We have been told that when new and exciting economic opportunities are presented, the scammers thrive. This has always been the case, and it was no different in the mid 1800’s, when Hovey’s Strawberry Seedling (See June 12, “An Heirloom Strawberry?”) suddenly created a profitable strawberry industry in the New World. Recently, I stumbled upon this inconspicuous notice in an August 9, 1851 issue of the New England Farmer:
“Newland’s Strawberry Humbug
A few years since, George Newland, from Palmyra, N.Y., was in this region, and sold plants of what he called a new seedling strawberry, under the pompous name of "Newland's Celebrated Mammoth Alpine Strawberry." A large number of cultivators purchased plants, gave them a fair trial, and condemned them as worthless. They were the old wood strawberry, or something very nearly resembling it. So the whole affair proved to be a great humbug. This being known, Newland left this region, and has been operating in parts where he and his strawberry were not so well known.
We see by a late number of the Pennsylvania Farm Journal, the editor has received a present of some vines from Newland's agent, and before waiting to give them a trial he is commending them to the public; thus aiding this impostor in deceiving the farming community. We think notice should be given of this imposition throughout the country, in order to put a stop to the operations of this great impostor. Editors should check rather than aid him.”
It seems that in a time when new strawberry varieties were being rapidly introduced, George Newland decided to jump into the frothy excitement, and rip off the Heirloom Orchardist. He was the nurseryman's version of a snake oil salesman. I find it interesting that 19 years later (in 1870), when J.M. Merrick, Jr. published his thorough manual entitled “The Strawberry and its Culture” he decided to recognize Newland’s variety, even though it was just a hoax. In his “Descriptive List of all Known (strawberry) Varieties,” Merrick states: “Newland’s Mammoth Alpine: Brought forward some years ago as a great acquisition. Now unheard of, and probably nothing but the Old Red Alpine.”
Today, there’s little chance that you and I will be scammed into growing a worthless strawberry variety. But as I’ve stated before, I think we’ll do well by sticking with 20th century introductions. Here’s a couple more that I recommend:
Surecrop:
If your grandparents (or parents) grew strawberries, it’s likely they grew Surecrop. It was developed by the USDA, and released in 1956. Among strawberry enthusiasts Surecrop is considered a reliable heirloom. For over 50 years, growers have been saying you’ll be guaranteed a "Surecrop" if you grow this high yielding, June-bearing berry. It’s self pollinating, a great canner, and freezes well too. Surecrop has a resistance to red stele and verticillium wilt, leaf spot, and leaf scorch.
Honeoye:
Another June-bearer, Honeoye was developed by the USDA in New York, and released in 1979. It quickly became a favorite, due to its pronounced sweet aroma and bright, glossy red color. It’s a beautiful berry. Plants are extremely winter hardy. A good freezer. This is a another great strawberry that you’re likely to have grown-up with. Honeoye is not susceptible to grey mold and mildew, but it can get some root and crown diseases, if not grown in light sandy soil.
Incidentally, MasterGardening.com has a beautiful Strawberry Barrel Planter available at 13% off the list price. You can munch on strawberries, while riding over the falls.
