,000 bushels of seed corn, every ear of which can be given the personal inspection of an expert.

SEED FARMS. - It requires the seed crop from about 8,600 acres to supply our trade and the farms are widely isolated so as to avoid any mixtures. Some seeds cannot be grown to advantage here, and we contract practical seed growers elsewhere to grow for us.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 3

VEGETABLE SEEDS

[2 drawings of sprouted vegetable seeds planted in rows] SEED TESTING AND TRIALS

Our stock of vegetable seeds we are sure cannot be excelled either in quality or selection by and firm in the country, as we watch our growing crops with great care, taking pains to isolate and keep pure and true to name. Every variety listed is desirable and has our recommendation. Our packets are, we believe, as well filled as any reliable seed dealer's in the United States, and, in fact, a comparison has shown that they contain more seed, on the average, than those of any other firm whose packets we have secured. We pay the postage at these prices, except on Beans, Peas and Corn at the peck or bushel rates.

We make it a rule to carefully test all seeds as soon as received from the grower, or as soon as they are brought in from our seed farms. We also carry on extensive trials on our grounds by which we are enabled to offer only those strains of seeds which come up to the standard of purity and excellence, and are of the highest vitality, and the result is that we rarely have complaints as our Choice Iowa Seeds are sure to please.

ASPARAGUS

(One ounce will sow forty feet of drill. For asparagus roots, see page 38.)

Asparagus is so easily grown and such a large quantity is produced on a small amount of ground that every garden should contain a bed. A bed ten feet square requiring 50 plants will give an abundant supply for any ordinary family. Soak the seed 4 hours in tepid water; sow early in spring in rows a foot apart; keep clean by frequent weeding and hoeing. Ask for free circular giving instructions for making an asparagus bed.

COLUMBIAN MAMMOTH WHITE. A new and entirely distinct variety, that produced shoots which are white and stay white as long as fit for use. Is more robust and vigorous in habit, and throws up larger shoots and fully as many as Conover's Colossal, and requires no earthing up in order to furnish the white shoots so much sought after. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

PALMETTO. Stalks frequently measure 2 inches in diameter, and even when 12 inches long are perfectly tender when cooked. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

CONOVER'S COLOSSAL.-The standard variety. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

ARTICHOKE

This vegetable is a great delicacy, highly valued in all parts of Europe, and also one of their most prominent table vegetables in California and other parts of this country. It is a perennial producing the large flower heads, which are the part eaten, the second season and every year thereafter. The young stalks are also sometimes tied and blanched like celery, but they are not equal to the flower heads. Cook like asparagus and serve with cream or butter sauce. Sow seed early in hotbeds or box in the house, and when weather becomes settled transplant in rows four feet apart and two feet in the row. When started early sometimes blooms the first year.

LARGE GREEN GLOBE.-The best variety for general use; buds large; scales green; very thich, fleshy. Pkt. 10c, oz. 35c, 1/4 lb. $1.00.

BORECOLE, or KALE

(One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants.)

Is a hardier vegetable than the cabbage; excellent for greens during winter and spring; splendid food for poultry. Cultivate like cabbage.

EXTRA CURLED MOSSBACK. A most attractive variety; fine crimped leaves, light green, admirable for garnishing. Best cooking. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

DWARF GERMAN GREEN, or Siberian. Popular. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

THOUSAND HEADED. Grown mainly for forage, but also an excellent garden vegetable. See farm seed department. Pkt. 5c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

(One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants.)

Of the cabbage family, producing numerous heads on the stem, of most delicious quality, as well as cabbage-like head at the top. Use and cultivate the same as winter cabbage.

AMERICAN MAMMOTH. A new and greatly superior variety of American growth which forms heads ready for picking about three weeks earlier than other varieties. It makes stronger plants and more heads. A profitable crop for market gardeners. Pkt. 10c, oz. 35c, 1/4 lb. $1.00.

ENGLISH. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 45c.

BROCCOLI

(One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants.)

Growth and habit like the cauliflower, except that it is more hardy, and the heads are not as compact. It is not desirable for warm or dry countries, but is of special value in the north. Cultivate and use the same as Cauliflower.

EARLY LARGE WHITE. The most popular sort. Has medium sized creamy white heads. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c.

I have used your seeds for over twenty-five years and have always found them just as represented in every way. Also, you are very generous in bargains and full packets. - Mary V. Brigham, Ft. Collins, Colo.

ASPARAGUS ROOTS ARE OFFERED ON PAGE 38. YOU SAVE A YEAR'S TIME BY PURCHASING ROOTS