Macmillan/McGraw-Hill: California Vistas 2007

Luther Burbank

Luther Burbank grew up on a farm in Lancaster, Massachusetts. During his youth, he read many books on plants. By the time he was 21, Burbank began trying to change plants. In 1871 Burbank succeeded. He grew a new kind of potato that could not be hurt by disease. The potatoes helped feed many people.

Daisy In 1875 Burbank moved to Santa Rosa, California. Over the next 50 years, he grew 800 new kinds of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and flowers. People all over the world grew his improved plants.

Burbank was the most famous plant scientist in the world. He gave the world the plants that he loved. One of his favorite projects was growing the flower that he named the Shasta diasy.

Find out more about how technology has been used to improve our foods.

What is Arbor Day? Learn about the holiday.

Read what Luther Burbank wrote about how he stayed young.

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