Description and characteristics of the Triple Crown variety, reproduction, planting and care
If a person has fruit bushes and trees in the garden, and he does not know what to plant yet, blackberries are the solution to the problem. Delicious and juicy fruits on a low bush will appeal to all households, without exception. The Triple Crown variety is one of the brightest representatives of the blackberry.
The history of the origin of the Triple Crown variety
Triple Crown translated from English means Triple Crown. Crown, as it is also called, was bred in 1996. Oregon breeders were involved in the creation of a new variety. 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.
Advantages and disadvantages of blackberries
The main advantages include:
- Incredible taste, juiciness of blackberry pulp.
- Large berry size.
- Long-term keeping quality of the collected fruits.
- Possibility of transportation over long distances.
- The blackberry does not grow smaller as the fruit is harvested.
- Prolonged fruiting period.
- Resistant to direct sunlight.
Weaknesses of the variety:
- It is a dessert, so it gives about 10 kg of fruit per season.
- The bush needs protection, as it cannot survive the winter on its own.
- Not suitable for growing in cold climates.
If the Triple Crown Blackberry was planted in the north, there is a threat that the person will not harvest. Because he will not have time to ripen. Spring comes early, and so does winter.
General understanding 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
This refers to 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 bush type. In the first years of life, the shoot reaches a height of 2 m.In the future, the stems grow up to 3 m.The variety grows very quickly. Blackberry leaves have a bright herbal color with denticles along the edges. The lack of thorns allows harvesting without problems.
Fruit
The berries, as a result of the formation of a cluster, resemble a cluster of grapes. Large in size, unlike other varieties of blackberries. Separately, the berries reach 9 g. Ripe fruits are black with shine. 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, they are not baked.
Frost and drought resistance
Resistance to winter cold is something that culture cannot boast of. With the onset of the first frosts, the blackberries are wrapped so that the branches do not freeze, and the predisposition to fruiting for the next season remains. Triple Crown is drought tolerant.
Disease and pest resistance
Blackberries are susceptible to the following diseases:
- powdery mildew;
- gray rot;
- anthracnose;
- brown spot.
Among the pests are weevils, spider mites, aphids and raspberry beetles. Chemicals are used to combat diseases and insect infestations. Tobacco dust and ash are considered effective folk remedies.
The immune system of the Triple Crown protects against most diseases. Waterlogging of the soil, non-observance of the rules of agricultural technology and a low level of nutrients in the soil are the main factors that provoke the development of diseases.
Tasting qualities and application of berries
Ripe blackberries taste sweet. Sourness is felt during use. Juicy berries combine plum and cherry notes.
Reproduction methods
Blackberries take root well in the soil. The variety propagates by root cuttings and tops of the stem. The branches can be apical as well as horizontal.
Landing technology
Proper planting is the key to getting a healthy 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 air permeability will help accelerate the growth of the shrub. The future area where blackberries will grow is cleared of weeds. Superphosphate and compost are added to the soil.
Choosing the best place
Crown loves the sunny side, sheltered from the wind. The blackberry bed should be on a hill. For the best taste of the berry, the branches must have access to sunlight.
Preparation of seedlings
Healthy sprout for planting at the age of 12 months with a developed root system. One plant should have 2 thick stems.
It is important that the roots of the blackberry are covered with buds.
Landing scheme
Procedure order:
- A hole is dug 50 cm deep.
- A seedling is placed in the recess.
- The straightened blackberry roots are covered with soil.
- After compaction of the earth, 3 liters of water are poured in.
- The surface of the land lends itself to mulching with peat or compost.
Once the sprout is planted, it needs to be pruned. 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 of seedlings and mature shrubs
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.
Watering and loosening 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.
Top dressing of bushes
Mineral and nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the spring, after the snow melts. Then they move on to potash and phosphorus fertilizing.At this stage, nitrogen is also introduced, the amount of this substance affects the formation of the green part of the blackberry.
Garter to supports
Trellises are installed next to the bushes, which makes it easier to care for the plant and pick ripe berries. Thanks to this technique, it turns out to harvest more crops. The recommended support height is 2 m, and the branch attached to the wire should be 1.5 m above the soil surface.
Pruning a bush
Plant formation is carried out in the spring. The number of shrub shoots is from 8 to 11. The smaller the stems, the larger the blackberries will be.
Harvesting
The suitable period begins at the end of June and lasts until August. Varies depending on the Crown growth region. During the season, the Triple Crown produces about 10 kg of fruit from one bush.Ripening of berries occurs gradually, so the collection is undulating.
Preparing for winter
Medium-density agrotechnical fabric is best suited for wrapping. For greater effect, it folds in half. The material is replaced by any other.
Gardening 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 a plant and caring for it. Experienced professionals advise adhering to such techniques - planting density and a garter to the trellis. In this case, the vine must have a horizontal direction.
