1921

CHOICE IOWA SEEDS

56TH ANNUAL CATALOGUE

1921

[image: diamond with the words] ONLY ONE QUALITY THE BEST

[image: full page illustration depicting corn and various crops and animals, with words] Soy Beans / Iowa Gold Mine Corn / Dwarf Essex Rape

[image: ribbon with words] SEEDSMEN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

IOWA SEED CO. DES MOINES IOWA U.S.A.

1865 United States Food Administration 1921 License No. G 30069

[image: illustration of rock and plants with words] ESTABLISHED 1865

Fiftysix Years Successful Business!

DesMoines, Iowa, January, 1921

Greetings to Our Customers

We want to express our sincere thanks to our customers for the business given us last year. Our sales continue to increase in volume. In a few instances items which we formerly offered are not available. The best part of our line however, is not disturbed and prices for the current season remain about the same as a year ago except in the case of farm seeds which are generally cheaper. Compared with other lines of merchandise, seeds are low in price and cost to the consumer. Generally speaking you can afford to use all the seeds that you can plant to advantage. The crops this season are good and the seeds we offfer are of the very highest quality and we feel more certain than ever that we will give satisfaction to our friends. Our continued growth and the increasing confidence of patrons lead us to believe that we are fully entitled in our position as "SEEDSMAN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE"

[left column]

OUR GUARANTEE

In trading by mail you have to buy seeds without seeing them. We protect you in this, however, because if any seeds from us are not satisfactory upon arrival and inspection return them to us and we will refund the money you paid for them. With this agreement you can purchase your seeds of us in every confidence and just as well as though you traded over our counters. You are sold judge; all we require is that they shall be sent back to us within fifteen days from date of receipt by you. This applies to garden, farm and flower seeds. We cannot guarantee a crop, but we can and do guarantee to take seeds back that you yourself are not pleased with. The fifteen days will give you ample time to test them in any way you want. It will give you time to send samples for inspection, analysis or test to the State Seed Inspector or to the Agricultural Experiment Station. Our stocks will stand the closest scrutiny and we are ready to be judged accordingly. You will readily see that we could not make this offer unless our stocks were first class and would give satisfaction to the purchaser.

[right column]

TO OUR NEW FRIENDS

Each year this catalogue goes to prospective buyers who have never traded with us and are not accquainted with our stocks or methods. To such just a few words of solicitation. This book is compiled with great care that it may be a help to you in your gardening and farming operations. Both text and illustrations are truthful in detail, and it will be found a real guide to better farms and better gardens. Read it carefully, weigh all the statements and send us a trial order. We will gladly leave in your hands the question of future and continued patronage. Each year our friends increase in number, and this is because those who give us trial orders become firm friends and continuous patrons. We sell the best possible stocks at the lowest pricees consistent with profitable merchandizing. Price, however, must be second to quality. You do not want poor seeds at any price. We affirm without qualification that our prices are as low as quality supplied will justify. We want your trade and will give value received in qualdity seeds for money sent us.

[full page]

Iowa Seed Company, 209-211 Walnut St. Des Moines, Iowa

SUGGESTIONS TO CUSTOMERS

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

[left column]

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 are received the same as cash.

Shipping: There are three interurban 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.

Seeds by Mail: Seeds, plants and bulbs may be sent by Parcel Post. The table of rates, page 2. gives amount of postage required on quantities over 1 pound. Miscellaneous merchandise may go by Parcel Post, and mailing weight is given on items of this kind.

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 sother 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 packetss of new or particularly 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.

[right column]

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 Commercial Savings Bank of this city, the postmaster or to any express company.

What We Guarantee: That all money sent to use 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 order 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 send 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 ddry 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, andd 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 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 the 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 see 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 the 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 but one packet of seeds, but we request that plant orders about to at least 25 cents, and nursery stock to at lease 50 cents, as otherwise they are filled at a loss to us.

[full page, bottom]

IF YOU ONCE PURCHASE VEGETABLE SEEDS OF US YOU WILL CONTINUE A PATRON, THE QUALITY INVITES CONFIDENCE.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA [page number] 1

[image: photograph of various vegetables with title] VEGETABLE SEEDS

[left column]

Our stock of vegetable seeds we are sure cannot be ex celled either in quality or selection by any 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 recommenda tion. 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 on vegetable seeds at these prices, except on Beans, Peas and Corn in large quan tities as stated in the varity list of these items.

[right column]

We make it a rule to carefully test all seeds. We carry on extensive trials 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 our Choice Iowa Seeds are sure to please. The vegetable seed department is under the personal supervision of the president of our company. He places the contracts, inspects the growing crops, superintends the farm operations in summer and during the busy months in spring he gives personal oversight to the order filling department. We expect to give you high quality in our Choice Iowa Seeds and to supply them at as low prices as possible.

[image, left page: drawing of a stalk of brussels sprouts, captioned] BRUSSELS SPROUTS

(One ounce will sow forty feet of drill.)

ASPARAGUS

(For asparagus roots, see page 36.)

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 abundant supply for an ordinary family. Sow early in spring in rows a foot apart; keep clean by frequent weeding and hoeing. Circular on How to Make an Asparagus Bed, free.

[image, right page: drawing of an asparagus bundle, captioned] BONVALLET'S GIANT

BONVALLET'S GIANT.--A new and entirely distinct variety, that produce shoots which are white as long as they are fit for use. Robust and vigorous in habit, and throws up larger shoots and fully as many as Con over's Colossal, and requires no earthing up in order to furnish the white shoots so much sough after. Pkt. 10c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 30c. lb. $1.00.

PALMETTO.--Stalks frequently measure 2 inches in diameter, and even when of extra length are perfectly tender when cooked. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c. 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

CONOVER's COLOSSAL.--The standard variety. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

[left column] BRUSSEL SPROUTS

(One ounce for about 3,000 plants.)

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

AMERICAN MAMMOTH.--Great ly superior variety of American growth, which forms heads about 3 weeks earlier than other sorts. Profitable for market gardeners. Pkt. 10c, oz. 35c, 1/4 lb. $1.00.

[right column]

ARTICHOKE

A great delicacy. A perennial producing the large flower heads, which are the part eaten, the second season and every year thereafter. Sow seed and when weather becomes settled transplant in rows 4 feet apart and 2 feet in the row.

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

BROCCOLI

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

Growth and habit like cauliflower, except more hardy, and heads are not so compact; not desirable for warm or dry countries.

EARLY LARGE WHITE.--The most popu lar sort. Has medium sized, creamy white heads. Pkt. 10c; oz. 40c.

[full page, bottom]

IF YOU ONCE PURCHASE VEGETABLE SEEDS OF US YOU WILL CONTINUE A PATRON. THE QUALITY INVITES CONFIDENCE.

2 [page number] SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE

[left column]

[image: three photographs of clusters of bean pods, numbered 1, 2, and 3, captioned] 1--GOLDEN WAX. 2--SURECROP WAX. 3--EARLY VALENTINE

[middle column]

BEANS

DWARF BUSH VARIETIES.

(One pound will sow 50 ft. of drill.)

Dwarf or bush beans require no support and may be planted in drills or hills. They do best if not crowded. Beans are tender annuals and cannot be planted until danger of frost is past. Do not plant more than two inches deep. Never cultivate when the plants are wet.

WAX POD SORTS

BRITTLE WAX.--Claimed to be earlier than Golden Wax. Plant is a strong grower with large foliage and very productive. Pods are nearly straight, rather broad, solid and four to six inches long. Pods are stringless and the quality is excellent. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

IMPROVED GOLDEN WAX.--(Cut No. 1)-- The most popular variety and this popularity is due largely to the fact that the strain we have is a great improvement on the old Golden Wax, having larger pods and being more prolific. This improved stock is one of the handsomest beans we have ever seen, the pods a rich golden yellow color and of perfect shape and rust proof. Best for family or market garden. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

CHALLENGE BLACK WAX.--This strain of Black Wax is in our opinion superior to that generally offered. Pods tender, round, fleshy and stringless. (See illustration.) Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

DAVIS WHITE WAX.--The best white seeded wax-pod variety. While other sorts may have superior qualities this bean does not show discoloration when cooked, and for that reason is preferrd for canning. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quanity at 30 cents per pound.

SURECROP STRINGLESS WAX.--(Cut No. 2.) --A valuable variety of dwarf wax beans. It is very productive, bearing large, handsome, golden yellow pods in great abundance and being hardy, may be planted early. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 45c. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

WARDWELL'S KIDNEY WAX.--A very popular variety of wax bean bearing long, flat pods of delicate, waxy, yellow color, stringless and brittle. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

GREEN POD SORTS

STRINGLESS GREEN POD.--A stringless green pod bush bean. Surpasses all others in crisp, tender flavor. Finely shaped, long green pods, absolutely stringless; ready to market two weeks earlier than the Valentines. Of immense value to market gardeners and amateurs who seek an early bean. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

BOUNTIFUL.--Vines strong, upright, abundant heavy foliage. The pods are thick and broad and entirely stringless, and produced in greater profusion than any other bush bean. Resembles Yellow Six Weeks in habit of growth. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quanity at 30 cents per pound.

FULL MEASURE.--A new variety which is a cross of Refugee and Yosemite Mammoth Wax. Is very prolific and the pods are large, hadsome, of dark green color, and entirely stringless. Matures as early and equal in quality to Stringless Green Pod, surpassing that variety in productiveness. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 35 cents per pound.

IMPROVED EARLY VALENTINE.--(Cut No. 3.)--Standard green pod variety. Produces the true, round curved pods abundantly. Unexcelled in quality and uniformity of ripening; nearly the whole crop can be taken at one picking, usually within 35 days after planting. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

IMPROVED NAVY, or Boston Pea.--An improvement over the old-time Navy Bean. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 35c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 20 cents per pound.

[right column]

[image: photograph of beans, captioned] BRITTLE WAX

[image: photograph of cluster of beans, captioned] CHALLENGE BLACK WAX

[image: photograph of cluster of beans, captioned] STRINGLESS GREEN POD

[full page, bottom]

PLEASE USE BLACK INK ORDER SHEET FOR SEEDS, AND THE GREEN ONE IN ORDERING PLANTS AND NURSERY STOCK

IOWA SEED COPMANY, DES MOINES, IOWA [page number] 3

[left column]

[image: drawing of bean plant and beans with title] HENDERSON'S DWARF LIMA

[image: photograph of cluster of beans, captioned] GOLDEN CLUSTER WAX

[image: photograph of cluster of beans, captioned] SPECKLED CUT SHORT

[center column]

BEANS--CONTINUED

BURPEE'S BUSH LIMA.--A dwarf or bush form of the true large Lima which is of great value. They grow from 18 to 20 inches high, of stout, erect growth, yet branching and vigorous; an immense yielder. Does not always mature this far north, but makes excellent green shelled beans. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 40 cents per pound.

HENDERSON'S BUSH LIMA. --A true bush Lima, and sure to ripen its enormous crop. Beans grow to good size and are excellent either green, shelled or dry. Produces a continuous crop from the middle of July until frost. Enormously productive. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 35 cents per pound.

POLE BEANS

This class of beans require support for best results. Frequently they are planted among the corn and good returns are secured in this way, but if you can furnish poles for support they will produce wonderfully. The extra care given will be fully repaid by increased yield.

OLD HOMESTEAD.--Is also known as Improved Kentucky Wonder. It has reached first place on the list solely on merit as it is enormously productive, pods hanging in great clusters from top to bottom of the pole. Entirely stringless, pods of silvery green color. Can be grown with corn to good advantage. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

LAZY WIFE.-Very popular pole bean. Derived its name from its immense productiveness. Pods produced in great abundance, measure from 4 1/2 to 6 inches in length. They retain their rich, tender and stringless qualities until nearly ripe. The white beans are large, round, plump, and make excellent winter shell beans. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpiad. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

SPECKLED CUT SHORT.--The oldfashioned cornfield bean so popular because it seems better than most pole varieties. Of good quality and a good wielder. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 30 cents per pound.

GOLDEN CLUSTER WAX.--Considered the best of all wax pole beans. It bears profusely itss long, golden yellow pods in cllusters of from 3 to 6, from the bottom to the top of the pole, and continues in bearing from the middle of July until the vines are cut by frost. Pods are 7 to 8 inches long. They are quite flat but fleshy, absolutely stringless, very brittle and delicious. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. Not prepaid, any quantity at 40 centss per pound.

KING OF THE GARDEN LIMA.--An improvement on the large White Lima. Pods are of enormous size. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 60c, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity at 40 cents per pound.

YARD LONG.--A great curiosity but withal an excellent variety. Produces pods fully three feet long. Splendid for use in the green state as the pods are tender and of fine flavor. pkt. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.75, postpaid.

SCARLET RUNNER.--Valuable for table use or as an ornamental vine. Pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.00, postpaid. Not prepaid, any quantity 75 cents per pound.

[right column]

[image: illustration of plant with bean pods, captioned] BURPEE'S BUSH LIMA

[image: photograph of several beans, captioned] OLD HOMESTEAD

[image: photograph of beans, captioned] LAZY WIFE

[bottom, whole page]

IT ONLY TAKES A LITTLE EXTRA WORK FOR POLE BEANS. THEY YIELD MUCH HEAVIER THAN THE DWARF KINDS