
The Frank S. Platt Co. 
1877 


Seed Supply for 1944 
T the time this catalog goes to press, December 15th, it is a difficult matter to make a correct 
statement. The process of cleaning, hand picking and testing is still unfinished on many items. 
Unfavorable weather has cut normal production severely on Beet, Cabbage, Lettuce, Onion, 
Winter Squash, Tomato and Rutabaga. A late start for Sweet Corn has not turned out as bad as was 
expected, nevertheless the supply is short. Several varieties of Garden Beans are quite short, while 
Peas are believed to be sufficient. Carrot, a very short item last year, is now more plentiful, as is 
also Cauliflower, Swiss Chard, Cucumber and Spinach. Total 1943 production is considerably more 
than the previous year. Again we see no reason for gardeners to curtail their planting on account of 
seed supply, but it will be necessary, in many cases, to specify varieties of second choice. 
Field seeds are expected to be in sufficient supply as to Grasses and Hybrid Corns, but Hardy 
Alfalfa is short. 
Flower seed crops have had to give way to food crops and their production has been cut; several 
items will be found to be without price, indicating that they are not available this year. However, 
‘we are glad to offer a good percentage of our varieties. 


The Hidden Assets in Platt’s Seeds 
EEDS are unlike other forms of merchandise. They are raw materials of variable and limitless 
qualities, out of which, under proper conditions, come food and beauty for human needs. 
Seeds are bought for what they will produce. Yet there is no way of judging from appearance 
whether seeds will produce a good crop or a poor one. Seeds may be tested for germination in a few 
days. In most cases it is comparatively simple to make such a test and no seedsman should think of 
selling seeds without a germination test. But the only way of knowing in advance what seeds are 
likely to produce is to know the characteristics of their parents. Good seed stocks must come from 
outstanding plants possessing, to the greatest possible extent, the desired qualities of productiveness, 
uniformity, season, flavor, color, disease-resistance, and any other good feature. Such stocks are the 
result of integrity and skill in selection and plant breeding. 
Since 1877, through times of depression and prosperity, the confidence of our customers has 
enabled us to maintain the standards whereby PLATT’S SEEDS have stood the Test of Time. 
} We Make a Specialty of Grass Seed 
for Lawns and Athletic Fields, and invite 
your inquiries concerning formulas to meet special needs 


