Burpee's Historic Breakthrough Collection

Features nine iconic “firsts” that transformed American farms and gardens and still stand the test of time.1894 — Burpee’s Stringless Green Pod BUSH BEAN - Gained nationwide popularity due to its early robust yields, ease of preparation and delicious flavor. Having no string, it became the ancestor of all “snap beans”. Still a customer favorite!1894 — Iceberg LETTUCE - Crisphead (aka “wilt-less”) lettuce enabled Americans to eat fresh salads year-round, leading to today’s salad bars. Firm heads, unmatched crunch, exceptional flavor. BLT hero!1902 — Golden Bantam SWEET CORN - First-ever yellow sweet corn revolutionized the market. Mr. Burpee, unhappy it failed at first due to its confusion with yellow hard-kernelled hog feed, dreamed up, “Looks like butter, tastes like butter” and it soared in popularity.1902 — Black Beauty EGGPLANT Set the world standard by yielding many large, oval fruits earlier and more often than other varieties. Still popular in the Middle East and North Africa to this day.1924 — Fordhook® Giant SWISS CHARD - Huge-yet-tender leaves with a delicious earthy flavor. High yields, well-adapted to all climates from late spring to early winter.1949 — Big Boy TOMATO - Large red slicer with extraordinary aroma, flavor and texture yields heavily all season on manageable 5-6' plants—no ladder or stool required to pick ripe fruits! An immediate and continuing success. Ancestor of many of today’s top garden tomatoes.1961 — Burpeeana Giants Mixed Colors CACTUS-FLOWERED ZINNIA - Cactus-flowered heirloom broke the mold for large yields of 6" blooms with vibrant quilled petals atop 2' plants. Perfect for full sun gardens and spectacular bouquets. 1978 — Snowbird SUGAR SNAP PEA - Breakthrough in earliness—8-10 days—with high yields of sweet edible 3" pods on double or triple clusters. Ideal for both short seasons and limited space. Delicious stir-fried or quickly boiled to remain crisp.1998 — Fourth of July TOMATO - First-ever medium slicer to yield vine-ripened 4 oz. fruits ready for July 4th fresh tomato picnic sandwiches. Enjoy!