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24 SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.
WHITE PORTUGAL
RED GLOBE
YELLOW GLOBE DANVERS
LARGE RED WHETHERSFIELD
WHITE GLOBE NEW CROP AMERICAN ONION SEED Good onion seed is of the utmost importance as it is one of the most important crops grown, and there is no other vegetable where the quality of the seed exerts a greater influence upon the crop than onions. There ix more money in onions grown from seed than almost any other crop. Fully realizing thiz, we have for many years made a specialty of onion seed which is all grown from choice, selected bulb,s critically exclaimed before being set out for seed. In vitality it is very strong, being carefully tested, and we are sure that OUR ONION SEED CANNOT BE EXCELLED in purity, vitality or high quaity. Large onions can easily be grown the first year from the seed by obtaining our American grown onion seed. The crop was short this year and prices may advance. In comparing our prices with others, remember that we pay the postage. Deduct ten cents per pound if to be sent by express. Ask for prices in largel ots. LARGE WHITE GLOBE.--The handsomest market variety; beautiful, clean, pure, silvery white bulbs of large, even size, globe-shape, mild and pleasant flavor, and outsells every other variety. Undoubtedly the best white sort. Will yield as many bushels per acre as any of the American varieties. Pkt. 10c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. 90c, 1b. $3.00. WHITE PORTUGAL or SILVER SKIN.--Standard white variety for general culture. Bulbs grow to good size, ripening early and quite evenly. A good keeper. Flesh is very mild and sweet; the skin a clear, silvery white. of very handsome appearance. Pkt. 10c, 0z. 30c, 1/4 lb. 90c, lb. $3.00. EXTRA EARLY BARLETTA BEST FOR PICKLING
IOWA STANDARD IOWA STANDARD, or Golden Globe.--Offered by us as the very best yellow globe-shaped onion for general culture. We prefer it to the red varieties because it is of mild flavor and much more handsome. Will keep sound and good under conditions that render other sorts worthless. The bulbs are always uniform in shape, size and color. Is surely thoroughbred, and the entire crop looks like carefully hand-selected onions. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 ln. 60c, lb. $2.00. SOUTHPORT RED GLOBE.--This is a very handsome variety and is deserving of general cultivation. It is medium early (none of the perfectly globe-shaped onions are as early as the flat varieties), grows to a large size, skin deep red, flesh fine grained, mild and tender. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.75. YELLOW GLOBE DANVERS.--A handsome, globe-shaped variety of large size, yellow skin, white flesh, fine grained, mild, very firm and the best of keepers. HAs yielded 1,000 bushels per acre, and one of our customers states that his crop averaged over 800 bushels per acre for 9 years. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 45c, lb. $1.50. WHITE BERMUDA.--A favorite in the south. Grown for the northern markets during winte rand early spring. Popular because of its very mild and palatable flavor. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.25. EXTRA EARLY BARLETTA.--Is a distinct new variety; the very earliest onion in cultivation. Fully two weeks earlier than the Early White Queen, which heretofore has een the earliest variety on the market. They are of pure paper-white color, very mild and delicate in flavor, 1 1/2 in. in diameter and 3/4 in. in thickness. For table use and pickling it is most valuable. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 45c, lb. $1.50.
CULTURE.--One ounce will sow about 100 feet of drill; 4 pounds will sow one acre. The soil for onions should be a rich loam thoroghly enriched with well-rotted manure and pulverized before sowing the seed. It should be as free from weeds and grass as possible. As early as the ground can be worked in the spring, sow the seed in drills 11 inches apart, covering one-half inch. Commence hoeing as soon as the rows can be seen; skim the ground over the surface; avoid stirring deeply, and work the soil away from the bulbs. At second hoeing weed carefully and thoroughly by hand. For pickles or sets the seed should be sown very thickly and in broad drills, about 50 pounds to the acre for sets, and 15 to 20 pounds for pickling. For sowing seed and cultivating the crop, it will pay you a purchase a good drill and hand cultivator. See description elsewhere. Lang's Hand Weeder, price 30c, postpaid, is the best hand weeder made.
LARGE RED WETHERSFIELD.--The standard sort throughout the west; the most hardy and immense crops can be raised when more tender sorts are not profitable. Growers who prefer the red varieties will find this magnifient strain for surpassing the ordinary Red Wethersfield in size, productiveness and keeping qualities. Of finest form, skin deep purplish red, flesh purplish white, finer grained than many of the red sorts. Our seed of this is extra select and cannot be excelled. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.60. EXTRA EARLY RED.--Matures very early. Of medium size, flat shape, deep red in color; very close grained, solid and heavy; will often form bulbs in cold and mucky soils where other varieties fail. Recommended particularly for the north and northwest where the seasons are short and cool. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $1.85. AUSTRALIAN BROWN.--Color is a peculiarly clear amber brown, quite distinct from any other variety. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 45c, lb. $1.50. YEARKEEPER.--This fine new variety, which we introduced this year, may be briefly described as round as a ball, solid as a rock, cuts like an apple, fine grained, and as bright yellow color as a twenty-dollar gold piece. Yields and immense crop and keeps over until the following summer. Sold only in sealed packages. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00. CHIVES, GARLIC, LEEK, ALLIED WITH ONION, CAN BE FOUND IN THIS CATALOGUE. SEE INDEX.
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IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA 25
BIG ONIONS For table use large onions are much preferable to small ones and they will also bring a better price on the market. The six varieties listed on this page are of immense size, splendid quality and yield wonderfully large crops. While they do not keep quite as well as some other kinds, still they are usually good till January or February.
The 6 Giants. One Packet Each of Mammoth Prizetaker Ailsa Craig Copper King Giant Vesuvius Silver King and Gibralter FOR ONLY 25 CENTS With each of these "Six Giant" collections we will send a circular giving full directions for "GROWING BIG ONIONS."
MAMMOTH PRIZETAKER (See cut No. 1)- This is without doubt the largest, handsomest, finest flavored, and in every way the best variety of yellow onion in the world. It is admittedly the largest of all varieties, having been grown to enormous weight of over six pounds, and it is withal a handsome, fine-flavored sort. Of a clear, bright straw color, and uniform, perfect globe shape. Produces enormous crops, one report being of over 1,200 bushels per acre, and they bring an extra price, being sold on the market as fancy onions. Keep wonderfully well. Our seed is unexcelled, and is in great favor with our customers in all parts of the United States. They ripen up hard and firm, and present the handsomest possible appearance in market, while the pure white flesh is fine grained, mild and delicate in flavor. To grow the largest size, sow seed early in hot beds and transplant to open ground as soon as weather is favorable. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00.
[Illustration of a box of onions] Improved Gibralter Onion
[Illustration of four large onions] Four varieties of Mammoth Unions-See descriptions
COPPER KING, OR MAMMOTH POMPEII- (No. 2)- Have been grown to the enormous weight of 5 pounds and 6 ounces, and notwithstanding their large size, they retain their shape and fine quality. To obtain an idea of how large this really is, just weigh the largest onion you can obtain and compare weights, or weigh out 5 pounds and 6 ounces of common onions and imagine them in all one. Copper color, flesh white, fine grained, mild. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.25. MAMMOTH SILVER KING- (No. 3)- This giant sort is the largest of all white onions, no other white variety approaching its mammoth size. It is of attractive form, flattened, but thick through as shown in the illustration. Single bulbs often attain weights of from 2 1/2 to 4 lbs. each. The skin is a beautiful silvery white; the flesh a snowy white; so sweet and tender is the flesh that it can be eaten raw. Matures early and is of uniformly large size, perfect shape, and brings a high price in market. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.75. AILSA CRAIG- A mammoth variety introduced from England where it has exceeded all other varieties in size, and because of its very light (almost white) color is exceeding popular as a market sort. It is claimed that the largest onion ever produced was of this variety, weighing nearly seven pounds. Shape and style of the Prizetaker. Color is pale straw yellow. Flavor is exceedingly mild and sweet and its appearance is so attractive, that it will command the highest prices. Pkt. 10c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. 90c, lb. $3.00. GIANT VESUVIUS- (No. 4)- This grand new mammoth variety is a foreign sort. It is well shown by our illustration. In rich soil, under good cultivation they grow to an immense size the first year. They are of a handsome globe shape, somewhat elongated, veritable beauties, and will attract attention anywhere. Color almost blood red, flesh nearly white, quality most excellent; much more tender and mild than the American sorts. Pkt. 10c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. 90c, lb. $3.00. IMPROVED GIBRALTER- This new Spanish onion, which we offered last year for the first time, has been grown in America for several years so that it is thoroughly acclimated. It is similar in shape and color to the well known Mammoth Prizetaker but when grown under ordinary conditions has proved to be very much larger and hardier; keeps better. The leaves or blades are distinct in appearance from those of other varieties, being of a deep green. With a glossy surface, enabling it to withstand dry weather and the attacks of insect enemies. Excellent for home use, at any time, in the growing state during the summer months or when matured for winter use. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c, lb. $2.50. WHITE WINTER- A variety of special value in the south, where it is planted in August and September and grows all winter making fine fresh onions for winter and early spring market. Will grow very large and are of choice quality. If fall sown in the north they require protection, but make splendid early onions, fully equal to White Portugal if sown in spring. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.60.
YOU WILL FIND SEVERAL KINDS OF ONION SETS LISTED ON PAGE 23 OF THIS CATALOGUE
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SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.
PEAS
(One Quart will plant about 100 feet of drill; 2 to 3 bushels per acre.) Peas mature quickest in light, dry soil, not too rich. May be sown as early as the ground can be worked, and for a succession every two weeks up to July; or, what is better, select several kinds which will form a succession in maturing. Sow in drills 2 to 4 feet apart, according to varieties, and 3 to 4 inches deep for general crop, although the first earliest will come to maturity sooner if only covered 1 1/2 inches. The wrinked sorts are marked *. They should be sown thicker in the row than the smooth varieties; they are more liable to rot if the ground is wet. Owing to the unseasonable weather of last spring and early summer the crop is almost a total failure this year. There are not enough seed peas in the country to meet all demands, and while we have a fairly good supply we suggest you order early as the prices are likely to advance before planting time. Prices include postage on quantities by the quart or less only. Pints at one-half the quart rates: 15c per quart discount if sent by express, not prepaid. Packets contain about two ounces.
[Image of a bushel of peas labelled "IOWA CHALLENGE."]
EXTRA EARLY SMOOTH VARIETIES
ALASKA.- Height 2 feet; pods rather small, dark green color, well filled: the earliest pea known, being two days earlier than the First and Best, and ninety per cent of the pods can be gathered at the first picking. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c. By express, 1/2 pk. $1.40. pk. $2.50.
[Image of a plant bearing pea pods labelled "PREMIUM GEM."]
IOWA CHALLENGE - An extra early variety of superior merit which is a favorite with Des Moines market gardeners. We can in confidence say that after a trial of nearly all extra early varieties we have not found one possessing more merit, hence its name. For the market gardener it has no superior. Is not only extra early and prolific, but of good flavor. All good qualities of Extra Early are most nearly brought to perfection in the Challenge. Height 18 inches. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 70c. By express, 1/2 pk. $1.70 pk. $3.00
FIRST AND BEST.- An extra early variety of smooth peas which are very popular and have been a standard sort for many years. Are very productive and mature several days before Premium Fen or American Wonder. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 70c. By express, 1/2 pt. $1.70, pk. $3.00
[Image of peas in a pod labelled "GRADUS, OR PROSPERITY"]
EARLY DWARF WRINKED VARIETES *AMERICAN WONDER.- Popular extra early variety for family garden. Cannot be planted
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Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa.
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IOWA,
PEAS - Continued
SECOND EARLY AND MAIN CROP VARIETIES
*ABUNDANCE.- Standard medium or second early variety. Follows Premium Gem and Nott's Excelsior in time of maturing. A heavu vielder and peas are of splendid quality. We recommend it for home gardn. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt, 20c, qt. 65c. By express, 1/2 pk. $1.55, pk. $2.75
*DWARF CHAMPION.- This is a great improvement on Champion of England, which has been one of the sweetst, best, and most popular varities for the last thirty years. The old variety is very tall (6 ft.). While this new sort grows only 2 1/2 ft, and still vines are vigorous with a great profusion of very large pods filled with large-sized peas superior quality and very sweet. Medium late and suited to main crop. Everyone who wants extra choice peads for family use should have these. Pkt. 10c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 70c. By exp., 1/2 pk. $1.70. pk. $3.00.
*ALDERMAN.- A brand new pea for main crop planting. Height 4 feet. Said to be the heaviest producer of any. Pods are extremely large, containing 7 to 9 mammoth peads which are of fine quality, tender and sweet. Vigorous and does not mildew so badly as most tall sorts. Pods hold their dark green color after being picked and on this account it is a popular market sort. Pkt. 10c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 70c. By express, 1/2 pk. $1.70. pk. $3.00
*POTLACH- Reccommended by the introducer as the very best main crop pea. The pods are very large, often containing 7 or 8 large peas, and are very dark green in color. It matures quickly and is really a second early variety, coming into market only a few days after the extra early smooth sorts. Height 2 feet and does not need support. It is an improvement of the Stratagem, which has long held a place at the head of the list of standard peas. Our tests of Potlach have led us to offer it to our customers with our recommendation as a decided acquisition. Pkt. 10c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 70c. By exp., 1/2 pk. $1.70, pk. $3.00
*IMPROVED STRATAGEM.- Late variety for family or market use. Half dwarf, growing 2 to 3 feet high, vigorous branching habit, and under favoriable conditions an enormous cropper. Pods are long and filled with seven to nine large peas of extra fine quality. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 70c. By express, 1/2 pk. $1.70. pk. $3.00.
*CHAMPION OF ENGLAND.- Is and old variety, and is one fo the finest flavored and most productive. Grows 4 to 5 feet high and requires support, but the fine quality and very large crop which it produces will more than repay any extra labor required. A strong, vigorous grower, and continued to bear for a long period. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 65c. By express, 1/2 pk. $1.55, pk. $2.75
*TELEPHONE.- Immensely productive; finest quality; excellent sugary flavor; vines very strong, growing about 4 feet high and should be given support. Pods of large size, with 6 or 7 large, delicious peads. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 70c. By exp., 1/2. $1.70, pk. $3.00.
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28 SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE
[Illustration of Market Gardener's Parsley]
PEPPER (One ounce will produce about 1,800 plants) Sow seed in hotbed early in spring; transplant to open ground when the weather is favorable, in warm, mellow soil, in rows 18 inches apart. Seeds germinate slowly and require considerable heat.
CORAL GEM BOUQUET- (Cut No. 1)- This new red hot pepper is the finest of the smallest size varieties. Excellent for pepper sauce. Pkt. 10c, oz. 50c. RUBY KING- (Cut No. 2)- Very large in size, 4 1/2 to 6 inches long by 3 1/2 to 4 inches thick. When ripe they are of beautiful bright ruby red color and are always remarkably mild and pleasant to the taste. Produces large, handsome fruit. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c. CHINESE GIANT- (Cut No. 3)- Most gigantic of all Giant Peppers. A fine mild red pepper of enormous size, magnificent appearance and brilliant, glossy scarlet color. The flesh is mild and unusually thick. Makes an excellent salad sliced and served like tomatoes. Pkt. 10c, oz. 40c, 1/4 lb. $1.30. KALEIDOSCOPE- (Cut No. 4)- A very ornamental new sort. The small fruit changes from cream color to canary, deepens to orange then turns into pink, until it becomes a deep, shining scarlet. Pkt. 10c, oz. 35c. JAPANESE FANCY- (Cut No. 5)- A very ornamental variety, bearing little heart-shaped fruits of various colors, purple, white, yellow, orange, red, all on the same bush. Pkt. 10c. LARGE BELL, or Bull Nose (Cut No. 6)- Early standard sort. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c. RED CHILL- (Cut No. 7)- Small, long fruit, but very hot. Used for pepper sauce. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c. MAMMOTH GOLDEN QUEEN- (Cut No. 8)- Average a third larger than Ruby King. Is 8 to 10 inches long; bright, waxy, golden yellow, and mild flavor. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 80c. MEXICAN CHILL- (Cut No. 9)- The variety so much in use by restaurants and vendors of chili con carne. Fruits oblong, pointed and about 3 inches in length when dried. Sold in large quantities in all the general markets of the west. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c.
[Illustration of Red Cross Peanuts]
PARSLEY (One ounce will sow 150 feet of drill.) Sow very early, thinly in drills one foot apart and half an inch deep. Soak seed in warm water a few hours before sowing. For winter use protect in a glass frame or light cellar.
MARKET GARDENER'S- An extra choice stock with dark green beautifully curled mossy leaves, very ornamental in its growth and very productive. Valuable for either garnishing or flavoring. Earlier than other varieties and what is more important it retains its dark green color till late in the fall and continues to produce well throughout the winter when transferred to the greenhouse. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25. CHAMPION MOSS CURLED- A very select stock, finely crimped and curled. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 65c. HAMBURG- Turnip-rooted variety, used for flavoring soups, etc. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.
[Illustration of various pepper varieties with numbers] PEPPERS, Refer to numbers for description.
SWEET MOUNTAIN, or Mammoth- In shape similar to Large Bell, but fruits are much larger and not nearly so pungent. A splendid sort for making stuffed pickle. Has been a standard large pepper for many years. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c. RED CAYENNE- Pods long and slim, of medium size. Pungent. Used for pepper sauce. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c. MIXED PEPPERS- A choice mixture of all the above and several other fancy varieties. Fine for exhibition. Pkt. 10c, oz. 35c.
Pepper plants of the large varieties listed on page 38.
PARSNIP (One ouce will sow 200 feet of drill. Five lbs. will sow an acre in drills.) Sow early in spring in good, rich soil, whic has been plowed deep, in drills 15 inches apart, covering half an inch. Thin to 5 or 6 inches apart in rows. They are improved by frost.
IMPROVED TABLE GUERNSEY- A greatly improved and wonderfully fine strain of teh Guernsey Hollow Crown Parsnip. The roots do not grow as long as the Hollow Crown, but are of greater diameter and more easily gathered. Very heavy cropper; roots are smooth with a deep, hollow crown and a small top. Flesh fine grained, sweet and of excellent quality; cooks evenly, center being as fine, soft, even quality as outside portions. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c. IMPROVED HOLLOW CROWN- This greatly improved strain is about the same shape as the old sort but smoother and of more even quality; fine grained and excellent. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.
[Illustration of Guernsey Parsnip)
PEANUTS Peanuts can be grown in Iowa, and everyone should plant at least a few, for the children. RED CROSS- This very desirable variety is early as the earliest, 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. Shell nuts carefully so as not to break inside skin, plant as soon as ground becomes warm, from 2 to 3 ft. apart each way, 4 or 5 feet to the hill, covering 2 inches. Soil should be deep and mellow. Produce from 25 to 70 bushels to the acre; easily cultivated as corn. Pkt. 10c, lb. 40c, postpaid. By express, 5 lbs. or more at 25c per lb. SPANISH- A very early variety; quite prolific, but the pods are small. Per package, 10c, lb. 50c.
DON'T OVERLOOK OUR SPECIAL OFFER OF "CHILDREN'S CORNER GARDEN ON PAGE 17