Triple Crown Blackberry Growing Tool

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Showing dates for Triple Crown Blackberry in USDA Zone 7

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Triple Crown Blackberry · Zones 5–9

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Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Spacing4-6 feet apart in rows

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-2 inches per week, deep watering preferred

SeasonPerennial, late summer harvest

FlavorVery sweet with low acidity, small soft seeds, rich blackberry flavor

ColorGlossy jet black

SizeLarge, up to 1 inch long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 5	—	April – May	—	August – September
Zone 6	—	March – May	—	August – September
Zone 7	—	March – April	—	August – September
Zone 8	—	February – April	—	August – September
Zone 9	—	January – March	—	August – September

Complete Growing Guide

Start by selecting a site with full sun exposure and excellent air circulation—Triple Crown blackberries need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and good airflow to prevent fungal issues. Prepare your soil in fall before spring planting by digging a trench 2-3 feet wide and 18 inches deep. Amend heavy clay soils with coarse sand and compost, or create raised beds for better drainage. Your soil pH should fall between 6.0-6.8 for optimal nutrient uptake.

Plant bare root canes in early spring, 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Space plants 3-4 feet apart in rows with 8-10 feet between rows. Dig holes just deep enough to match the nursery planting depth—burying the crown too deep invites crown rot. Water thoroughly after planting and apply a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch, keeping it 6 inches away from the base.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at 1/4 cup per plant, then switch to a low-nitrogen formula once fruiting begins to avoid excessive vegetative growth. Triple Crown requires sturdy trellising despite being semi-erect—install a two-wire system with wires at 3 and 5 feet high. Train primocanes (first-year growth) loosely to the lower wire, allowing some to grow upright.

Prune annually in late winter by removing all spent floricanes (second-year canes that fruited) at ground level. Thin remaining primocanes to the strongest 4-6 per plant and tip-prune them at 4-5 feet to encourage lateral branching. Never prune in fall as this reduces cold hardiness.

Avoid the common mistake of overwatering—provide 1-2 inches weekly through drip irrigation or soaker hoses, but let soil dry slightly between waterings. Overhead watering encourages fungal diseases. In zones 4-5, apply extra mulch in late fall and consider burlap wraps for young plants. Southern gardeners should ensure adequate summer water but watch for root rot in poorly drained soils.

Harvesting

Triple Crown blackberries ripen from mid-August through September, depending on your climate. The berries are ready when they turn deep black with a slight gloss and feel firm but give slightly to gentle pressure. Unlike many varieties, Triple Crown berries hold their quality for several days after reaching full color, so don't rush the harvest.

Test ripeness by gently tugging the berry—it should release easily from the plant without resistance. If you need to pull hard, wait another day or two. Harvest in the early morning when temperatures are cool and berries are fully hydrated, avoiding the heat of midday which can make berries soft and prone to damage.

Pick berries every other day during peak season, gently rolling them off the plant into shallow containers to prevent crushing. Triple Crown's large size means you'll fill containers quickly, but handle carefully as even these firm berries can bruise. Leave any red or brown berries on the plant—they won't ripen further once picked.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Triple Crown blackberries store exceptionally well compared to thorny varieties. Keep unwashed berries in the refrigerator for up to one week in shallow containers lined with paper towels, which absorb excess moisture. Don't wash until ready to eat, as moisture accelerates spoilage.

For freezing, spread berries on baking sheets and freeze individually before transferring to freezer bags—this prevents clumping and maintains their shape for smoothies and baking. Triple Crown's low seed content makes them ideal for seedless jams and jellies. Their balanced sweetness also creates excellent wine with minimal added sugar. Dehydrated Triple Crown berries retain more flavor than most varieties due to their naturally concentrated sugars and reduced acidity.

History & Origin

Triple Crown was developed by Dr. John Clark at the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 1996 as part of their acclaimed breeding program. This variety emerged from a cross between Arkansas 1506 (a thornless selection) and Arkansas 1565, specifically bred to combine the thornless trait with superior fruit quality and disease resistance.

The Arkansas program has been the leading force in thornless blackberry development since the 1960s, and Triple Crown represents a significant milestone—the first variety to truly deliver commercial-quality fruit without thorns. Its name reflects the three key breeding objectives: thornless canes, excellent fruit quality, and strong disease resistance.

The variety quickly gained popularity among home gardeners and small-scale commercial growers who had long struggled with the painful thorns of traditional varieties. Triple Crown's success helped establish consumer acceptance of thornless blackberries and paved the way for newer Arkansas releases like Ouachita and Prime-Ark varieties.

Advantages

+Completely thornless canes make harvesting and maintenance painless
+Large, exceptionally sweet berries with barely noticeable seeds
+Excellent shelf life—berries hold quality 3-5 days after ripening
+Outstanding anthracnose resistance prevents common cane diseases
+Semi-erect growth habit requires less intensive trellising than trailing varieties
+Consistent heavy yields once established in second year
+Superior cold hardiness for a thornless variety (zones 5-9)

Considerations

-Later ripening means shorter harvest window in northern climates
-Susceptible to spotted wing drosophila in areas with heavy infestations
-Requires annual pruning and trellising despite semi-erect habit
-Takes full two years to produce first crop from bare root plants
-Vulnerable to verticillium wilt in previously infected soils

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Chives

Repels aphids and improves soil health around berry plants

Garlic

Deters various pests including spider mites and aphids that commonly affect blackberries

Marigolds

Repel nematodes and other soil-borne pests while attracting beneficial insects

Comfrey

Deep roots bring nutrients to surface and leaves make excellent mulch for blackberries

Tansy

Repels ants, mice, and various insects that can damage blackberry plants

Nasturtiums

Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting beneficial predatory insects

Strawberries

Share similar growing conditions and soil preferences without competing heavily

Mint

Deters rodents and ants, but should be contained to prevent spreading

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone which is toxic to blackberries and inhibits their growth

Raspberries

Share similar diseases and pests, increasing risk of anthracnose and cane blight

Tomatoes

Both susceptible to similar fungal diseases and may compete for nutrients

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent resistance to anthracnose, good resistance to orange rust

Common Pests

Spotted wing drosophila, aphids, raspberry crown borer, Japanese beetles

Diseases

Cane blight, verticillium wilt, rosette disease in some regions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Triple Crown blackberry take to produce fruit?▼

Triple Crown produces its first crop in the second year after planting. First-year canes (primocanes) focus on establishing roots and growing, while second-year canes (floricanes) flower and fruit. Peak production typically occurs in years 3-4, with plants remaining productive for 10-15 years with proper care.

Can you grow Triple Crown blackberries in containers?▼

Yes, Triple Crown grows well in large containers (minimum 20-25 gallons) with excellent drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix amended with compost and provide sturdy support stakes. Container plants need more frequent watering and feeding, and may require winter protection in zones 5-6. Expect slightly smaller yields than ground-planted specimens.

What does Triple Crown blackberry taste like?▼

Triple Crown offers exceptionally sweet flavor with low acidity and a rich, classic blackberry taste. The seeds are remarkably small and soft, making eating more pleasant than seedy varieties. The balanced sweetness makes them excellent for fresh eating and reduces the need for added sugar in jams and desserts.

When should I plant Triple Crown blackberry?▼

Plant Triple Crown in early spring, 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. This timing allows roots to establish before hot weather arrives. Fall planting works in zones 7-9 but requires winter protection for young plants. Avoid planting during hot summer months or when soil is frozen or waterlogged.

Is Triple Crown blackberry good for beginners?▼

Yes, Triple Crown is excellent for beginners due to its thornless canes, strong disease resistance, and forgiving nature. The lack of thorns makes pruning and harvesting much easier for new gardeners. However, it does require basic trellising and annual pruning, so complete beginners should research these techniques before planting.

Triple Crown vs Apache blackberry - what's the difference?▼

Both are thornless Arkansas varieties, but Apache ripens earlier (mid-summer) and has more erect growth requiring less support. Triple Crown has larger berries with better flavor and longer shelf life, but ripens later. Apache handles heat better, while Triple Crown has superior cold tolerance. Choose Apache for earlier harvest, Triple Crown for better fruit quality.