Boysenberry

Spring Edition and Price List — 1940

Facts

IRENE JARVIS

Owner of

Boysenberry Plantation

Lapeer, Michigan

"We Sell the Nation America’s Finest Genuine Northern-Grorwn Boysenberry Plants”

California Growers Ad¬ vocate $1600 Per Acre

THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THORNY BOYSENBERRY

Growers Deceived By Thornless Variety

BOYSENBERRY GROWING MADE EASY

No longer is the culture of the Boysenberry an exclusive trade of the West. It has been proven con¬ clusively that the California Boy¬ senberry will grow and thrive where any other berry will grow. Boysen¬ berry culture is a now vocation, very remunerative — so much so that many growers in every section of the United States are choosing Boysenberries for their livelihood.

A demand has been created for canned Boysenberries and Boysen¬ berry juice which cannot be sup¬ plied unless growers in the Middle West and the East cultivate it com¬ mercially. Canners and juice man¬ ufacturers are eagerly waiting for the development of fine plantations and soliciting growers for their crops. Why? Because the cost of shipping Boysenberry products from the Coast is too expensive.

A case of pure Boysenberry juice received from C cost $6.50 wholesale for 24 pint bottles. Adding $3.68 transporta¬ tion charges, made the cost per pint bottle 42c “wholesale,” and even at that figure there is a scar¬ city of pure Boysenberry juice to be had. About 8V2 quarts of Boy¬ senberries produce one gallon of pure Boysenberry juice.

Figuring 435 plants to an acre with an average yield of ten quarts to a plant at as low a figure as 20c per quart and you would have an income far surpassing that of any other variety.

IRRIGATION NOT ESSENTIAL

FOR SUCCESSFUL CULTURE OF CALIFORNIA BOY¬ SENBERRY

Growers everywhere are inquir¬ ing if it is necessary to irrigate the Boysenberry for the production of berries.

Irrigation is not necessary for the production of Boysenberries any more than it is necessary for the production of strawberries or red raspberries, although irrigation naturally prolongs the bearing sea¬ son and has a tendency of produc¬ ing more and larger berries espe¬ cially if the season is inclined to be dry.

For those who do not have irri¬ gation, an application of peat about the crown of the plant will help to conserve moisture although this practice is not necessary.

Under the same climatic condi¬ tions, the Boysenberry is more drough resistant than other berries. I

Commercial growers, in partic¬ ular, are interested in the possibil¬ ities of the thornless variety of the Boysenberry. Ever since the in¬ troduction of the Thornless Boy¬ senberry on the West Coast; Boy¬ senberry Plantation, Lapeer, Mich¬ igan, has put forth every effort to ascertain true statements regard¬ ing it.

Only recently, one of the most prominent growers on the Pacific Coast wrote us: “We do not grow the Thornless Boysenberry nor the Neetarberry. We tried them but r ey have never been nearly as -xuitful as the ordinary Boysen¬ berry.” He also stated that the

Neetarberry was so nearly like the Boysenberry that there was no ad¬ vantage in introducing it.

An excerpt from the California Agricultural Extension Service says: “Thornless canes have been reported on the Boysenberry vari¬ ety by Walter Knott, but most thornless mutations of such berries are less fruitful.”

The thorny variety of the Boy¬ senberry is not as bothersome as one is lead to believe. After the trellising is completed, the briars are of little trouble as the berries form in clusters and stand apart from the canes.

The chief concern of every grow¬

er, whether commercial or domestic is quality and quantity. So far, there is no substitute for the thorny Boysenberry and the GENUINE stock of this variety even yet, is not too plentiful. So far as GEN¬ UINE Northern-Grown stock is concerned, there is a limited sup¬ ply. Do not be mislead by choos¬ ing the Thornless Boysenberry which has not been sufficiently tried out even on the Pacific Coast to warrant the exorbitant price of plants. If this variety had shown unusual merits, Boysenberry Plan¬ tation, Lapeer, Michigan would have been one of the first in the Middle West to introduce it.

More economical operation in successful Boysenberry growing such as planting 10 x 10 permits checkerboard cultivation practical¬ ly the entire season; thereby, elim¬ inating all hand work. This spac¬ ing requires only 435 plants to an acre.

For the first season, at least, keep the cane growth cut back to about six inches above the crown. This practice facilitates cultivating both ways for a longer period of time and at the same time devel¬ ops a strong root system necessary in the successful culture of the Boysenberry. In California, sea¬ sons are of longer duration; there- I fore, it is not necessary for grow¬ ers to practice the method of cut¬ ting the canes back to the crown for root development. In Northern climates, growers will profit by this practice.

A Boysenberry plant will not yield a prolific crop of berries un¬ til it has reached maturity. This requires practically three years; therefore, the entire first year should be spent in root develop¬ ment.

To quite an extent, proper trel¬ lising determines the success of the crop. Even distribution of light with either a Southern or Eastern exposure is important in the de¬ velopment of the luscious Boysen¬ berry. Trellis so that one cane does not touch another, leaving ample space between them.

Spray in the dormant stage with lime surphur. It is one of the most important sprays of the season.

Under no circumstances trellis ihe Boysenberry in the Fall. Let the canes remain on the ground in a straight line until Spring. Do not handle any more than necessary. This practice is not only costly but injurious.

WHEN TO MAKE THE TRELLIS

Adopting the new practice of keeping the growth cut back dur¬ ing the first season, at least, it is not necessary to make and install a trellis until the Fall of the second year. Posts and stakes should be set at this time, although if one wished to defray the expense of wire until the following Spring, it would not be necessary to install the wire until that time. However, slots should be cut in the stakes

The above photograph illustrates the enormous root growth of a PARENT Boysenoerry plant. The wrap¬ ping of a PARENT plant is a very particular job repuiring a most painstaking method. Root development is the first requirement in successful Boysenberry culture. Our methods produce results.

in the Fall so there would be no delay when stretching up the wire

in the Soring.

COMMERCIAL PLANTINGS FULLY

MATURED AT MINIMUM EXPENSE

Choose Boysenberries Untouched By Com¬ petition

The Boysenberry market offers no competition. Think, if you can, of any other business, trade or pro¬ fession which is not highly compet¬ itive.

A letter received recently from a leading California canner proves conclusively that even California canners cannot begin to supply the demand for canned Boysenberries that exists today. It is only Jan¬ uary and this leading canning con¬ cern has less than fifty cases of canned Boysenberries on hand while their stock is entirely deplet¬ ed of Boysenberry juice sold to soda fountains, hotels, etc. The demand for canned Boysenberries has even exceeded their expecta¬ tions.

With the Boysenberry yielding more prolifically than any other berry and its price higher than any other commercial variety, the Boy¬ senberry merits the highest con¬ sideration of every prospective grower.

Three acres of Boysenberries are easier and less expensive to grow than one acre of strawberries. In comparing the Boysenberry with other varieties, it has revolutioniz¬ ed the berry business.

New Avenue of Revenue with Boysenberry

The Boysenberry is just as fine a berry as it is represented.

For the commercial grower, there is a tremendous demand for can¬ ned Boysenberries and as for Boy¬ senberry juice bottled in small bot¬ tles similar to those containing Welch grape juice, the market of¬ fers a real opportunity in the Mid¬ dle West and the East for new in¬ dustries.

In fact, there is such a wide field with the new Boysenberry and so many diversifications pertaining to it; that one does not know which one to choose. Sold “fresh” the berries are actually a sensation and sell readily from 25c to 30c a quart, depending upon the calibre of the market to which they are taken. Specialty shops, of course, pay more. For those who live within the proximity of cold storage plants, there is unusual revenue for mer¬ chandising the Boysenberry by the “Frozen-Pack.”

How to develop a Boysenberry Plantation as quickly as possible at a minimum expense is the question asked by prospective growers everywhere.

First, consider the purpose for which the planting is to be made. Decide upon the amount of money to be invested and commence with as large a planting as one can af¬ ford. It should be remembered, however, that one acre of Boysen¬ berries well taken care of is to be preferred over that of several acres handled in a haphazard manner.

The main object, of course, is to make the planting “full bearing” as soon as possible.

Figuring 435 plants to an acre, the ideal commercial planting would be to alternate with a full two-year old plant and a Strong No. 1 two-year transplant. In one year, half the Plantation would be full bearing while in two years the

entire acreage would be on a profit basis.

Canning concerns and juice manufacturers are pushing “quick productivity” of Boysenberry plant¬ ings so the planting suggested above is quite ideal.

For others, who are just as en¬ thusiastic in being one of the first in a great new enterprise, we sug¬ gest the alternating of a Strong two-year No. 1 transplant with a No. 1 tip. This type of planting also has considerable merit in that the two-year transplants would come into bearing one full year ahead of the tips. Of course, a planting made entirely of Strong No. 1 two-year transplants would be preferable but at the same time, if a larger acreage is desired at a minimum investment, the alternat¬ ing plan can be adopted most sat¬ isfactorily. By this method, the additional money could be used to

Next to a Strong No. 1 Two-year transplant, a tip-rooted plant is the finest plant one can buy, especially if it is NORTHERN-GROWN. Fol¬ lowing the propagation, the plants are irrigated so there is sufficient moisture for immediate root development.

SUGGESTIONS FOR

GARDEN GROWERS

If Possible, Select Mature Plants

An application of nitrate of soda has been applied to thousands of tip rooted plants. Immediately following the application, the irrigation system is put into operation so quick chemical action may take place at once. For the production of fine plants on a large scale, irrigation is essential.

Since the planting of the average garden grower requires only a few plants to occupy the space avail¬ able, more mature plants are gen¬ erally selected.

The finest among these, of course, are the PARENT Plants— GENU¬ INE Boysenberry plants from the original Boysenberry Plantation in California, now acclimated and over three years old. Transplanted early, these plants should be full bearing although some set back may result from moving from one location to another in the spring Next in line are the full iavo year old plants which, in reality, are two and a half years of age. Last summer, thorough emphasis was put upon their root development. -With cane growth cut back unT about September 1st, the plants are vigorous — ready to commence un¬ limited growth for their new own¬ er. While these plants will not yield many berries this season, the

plants should be equal in size next Fall to our fine strong Parent plants and full bearing.

If one is willing to wait longer for development, Strong No. 1 two- year transplants or No. 1 tip-root¬ ed plants may be used successfully. In the small garden plantings, the plants may be spaced as close to¬ gether as six by six using the gard¬ en fence or the side of the garage foi trellising. The Boysenberry may be used to hide the view of the alley as it is not only fruitful but has a very dense foliage as well.

COMMENCE WITH AS LARGE A PLANTING AS POSSIBLE THIS SPRING

If financial conditions improve in the Fall, follow up with even a larger planting at that time. In¬ crease commercial Boysenberry plantings as speedily as possible. It takes time for plants to mature, so delays are expensive.

purchase tips. Like small livestock of a registered herd of cattle, tip- rooted plants grow into money for their owner.

When taking into consideration its ultimate possibilities, an early planting of the California Boysen¬ berry, even at today’s rather high prices for mature plants is a very economical investment. The init¬ ial cost of a planting is very nomi¬ nal considering the profits derived later on.

Accept no substitution for the GENUINE Boysenberry. The first year’s operation is very economical so do not be “Penny Wise and Pound Foolish” in an investment as important as the purchase of GENUINE Northern- Grown Boy¬ senberry plants.

We are a specialist with the Cal¬ ifornia Boysenberry in a Northern climate and we have a source of information unequalled by any oth¬ er grower East of Oklahoma. From this fine stock, domestic and com¬ mercial growers in forty-three States have found our stock strictly as represented.

In addition, we are continuing to experiment and work with the Cal¬ ifornia Boysenberry in a Northern climate. Any new information re¬ sulting from our intensive work will be released “free of charge” to our customers. We are at your service always for Successful Boysenberry Growing.

VISITORS

WELCOME

BOYSENBERRY PLANTATION, LAPEER, MICHIGAN, is located in the city limits of Lapeer, % mile south of Hotel Barrett and 1/3 mile east, on the south side of the road.

Plant the Boysenberry For Tourist Trade

The average tourist is an inquis¬ itive person. Always looking for something new, willing to pay ex- orbicam prices to taste tne unusual and anxiously seeking for “some¬ thing or other” to take home, he lives the “Life of Riley” while it lasts.

Install a sign “Boysenberries Growing Here” or “Fresh Boysen¬ berry Pis For Sale” and your road¬ side stand will be the most talked- about place on the highway and the best patronized.

If you own a farm and the neigh¬ bor next door has the neat little roadside stand or restaurant, here is a real opportunity. In California fresh Boysenberry pies sell at fifty cents each and they can’t make them fast enough.

In the beginning, it was the pop¬ ularity of the Boysenberry among the tourist trade on the Pacific Coast that made the Boysenberry the most profitable berry of all times for not only was the Boysen¬ berry the most prolific yielder of any variety but the greatest in de¬ mand.

If you live on a well traversed highway, make your planting this season. Advertise early. Let your community know you have Boysen berries growing. Even install a sign, if you like “A Full-Bearing Plantation Next Year.” Make high¬ way passengers remember you are a grower of the California Boysen¬ berry. You will have customers on your doorstep when the first berries ripen.

1940 Price List ««

10 No. 1 Tip Rooted Plants . $ 1.50

50 No. 1 Tip Rooted Plants . 4.00

100 No. 1 Tip Pocted Plants... . . . 3.00

200 No. 1 Tip Rooted Plants . 15.00

500 No. 1 Tip Rooted Plants . 27.50

1000 No. 1 Tip Rooted Plants . 50.00

10 Strong No. 1 Two-Year Transplants $ 2.50 50 Strong No. 1 Two-Year Transplants 8.75 100 Strong No. 1 Two-Year Transplants 17.50

Each Additional Hundred . 17.50

SPECIAL — 435 Tip Rooted Plants (enough for 1 acre planting) $25.00 Prepaid

Full Two-Year-Old Plants — 75c, $1.00, $1.50 each

Full two-year-old plants, clipped, fertilized and irrigated— now thoroughly developed for strong cane growth and WITH PROPER CARE SHOULD BECOME FULL BEARING PLANTS FROM NEXT SEASON ON.

NOTE — For the small garden grower or those contemplating small commercial plantings, we consider these plants the best BUY on the Plantation. They are large enough to ghe growers actual experience with the Boysenberry.

Parent Plants — $3.00 Each

One GENUINE Boysenberry plant from the original Boysenberry Plantation in California, now acclimated and over three years of age — A PARENT PLANT. (Only 5 sold to one individual).

NOTE— The prestige of Boysenberry Plantation, Lapeer, Michigan, has been built upon its very choice PARENT stock— the original stock from which all other propagations are made. 1000 of these lovely PARENT plants will be retained in inventory so there is less than 100 PARENT plants for sale this spring.

ORDER EARLY

If interested in mature stock an order should, be placed immediately with a small deposit down. Disappoint¬ ments may come to those who wait. A 20% deposit will hold any order for Spring shipment.

With the exception of the “SPECIAL” order, all orders are F. O. B. Lapeer, Michigan

PRICES RELEASED BY

BOYSENBERRY PLANTATION

LAPEER, MICHIGAN

“IVe Sell the Nation America's Finest Genuine Northern-Grown Boysenberry Plants ”

Hobby For Home Lovers

Everyone should have a hobby if you want to live to ripe old age and look youthful at ninety. If you are one who can roll up you" sleeves and like digging around in die dirt, Boysenberry growing is just the thing after a hard day’s routine at the office.

An ideal trellis can be made out of the garden fence. If this is oc¬ cupied by shrubbery, the Boysen¬ berry may be trellised on the ga¬ rage. In California, Boysenberries grow on garden fences for they are ornamental and the foliage is so dense, it keeps the neighbors from “peeping through.”

Privacy is a great thing in life and so is Boysenberry growing. It offers an outlet to the individual who would like to try his luck at “Growing Something.” With a lit- de practice, he can become adept in the trellising of the Boysenber¬ ry. If he is inclined toward artis¬ tic finishes, he can use some of his “stored-up energy” along this direction.

To make plants uniform through¬ out is the key to success in. good Boysenberry growing. The layman can find pleasure and education in testing his own soil with one of the soil testing kits containing enough chemicals to make several analyses. This is fun in itself and you should try it some time. In fact, Boysen¬ berry growing on a scientific scale is no “slouch of a job.” Try perfect¬ ing a small planting for yourself. If you do the job well — you may become interested commercially.

Growers With Poor Soil Should Not Postpone Plantings

Get Plantings Under Way While Improving Soil Conditions

It is not necessary for a prospec¬ tive grower with a poor soil to postpone a Boysenberry planting this season. If the soil is not ready this Spring, prepare it for a Fall planting. There is ample time to improve soil conditions, before a Boysenberry plant reaches matur¬ ity. Most soils, unless very poor, are good enough in which to com¬ mence the growth of the plant sn with proper care, a planting can be developed as soil conditions are improved.

Natural manure provides humus in the soil and it is for this reason, in particular, that Boysenberry Plantation, Lapeer, Michigan keep a fine herd of Registered Hereford cattle. By applying a fertilizer with the proper analysis, practical¬ ly any condition of soil deficiency can be remedied within a compara¬ tively short time.

The Boysenberry requires no par¬ ticular soil different from that of any other berry except that it is a heavier feeder of fertilizer. Sand, clay, a good loam or even muck, if properly drained, make ideal soils for its cultivation. As a Boysen¬ berry planting grows into maturity, adopt the practice of improving soil conditions.

H o w A Specialist Develops the Transplants

Boysenberry growing is a spe¬ cialty business. Just as the pro¬ ducts canned and juiced from the Boysenberry are specialties highly commercialized, so does the work of developing fine Northern-Grown plants require the services of a spe¬ cialist.

The development of Strong No.

1 two-year transplants is an inter¬ esting example. Selecting Strong No. 1 tips, we transplant in a soil especially fitted for excellent root development. After the plants are well established, we practice a routine at regular and frequent in¬ tervals of fertilizing, irrigating, cul¬ tivating and cutting the canes back to six inches above the crown of the plant. By this method, strong root systems are developed in a minimum space of time.

The Strong No. 1 two-year trans¬ plants are highly recommended for commercial plantings.

Rotogravure Section o f Detroit News May Encourage New Growers

In the December 3rd issue of The Detroit News, Rotogravure Section, is a pictorial article entitled “She Gave Up City Life to Farm.”

For those who are inexperienced in the culture of the Boysenberry, this article may offer encourage¬ ment. Only four years ago, this soecialist of the California Boysen¬ berry in a Northern climate was a pioneer in this new vocation.

At that time, there was no infor¬ mation available on the growing of the Boysenberry in a Northern climate. All of my experiments had to be conducted at my own ex¬ pense and in the beginning it was very questionable whether or not the Boysenberry would grow in Michigan.

Now, with a source of informa¬ tion unequalled by any other grow¬ er in the Eastern part of the Unit¬ ed States, inexperienced growers today have only to follow instruc¬ tions and proceed. It is now a proven fact that the California Boysenberry will grow in a North¬ ern climate and produce prolifi- cally.

Commercial Growers Should Plant Now

At the present time, commercial growers cannot plant too quickly nor too large an acreage for maxi¬ mum returns on the California Boysenberry.

The demand for the Boysenberry is the Middle West and the East has established markets for its pro¬ ducts which cannot be supplied for a long time to come. If every pros¬ pective grower this year doubled his acreage; the market, even then, would be scarcely touched by com¬ petition for as more people taste the Boysenberry so is the demand for its products automatically in- | creased.