DORSETT 
The Most Profitable Early Berry for Us 
Since Dorsett was first introduced in 1933 we have found it our best money making 
early berry. Previous to that, Premier was the best early berry. Dorsett has been 
equally as productive and the berries have been larger, better looking, much better 
quality, and better shipping berries than Premier. They have also sold for higher 
prices and given us greater profit per acre. Like Fairfax, Dorsett has exceptionally high 
quality and this variety should always be shipped and sold by name so that buyers can 
call for it and know what they are getting. Before Dorsett was introduced, buyers and 
shippers from this section had trouble with Premier when shipped under refrigeration. 
Dorsett has proved well adapted to refrigeration, and dealers or others who have ice 
box facilities can keep Dorsett for several days in good condition. In the sections where 
it is adapted, growers who are in the business for profit should not overlook this variety. 
Origin and Habit 
Dorsett is a cross of Premier and Royal Sovereign. 
From the Royal Sovereign Dorsett gets its high 
quality; from Premier the healthy foliage and 
freedom from disease. It is much more vigorous 
than either parent as is often the case with hybrids. 
Unlike Fairfax, which makes a small number of 
large plants, Dorsett produces large numbers of 
runners and new plants. When grown under favor- 
able conditions Dorsett must be spaced or thinned 
in some way for best results. 
Although tremendously productive when condi- 
tions are right, Dorsett "does not seem to have as 
strong a fruiting cluster or pollen as either Premier 
or Fairfax. This indicates why some thinning is so 
important, and also why Dorsett responds so well 
to applications of nitrogen and other fertilizers in 
late summer or fall. At this time the fertilizer helps 
build up large, strong crowns and vigorous, well 
developed fruit buds which will be easier to pollenize 
for perfect fruit. Late spring fertilization is not 
recommended for Dorsett unless the growth is very 
weak. Nitrogen fertilizers applied in spring will 
normally make Dorsett somewhat too vegetative 
and thus reduce the crop. Grown properly, Dorsett 
will produce big crops and big profits for the grower. 
Season of Ripening 
Dorsett ripens early, with Premier and Blake- 
more. When conditions are right for a heavy crop 
to be set, Dorsett lasts through a long season, hold- 
ing on until most of the late varieties are about 
through. 
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