Caper Bush

Capparaceae · Capparis spinosa

Native to: Mediterranean

Also known as: Flinders Rose

Cost per seed: $0.06

Characteristics

Half hardy Perennial

Revelling in scorching, dry heat, this Mediterranean gourmet delight will start to produce the flower buds (which can be pickled or dry salted) in its second year. Produces up to 8kg of buds when mature. One year old plants.

Sprawling bush
Height: 100 cm Width: 100 cm

The basics

Position: Full sun
Soil: Dry, well-drained, sandy
Water: Drought Tolerant after 2 years

Position

Sowing Seeds

Sow in Spring
Technique: Raise seedlings
Seeds require cold moist stratification to germinate. Soak seeds in a jar for 24 hours in warm water (no need to keep the water warm once it cools to room temperature). Wrap seeds in a damp towel and seal in a plastic bag or jar and refrigerate for 65–70 Days. Remove from the refrigerator and soak seeds again in warm water for another 24 hours. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in a mixture of potting soil, perlite, and sand (50/25/25) - Use 10–15cm pots and install 4–5 seeds per pot. Make sure soil stays moist & keep in a warm (21°c-30°c) place in part or full sun. *Note: Caper Seeds are notoriously challenging to germinate from seed and can take up to 3 - 4 weeks to germinate, and typically in low percentages. When seedlings reach 7–12cm in height, transplant to a 4L container filled with the same planting mix and ratio used for the seeds. Make sure not to disturb their root systems. Water and cover each container with a plastic bag & place the container in a shady spot. After 1 week, cut the top of the bag to allow the plant to acclimate to its environment. Increase the size of the opening after another 10 days. After another week, remove the plastic bag and place the plants in a shaded area. If transplanting to the ground, plant in early Spring after the danger of frost has passed. If planting in a larger container, transplant when your plant reaches 5 - 10 inches tall.

Depth: 2 mm Width: 150 cm

Germination

14 to 28 days at 20 to 25°C
Maturity 1095 to 1465 days

Care

Caper plants are deciduous or semi-deciduous.

For the first two years caper bushes may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon.

Caper bush plants are drought tolerant once established and grow best in soil that is dry and very well drained. Let the soil dry out between watering, and only water when the soil is dry about 10cm below the surface, even in summer. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases.

Caper plants are slow growing. They will take 3 to 4 years to produce buds and flowers.

Pruning

When to prune: Winter

Prune branches hard in winter to encourage dense new growth; buds and fruit are produced on the new season's growth.

Common Problems: Cabbage moths, Slugs and snails

Journal

26	2

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