Blackberry 'Triple Crown'

Overview

Crown your garden with Blackberry 'Triple Crown', the award-winning thornless variety that truly lives up to its regal name by delivering the perfect combination of large berry size, exceptional flavour, and outstanding productivity. This premium cultivar produces impressively large, glossy berries with sweet, complex flavour that rivals the finest gourmet varieties. Perfect for gardeners who refuse to compromise on quality, offering thornless convenience without sacrificing the superior fruit characteristics that make blackberries so treasured.

Key Features

• Plant Type: Semi-erect thornless fruiting cane

• Planting Season: October to March

• Mature Height: 2m

• Spread: 2m 

• Harvest Period: August to September

• Berry Characteristics: Large, firm berries with exceptional sweet flavour

• Productive Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper care

• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H6)

Award-Winning Excellence

Blackberry 'Triple Crown' has earned its prestigious reputation through consistent recognition from horticultural organisations worldwide for its outstanding combination of desirable characteristics. This variety successfully achieves the holy grail of blackberry breeding - large berry size, exceptional flavour, and thornless convenience - earning it the "triple crown" designation that reflects its superiority in all key areas.

Impressive Berry Size and Quality

'Triple Crown' produces remarkably large berries that consistently measure 2.5-3cm in length, with individual berries often weighing 6-8 grams each. The glossy, jet-black berries maintain excellent firmness whilst developing sweet, complex flavour with perfect balance between sweetness and subtle tartness. The substantial size makes harvesting rewarding, with fewer berries needed to fill containers compared to standard varieties.

Exceptional Flavour Profile

The flavour of 'Triple Crown' berries develops remarkable depth and complexity, combining intense sweetness with sophisticated undertones that satisfy the most discerning palates. Unlike some large-berry varieties that sacrifice flavour for size, 'Triple Crown' maintains exceptional taste quality throughout its impressive berries. The flavour peak occurs when berries are fully ripe and deep black, rewarding patient harvesting with gourmet-quality fruit.

Outstanding Productivity

This variety delivers exceptional yields of 4-7kg per mature plant annually, with the large berry size contributing to impressive harvest totals. The concentrated fruiting period in August and September provides abundant crops when fresh blackberries are most valued. The semi-erect growth habit supports heavy fruit loads without the sprawling nature of fully trailing varieties.

Semi-Erect Growth Advantage

'Triple Crown' exhibits a valuable semi-erect growth habit that combines the productivity of trailing varieties with the manageability of upright types. This growth pattern requires less extensive support than fully trailing varieties whilst producing more fruit than compact upright types. The semi-erect canes are easier to train and maintain than vigorous trailing varieties.

Ideal Growing Position

This variety performs best in full sun locations receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, ensuring optimal berry size and flavour development. The semi-erect habit requires good air circulation to prevent disease whilst benefiting from shelter from strong winds that could damage fruit-laden canes. Choose a prominent position where the impressive fruit display can be fully appreciated.

Soil Requirements

'Triple Crown' thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0, responding excellently to generous soil preparation. Deep, fertile soil supports the vigorous growth and large berry production, with organic matter additions enhancing both drainage and moisture retention. The substantial fruit production benefits from nutrient-rich growing conditions.

Planting and Support

Plant between October and March, spacing plants 120-150cm apart to accommodate the semi-erect growth habit. Install support systems with posts and horizontal wires at 90cm, 120cm, and 150cm heights. The semi-erect nature requires less extensive support than fully trailing varieties whilst still needing adequate framework for the heavy fruit loads.

Training and Management

Train the thornless canes along support wires, taking advantage of the manageable semi-erect growth for easier handling than sprawling varieties. The growth habit naturally concentrates fruit production whilst remaining controllable. Follow standard biennial pruning by removing fruited canes after harvest and training strong new growth as replacements.

Establishment Period

Young plants establish steadily, often producing a modest crop in the first year after planting. Peak productivity develops by the third year when the root system and cane framework reach full maturity. The semi-erect habit makes establishment more straightforward than vigorous trailing varieties whilst building substantial productive capacity.

Harvesting Excellence

The large berries ripen during an intensive period in August and September, with the substantial size making harvesting efficient and rewarding. Pick berries when they're fully black and come away easily from the plant. The excellent firmness provides superior keeping qualities, with berries maintaining quality for several days after harvest.

Premium Quality Assurance

'Triple Crown' consistently delivers premium-quality fruit that meets the highest standards for fresh market sales, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who appreciate restaurant-quality produce. The combination of size, flavour, and appearance makes these berries suitable for the most demanding culinary applications and special occasions.

Annual Care Programme

Apply balanced fertiliser in early spring to support the substantial berry production, followed by organic mulching to maintain soil fertility and moisture. Regular watering during berry development ensures optimal size and quality. The thornless nature makes all maintenance tasks safe and efficient throughout the growing season.

Culinary Applications

• Premium Fresh Eating: Large size and exceptional flavour perfect for special occasions
• Gourmet Presentations: Impressive berries ideal for elegant dessert garnishing
• High-End Preserving: Superior flavour creates exceptional artisan jams and preserves
• Baking Showcase: Large berries create dramatic visual impact in pies and tarts
• Fine Dining: Restaurant-quality berries suitable for professional culinary use
• Gift Quality: Impressive berries perfect for sharing with discerning friends

Garden Showcase Feature

The impressive berry size and productivity make 'Triple Crown' an excellent showcase feature for serious fruit gardens. The substantial harvests and premium quality make this variety suitable for gardeners who take pride in growing exceptional produce that rivals or exceeds commercial premium fruit.

Investment Value

The combination of award-winning quality, substantial productivity, and thornless convenience makes 'Triple Crown' an excellent long-term investment for quality-focused gardeners. The variety's proven track record and premium characteristics ensure reliable performance that justifies its position as a garden centerpiece.

Companion Planting

Plant alongside premium herbs like French tarragon, lavender, and rosemary that complement the quality focus and attract beneficial insects. The impressive nature of this variety makes it suitable for prominent positions where the substantial fruit production can be appreciated and easily accessed for harvesting.

Growing Success Tips

Success with 'Triple Crown' lies in providing the premium growing conditions that support its exceptional berry size and quality. Generous soil preparation, consistent nutrition, and adequate moisture during berry development are essential for achieving the full potential of this award-winning variety. The semi-erect growth habit makes management more straightforward than trailing varieties whilst the thornless nature ensures safe, pleasant maintenance. Your 'Triple Crown' blackberry will establish itself as the crown jewel of your fruit garden, delivering impressive harvests that combine substantial size with exceptional flavour in the convenient, safe package that only premium thornless varieties can provide.