Blackberry Triple Crown: description and characteristics of the variety, reproduction, planting and care

If a person has fruit bushes and trees in the garden, and he does not know what else to plant, blackberries are the solution to the problem. Tasty and juicy fruits on a low bush will appeal to all households without exception. Triple Crown is one of the brightest representatives of blackberries.

History of Triple Crown

Triple Crown in English means Triple Crown. Crown, as she is also called, was bred in 1996. The creation of a new variety was carried out by breeders in the state of Oregon. After passing the test, the variety entered the market as a seedling, where it quickly gained popularity.Three crowns has a unique taste. It is distinguished from other varieties by the size of the berries and the absence of thorns on the stem, branches and leaves.

Pros and cons of blackberries

Main benefits include:

1. Incredible taste, juicy blackberry pulp.
2. Big size berries.
3. Long shelf life of harvested fruits.
4. Able to transport over long distances.
5. Blackberries do not shrink as they are harvested.
6. Extended fruiting period.
7. Resistant to direct sunlight.

Weaknesses of the variety:

1. It is a dessert, so it gives about 10 kg of fruit per season.
2. The bush needs protection as it cannot survive the winter on its own.
3. Not suitable for growing in cold regions.

If Triple Crown blackberries were planted in the north, there is a threat that a person will not harvest. Because he won't mature. Spring comes early and so does winter.

General idea of the variety

You can recognize the Triple Crown among other varieties by its appearance. A brief description of the leaves, fruits and branches of blackberries will help the buyer make the right choice. This information is useful for non-professional gardeners.

External parameters

Meaning the bush, fruits, shoots and leaves. Each part of the plant has its own characteristics. It is important to pay attention to the description of all.

Bush

Triple Crown has a semi-upright type of bush. In the first years of life, the shoot reaches a height of 2 m. Later, the stems grow up to 3 m.The variety grows very quickly. Blackberry leaves have a bright grassy color with serrated edges. The absence of thorns allows harvesting without problems.

Fruits

Berries as a result of the formation of the brush resemble a bunch of grapes. Large in size, unlike other varieties of blackberries. Separately, the berries reach 9 g. Ripe fruits are black with a sheen. Inside there are small seeds that are almost not felt when consumed. The pulp is firm and juicy. If the fruits are in direct sunlight for a long time, do not bake.

Cold and drought resistant

Resistance to winter cold is something that culture cannot boast of. With the onset of the first frosts, the blackberries are wrapped up so that the branches do not freeze, and the predisposition to fruiting for the next season is preserved. Triple Crown is drought tolerant.

Resistant to diseases and pests

Blackberries are prone to these diseases:

• powdery mildew;
• grey rot;
• anthracnose;
• brown spotting.

Among the pests are weevils, spider mites, aphids and raspberry beetles. Chemicals are used to control disease and insect infestation. Tobacco dust and ash are considered effective folk remedies.

The Triple Crown immune system protects against most diseases. Waterlogging of the soil, non-compliance with the rules of agricultural technology and low levels of nutrients in the soil are the main factors that provoke the development of diseases.

Tasting qualities and scope of berries

Ripe blackberries taste sweet. During use, sourness is felt. Juicy berries combine plum and cherry notes.

Methods of reproduction

Blackberry perfectly takes root in the soil. The variety is propagated by root cuttings and the upper parts of the stem. Branches can be apical, as well as horizontal.

Fitting technology

Proper planting is the key to getting a he althy bush with good fruiting. During disembarkation, simple rules are followed.

Best timing

Crown seedlings are planted in the ground in spring. A prerequisite is that the soil should warm up well. To avoid late frosts, choose the end of April or the beginning of May.

Required soil composition

Loamy soil with good breathability will help accelerate the growth of shrubs. The future site on which the blackberry will grow is cleared of weeds. Superphosphate and compost are applied to the soil.

Choosing the best location

Crown loves the sunny side, sheltered from the wind. The blackberry bed should be on a hill. In order for the taste of the berry to be the best, the branches must have access to sunlight.

Preparation of seedlings

He althy sprout for planting 12 months old with a developed root system. One plant should have 2 thick stems.

It is important that the blackberry root shoots are covered with buds.

Plant pattern

Procedure order:

1. Digging a hole 50 cm deep.
2. A seedling is placed in the recess.
3. Spread blackberry roots covered with soil.
4. After compacting the earth, 3 liters of water are poured in.
5. The surface of the earth lends itself to mulching with peat or compost.

As soon as the sprout is planted, it must be cut. The top is removed, and 20-25 cm are left above the ground. A distance of at least 1 m is left between the planted bushes.

Follow-up care for seedlings and adult bushes

Even if a person is not a professional in the field of growing shrubs and trees, he must understand that any culture needs proper care.

Water and loosen the soil

It is recommended to saturate the soil with moisture in the evening. It is preferable to use warm settled water for blackberries. After the topsoil has dried, loosening is carried out.

Feeding bushes

Mineral and nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the spring, after the snow melts. Then they move on to potash and phosphorus supplements. At this stage, nitrogen is also introduced, the amount of this substance affects the formation of the green part of the blackberry.

Tie to supports

Trees are installed next to the shrubs, which makes it easier to care for the plant and pick ripe berries. Thanks to this technique, it is possible to collect more crops. The recommended support height is 2m, with the branch attached to the wire 1.5m above the ground.

Pruning the bush

The formation of the plant is carried out in the spring. The number of shrub shoots is from 8 to 11. The fewer stems, the larger the blackberries will be.

Harvesting

The right period comes at the end of June and lasts until August. Varies depending on the region of crown growth. During the season, the Triple Crown produces about 10 kg of fruit from one bush. The berries ripen gradually, so the collection is undulating.

Preparing for winter

Medium weight tech fabric is best for wrapping. For greater effect, it is folded in half. The material is replaced by any other.

Growing tips: how to ensure high yields?

In order for the number of blackberry fruits to please the gardener, it is recommended to strictly follow the rules for planting and caring for the plant. Experienced professionals advise adhering to such techniques - planting density and garter to the trellis. In this case, the vine should have a horizontal direction.

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