Troubleshooting
Blackberry 'Triple Crown' problems — and how to fix them
Blackberry 'Triple Crown' (Rubus fruticosus 'Triple Crown') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Grey mould and fruit rots
Berries rot in wet, humid weather. Train canes openly on wires for airflow, pick ripe fruit promptly, and clear any rotten berries.
Crumbly or seedy berries
Often caused by drought at fruiting or, occasionally, virus. Keep the plant well watered as fruit develops and use clean, certified stock.
Overwhelming vigour
Untrained canes ramble several metres and root where tips touch soil. Tie in new canes, prune out fruited ones after harvest, and remove rooted tips you don't want.
Birds and wasps on ripe fruit
Both target sweet ripe berries. Net the row and pick frequently as berries blacken to reduce losses.
Prevent blackberry 'triple crown' problems before they start
Most blackberry 'triple crown' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for blackberry 'triple crown' in general rather than its problems? Read the full blackberry 'triple crown' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Blackberry 'Triple Crown' problems — FAQ
Why is my blackberry 'triple crown' grey mould and fruit rots?
Berries rot in wet, humid weather. Train canes openly on wires for airflow, pick ripe fruit promptly, and clear any rotten berries.
Why is my blackberry 'triple crown' crumbly or seedy berries?
Often caused by drought at fruiting or, occasionally, virus. Keep the plant well watered as fruit develops and use clean, certified stock.
Why is my blackberry 'triple crown' overwhelming vigour?
Untrained canes ramble several metres and root where tips touch soil. Tie in new canes, prune out fruited ones after harvest, and remove rooted tips you don't want.
Why is my blackberry 'triple crown' birds and wasps on ripe fruit?
Both target sweet ripe berries. Net the row and pick frequently as berries blacken to reduce losses.