These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
12-18 inch bare root plant.
Key Characteristics of Triple Crown Blackberry:
Origin: 'Triple Crown' is a thornless, semi-erect blackberry cultivar developed by the USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon, and released in 1996. It is a cross between 'Chester Thornless', 'Darrow', and a wild selection. It's highly regarded for its excellent flavor, productivity, and thornless canes.
Patent Status: Triple Crown was developed by the USDA. It was never patented. In the past, the USDA has almost never patented any of their releases.
Berry Production: Produces large, firm, glossy black berries with an exceptional sweet and complex flavor that is often described as superior to many other thornless varieties. It is known for its high yields, typically producing a substantial crop.
Ripening Time: A late-season blackberry, typically ripening from mid-July to August, extending the blackberry harvest season. The ripening period can last for several weeks.
Plant Size and Appearance: A semi-erect, thornless shrub with vigorous canes that can grow to 8-10 feet long. While the canes are upright when young, they will eventually arch or trail, requiring support such as a trellis or wires for optimal growth and harvesting. It has attractive, dark green, compound leaves.
Flowers: In late spring, it produces clusters of white to slightly pinkish, five-petaled flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates in the United States. Winter protection may be needed in the colder end of its hardiness range.
Pollination: Blackberries are self-fertile, so 'Triple Crown' does not require a separate pollinator variety to produce fruit. However, having good pollinator activity (bees) will still benefit fruit set and overall yield.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for the best fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). Good drainage is crucial to prevent root diseases.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Provide regular watering, particularly during dry periods, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week.
Pruning: Requires annual pruning. After fruiting, the floricanes (canes that produced fruit) should be removed at ground level as they will not produce again. New primocanes (vegetative canes that grow in the current season) should be selected and trained for the following year's crop. In late winter or early spring, these primocanes can be tipped (cut back) to encourage lateral branching and increase fruiting potential.
Uses: The berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating due to their superior flavor
Jams, jellies, and preserves
Pies, cobblers, and other baked goods
Smoothies and desserts
Freezing for later use
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife. However, netting may be necessary to protect the crop from birds if desired.
Ornamental Value: While primarily grown for its fruit, the attractive foliage and flowers can add some ornamental appeal to the garden. The thornless nature also makes it more user-friendly in landscape settings.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Triple Crown' exhibits good resistance to many common blackberry diseases, such as orange rust and anthracnose. It is also generally less susceptible to pests compared to some other varieties. However, monitoring for common caneberry pests like spider mites or cane borers is still recommended.
