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.

Although we have moved just a few miles from the original store location, you can still visit us in person and see pictures from the early 19th Century, the original certified measuring scales, cultivating equipment, and sit 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.