The
Rocky Mountain Seed Company - A
short History
A veritable institution in Lower Downtown Denver
since 1920, The Rocky Mountain Seed Company was
founded by F.C. Vetting and two partners. Several
generations of Vettings have worked and owned the
seed company. Son Kenneth R. Vetting joined the
firm in 1921 after graduating from high school and
grandson Kenny Vetting started in 1947 during summer
vacations. Eventually the Vetting family became
the sole owners of the company. It
was a very competitive field when The Rocky Mountain
Seed Company first opened its doors. Their primary
customers were truck farmers who raised crops
and trucked them to the various produce brokers
in Denver. Over the years product lines were added,
others were dropped, reflecting over eight decades
of changes in the marketplace.
Back
in the 1920s, most of the seeds sold came from
Europe. Area farmers grew these “heritage”
seeds for decades. Today, hybrid seeds that come
not only from the USA, but also from all over
the world, have replaced many of these “heritage”
seeds.
From
its beginnings as a seed supplier to local truck
farmers, the business grew to be a major supplier
of seeds and other products to commercial growers,
landscapers, home gardeners, and flower lovers
in the Rocky Mountain states; and then –
beyond to other states.
While
the seeds have changed, and the technology for
planting and raising crops has changed, one thing
has remained the same; when you step into The
Rocky Mountain Seed Company you are immediately
transported back to the 1920s. When F. C. Vetting
opened the seed company he ordered custom made
seed cabinets with various size drawers and bins,
and custom made counters with stools. These wonderful
oak cabinets and counters were built in New York
state and shipped to Denver and are still in use
today.
If
you can visit us in person, you will see pictures
from the early 19th Century, the original certified
measuring scales, cultivating equipment, and sitting
on the very stools and at the same counter installed
all those years ago. Nearly 1,200 drawers, bins,
and cubby holes fill the building and just as
the patrons of years past you can look for just
the right seeds to satisfy hunger, to provide
a tender carpet for children to frolic on, and
create a dazzling array of colorful flowers to
uplift the spirit.
The
Rocky Mountain Seed Company
Over 8 decades serving:
Farmers
Ranchers
Landscape Designers/Contractors
Home Gardeners
And Custom Seed Mixes for:
Wild Birds
Domestic Birds & Pigeons
Hamsters
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