100th anniversary website archive
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Antirrhinum are plants from the Scrophulariaceae Antirrhinum genus. They originate from Mediterranean Southern Europe and North Africa and are said to have arrived in Japan during the Edo Period(A.D.1603-1868). As the Japanese name, Kingyo (directly translated as "goldfish"), suggests, this beautiful plant looks like a swimming goldfish. It is a multi-flowering plant used in flower beds, containers and for cut flowers.
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The familiar grape tomato Aiko. Pucchini mini pumpkins that can be used whole in meals. Mini Bok choi syaopao which is perfect in Chinese dishes. The fun and easy to toss leaves known as Baby Salad Mix.
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The celosia is native to tropical areas of Asia and Africa. And there are several species, including Celosia cristata and Celosia plumosa. Due to them being quite robust and heat resistant.
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It is said that the cucumber originated in India and then spread to the east and west, with different varieties subsequently being developed throughout the world. The most common varieties of cucumber currently grown in Japan have a bumpy skin with white spines.
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The Japanese name is Chinese Aster and it has been used for a long time during the summer Bon Festival which honours the spirits of one's ancestors. Originally a spring-blooming one species one genus annual from northern China, it came to Japan in the Edo period (1603-1868). Its generic name, Callistephus, means beautiful crown; a fitting name for the Aster's tangible beauty.
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When Columbus reached America in 1492, he brought corn back with him to Europe. Corn was then brought to Japan by the Portuguese in 1579.
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The Japanese Zinnia (Zinnia violacea) is a gorgeous, colorful garden flower. However, this species, which produces a relatively low number of blooms, is susceptible to diseases during rainy periods and loses vigor in very hot weather.
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Carrots are a unique vegetable and as a result, children have always been either carrot-lovers or carrot-haters. But, recently, supermarkets seem to be filled with super-sweet carrots. Well, wouldn't you know it, Sakata Seed Corporation is behind this!
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The three flowers upon which our company has been founded, the Pansy, Petunia, and Primula, (also known as Sakata's three P's) have become a source of joy for many people around the world. This has, in no small part, been due to our firm's constant striving to "being the first" in horticultural technologies.
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Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, broccoli, and cauliflower all originated from Brassica oleracea L., a cruciferous plant found in the Mediterranean region. It is surprising that such a broad variety of vegetables have the same origin.
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The Petunia flower that currently brightens up many gardens around the world is the result of the cross-breeding of two wild Petunia species.
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Melons have a characteristic sweet aroma and texture that melts in your mouth. The net melon (so named because of its peel pattern), which used to be synonymous with luxury products, has become delightfully and affordable. Sakata varieties have been instrumental in this shift.
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Viola tricolor has been commonly known as "heartsease" for a long time. It was originally taken from hillsides and fields where it grew naturally and was planted by enthusiasts in their gardens.
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Broccoli, like cabbage, is a Brassicacease, which is thought to originate from the Mediterranean coastal region. It was first grown as a vegetable in the Roman Empire and then spread throughout Europe in the middle ages. Compared with cabbage and cauliflower, it was a relatively minor vegetable.
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Spinach reminds us of Popeye. In a pinch, our hero downs a can of spinach and instantly becomes strong, allowing him to save Olive from Bluto. Although in reality no food obviously has such swift and dramatic effects on the body, spinach dose contain a large amount of vitamins A and C as well as iron, and is considered as the king of the brightly colored vegetables.
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When you think of sunflowers, you are reminded of sunshine and midsummer, and even looking at one can cheer you up. Because sunflowers have energizing vibrant colors, in recent years, sunflowers have become a standard present for Father's Day.
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The tomatoes, originating in the plateaus of the Andes Mountains, is believed to have come to Japan via Europe between the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries. First used as an ornamental or medicinal plant, it became primarily a food crop during the Meiji Era.
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While roses continue to be the much-loved cut flower in the world, we at Sakata Seed Corporation believe the Lisianthus will one day overtake it. Aspiring for such a day, Sakata is determinedly breeding the lisianthus at its research station today.
