Rubus fruticosus 'Triple Crown' (Blackberry)

Herman Kraut
Sep 11
4 min read

Common Name: Triple Crown Blackberry

Scientific Name: Rubus fruticosus 'Triple Crown'

Plant Family: Rosaceae

Lifecycle: Perennial

Triple Crown is a thornless, semi-erect blackberry cultivar celebrated for its large, sweet berries and vigorous growth. Well-suited to Mediterranean and USDA Zone 8a conditions, it thrives with trellis support and regular summer watering. Its fruits are excellent for fresh eating, jams, and freezing, while its resilience and productivity make it a homestead favorite.

For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.

Plant Profile

Characteristic	Information
Climate Suitability	USDA Zones 6–9; Köppen Csa (Mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild winters)
Sun / Shade Needs	Full sun (6–8 h/day)
Watering Needs	Moderate; weekly deep watering during fruiting
Soil Preferences	Well-drained loam, rich in organic matter; pH 6.0–6.8
Spacing & Height	1.5–2 m (5–6 ft) apart; 1.5–2 m (5–6 ft) tall with trellis support
Propagation Method(s)	Tip layering, cuttings, or root division
Planting Timeline	Late winter to early spring; plant dormant canes
Companion Plants	Comfrey, nasturtiums, garlic, clover
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses	Edible fruit (fresh, preserves, freezing); antioxidant-rich; wildlife food
Pest / Disease Considerations	Susceptible to spider mites, cane borers, fungal leaf spot; protect from full sun scorch
Pruning / Harvest Notes	Prune out spent canes after fruiting; harvest July–August when berries turn fully black

Quick Plant Reference

Care Level: Moderate
Optimal Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 h/day)
Water Needs: Weekly deep watering in summer; drought-sensitive during fruit set
Mature Size: 1.5–2 m (5–6 ft) tall with trellis, spreading via canes
Soil Type: Rich, well-drained loam with compost
Humidity: Medium
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and animals
Beneficial Pollinators: Bees, hoverflies
Health Benefits: High in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber
Chilling Hours: Not required
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile

Our Rubus fruticosus 'Triple Crown' Application @ Tough Kraut

We planted our Rubus fruticosus 'Triple Crown' on February 23, 2023, near the southwest corner of our land. Right from its second year, it fruited abundantly. To guide its vigorous canes, we built a simple DIY trellis from wooden branches and poles. While sun exposure dried out many berries in its unprotected spot, we trust that as surrounding vegetation matures, shade and microclimate will bring more luscious harvests in years to come.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

Note: Triple Crown is thornless but benefits greatly from trellising and consistent summer irrigation. If berries dry or shrivel in hot sun, partial shade netting can be a lifesaver.

1. Choose the Right Site

Pick a full-sun location with good airflow. In Zone 8a, avoid exposed, scorching corners without protection.

2. Prepare the Soil

Incorporate compost and mulch generously. Blackberries prefer loose, fertile loam with consistent organic matter.

3. Plant the Plant

Set canes 1.5–2 m apart, water deeply, and mulch thickly around the root zone.

4. Water Consistently

Provide deep weekly soaks, especially during flowering and fruit set. Heat stress without water leads to dried berries.

5. Ensure Proper Pollination

Though self-fertile, bees enhance berry size and yield. Plant wildflowers nearby to boost visits.

6. Prune Annually

Remove spent floricanes after harvest. Tie new primocanes neatly along trellis wires or wooden supports.

7. Manage Pests and Diseases

Watch for spider mites and fungal leaf spots. Mulch well, irrigate at soil level, and avoid wetting leaves.

8. Harvest and Store

Harvest July–August when berries are fully black and plump. Store in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze immediately.

9. Note

If berries shrivel in hot sun, install temporary shade cloth or companion with taller shrubs to filter light.

Kraut Crew Insight

Triple Crown has shown us both bounty and fragility—plump berries one week, sun-dried raisins the next. Our lesson: location and microclimate matter as much as care. We’re betting on surrounding growth to balance its sun exposure for years ahead.

Photos

Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Triple Crown Blackberry Cultivation Challenges

Growing Rubus fruticosus 'Triple Crown' is usually straightforward, but Mediterranean sun can test even the toughest berry patch. Here’s a troubleshooting + FAQ section from our field experience.

Q: My berries dry out on the cane. Why?

A: In hot, exposed sites, fruit can sun-dry before ripening. Provide shade netting or let taller neighbors mature to cast partial afternoon shade.

Q: Do Triple Crown blackberries need a trellis?

A: Yes. Their semi-erect canes flop without support. A DIY trellis from poles or wires works perfectly.

Q: How do I stop canes from taking over?

A: Prune spent canes yearly, and train new ones to the trellis. Dig out wandering root suckers if space is limited.

Q: What about pests?

A: Watch for mites and aphids during hot, dry spells. Neem oil or a strong hose spray usually manages them.

Q: My harvest is small in year 2. Normal?

A: Yes—yield ramps up by years 3–4 as the root system establishes. Be patient and keep soil moist.

Recommended Books & Resources

Books

The Berry Grower’s Companion by Barbara L. Bowling
A practical guide to small fruit culture, including trellising, pruning, and pest management.
The Backyard Berry Book by Stella Otto
A hands-on classic for home growers with clear caneberry how-tos (trellising, pruning, cultivar choices). Practical troubleshooting charts make it easy to diagnose bramble issues fast.
Homegrown Berries by Timber Press
A modern, photo-rich guide that walks you from planting to harvest for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries; great for quick variety selection and maintenance checklists.
The Fruit Gardener’s Bible by Lewis Hill & Leonard Perry
Broad fruit reference with useful caneberry sections on site choice, trellising, pruning, and season care; nice complement to berry-specific manuals.
Raspberry & Blackberry Production Guide by Lori J. Bushway
Region-targeted but packed with universal caneberry fundamentals (trellis systems, pruning, nutrient management) you can adapt to Mediterranean Zone 8a.

Resources

Stainless-Steel Wire Trellis Kit (cable + turnbuckles)
Durable, invisible-style wire system to tidy semi-erect Triple Crown canes and keep fruiting laterals accessible; includes tensioners and hardware for a clean DIY espalier/row trellis.
Tough Kraut Resources
Our curated tools, trellis ideas, and organic sprays to support your berry-growing journey.