Berry Varieties in Michigan

Abstract

Black raspberries have been far more profitable than red raspberries, at least in Southwest Michigan. I understand that the reverse is true in some areas further North. The leading varieties for the blackcaps are Cumberland and New Logan. Cumberland is a late variety, while New Logan is quite early and tends to mature its crop so that most of the harvest can be completed in about 3 pickings. Growers who have any sizable acreage of cherries like this variety, because they are able to complete its harvest before starting to pick cherries. This past year there has been an unusual amount of interest in the Bristol variety, which, has been grown very successfully by Mr. Martin Simpert of Stevensville. This variety looks very good, but I would like to see it tried out under several different soil conditions before being sure it should replace Cumberland or New Logan. The Morrison and Major varieties have not shown up to well in most plantings, although under certain conditions they may well have their place. The New York developed Dundee variety may show considerable promise, especially if plantings are made up on sites which are not too well drained.