D. Landreth Seed Company
| Founded | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (1784) |
|---|---|
| Founder | David Landreth |
| Headquarters | New Freedom, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Products | Seeds |
| Website | http://www.landrethseeds.com/ |
The D. Landreth Seed Company is one of the oldest companies in the United States. It was founded on January 7, 1784, by David and Cuthbert Landreth on High Street, (now 1210 Market Street). The David Landreth School in Point Breeze, Philadelphia is named for the founder.
In 1780, Landreth left England with his family for Montreal, Canada to establish a seed company. The harsh Canadian climate forced him to relocate to Philadelphia in 1783.
At first, he sold seeds to the City of Philadelphia and nearby estates. Over time his business grew and George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Joseph Bonaparte were among his customers. D. Landreth and Sons moved to Bloomsdale Farms in Bristol, Pa. where the company continued to grow. In 1942, it was sold to the Buist Seed Co. of Philadelphia. During World War II the US Government condemned much of the Bloomsdale farm for defense contractors and housing. Suburban sprawl took care of the balance of the farm. The company was sold to the Goldberg Co., which moved it to Baltimore. It presently is headquartered in New Freedom, Pa.
Landreth and his son David were among the founders of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
The company introduced the Zinnia, the first truly white potato and the tomato to the United States.
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