Description
Triple Crown is a thornless blackberry known for large berries, strong production, and a long harvest season. It grows as a vigorous, semi-erect bramble and usually performs best when trained on a simple trellis.
Plant facts
- Type: Thornless blackberry (floricane-fruiting)
- USDA zones: 5–9 (best performance typically in 6–9, zone 5 may need winter protection depending on location)
- Growth habit: semi-erect, benefits from support/trellising
- Cane length: commonly 6–10 ft if not tipped and trained
- Plant size: often managed to about 4–6 ft tall/wide with pruning and training
Fruit + flavor
- Berry size: large to extra-large
- Flavor: sweet, rich, classic blackberry taste (low tartness when fully ripe)
- Texture: juicy with good firmness when picked at full black
- Best uses: fresh eating, freezing, jam, baking
Fruiting time
- Season: mid to late season
- Typical harvest window: often July into August (earlier in warmer climates, later in cooler climates)
- Harvest length: commonly 4–6 weeks, with multiple pickings
Yield expectations (per plant)
- Early bearing: light crops can start the year after planting depending on plant size and care
- Mature yield: commonly 10–20 lb per plant in good conditions
- Yield notes: trellising, tipping primocanes, consistent watering, and full sun are key to heavy crops
Growing preferences
- Sun: full sun for best yield and sweetness
- Soil: well-drained soil with organic matter (avoid constantly wet spots)
- Water: steady moisture during flowering and fruit fill improves berry size
- Spacing: often 4–6 ft between plants (wider spacing makes training and picking easier)
Training + pruning basics
- Support: a 2–3 wire trellis or fence line works well
- Tipping: tip new canes (primocanes) to encourage branching and more fruiting laterals
- Annual pruning: remove spent fruiting canes (floricanes) after harvest, keep and train the strongest new canes for next year’s crop
