Object number
2024/9/1-8
Creator
Description
Eight packets of Suttons seeds from the 1970s. The packets hold aster, calendula, cosmea, dahlia, marigold, primrose, sweet pea and viola seeds. The back are marked with the price, ranging from 5 1/2p to 25p. Viola, primrose and aster are early and late nectar sources and sweet peas, cosmos, calendula and dahlia attract beneficial insects. 65 seed packets were donated but only eight packets were acquired. They were kept by a keen gardener, but never planted. Numbering: 1) Aster, 2) Calendula, 3) Cosmea, 4) Dahlia, 5) Marigold, 6) Primrose, 7) Sweet Pea, 8) Viola.
Physical description
8 packets: paper, metal, seeds
Archival history
Museum Object Entry Form - 'Description of object/collection - Approx 65 Suttons seeds packets. Amongst my mother's things was this collection of unopened Suttons seeds packets, possibly from 1970s. [mother's name], Southcote, Reading, keen gardener., MERL miscellaneous note – Suttons and Son moved to a new premises in Reading in 1962. In 1976 they moved to Torquay, Devon before moving to Paignton in 1998. These seed packets are marked Reading, so were produced before 1976. Some packets are priced in ½ pence values, which was introduced in 1971. The seed packets donated include new varieties in pink packets and F1 hybrid seeds in orange packets. F1 hybrid seeds are created by cross breeding two stable seed lines, to create a progeny that is uniform and vigorous. F1 hybrid seeds are expensive and hybrids are usually offered for a few years only. Harvest foil fresh seed packets were introduced in 1965.
Production place
Reading
Production date
1971-01-01 - 1976-12-31
Object name
Material
Dimensions
Associated subject
