Caper Bush (Capparis spinosa) - 10 Fresh Seeds

Unearth the Culinary Secret: Grow Your Own Capers!
 
Embark on a rewarding journey to cultivate the legendary Caper Bush, Capparis spinosa, also affectionately known as the Flinders Rose. This remarkable perennial, with its captivating beauty and delectable offerings, is a must-have for any adventurous gardener or culinary enthusiast.
Imagine the satisfaction of harvesting your own capers – those intensely flavorful, pickled flower buds that elevate dishes from Mediterranean classics to everyday salads. Beyond the buds, this versatile plant also yields edible caper berries, another pickled delight.
 
 
A Plant of Striking Beauty:
The Caper Bush is a winter-deciduous shrub boasting a charming, many-branched form. Its alternate leaves are a vibrant green, thick, and wonderfully shiny, ranging from rounded to ovate in shape. But the true spectacle lies in its blossoms. Experience the joy of watching large, complete flowers unfurl, revealing four pristine sepals and four delicate white to pinkish-white petals. From their heart emerge a profusion of long, violet-colored stamens, gracefully topped by a single stigma, creating a truly showy and sweetly fragrant display.
 
 
Growing Instructions for Your Caper Bush Seeds:
Caper bushes are resilient plants, but they do require specific conditions to thrive. Patience is key, as germination can be slow and irregular.
 
 
1. Stratification (Essential for Germination):
Caper seeds have a hard seed coat and often benefit from stratification to break dormancy.
Method 1 (Cold Stratification): Place seeds in a moist medium (like sand or peat moss) in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks.

Method 2 (Warm then Cold): Some growers report success with 2 weeks of warm stratification (e.g., at room temperature in moist sand) followed by 4-6 weeks of cold stratification.

Method 3 (Scarification + Warm Soak): Gently nick the seed coat with a sharp knife or sandpaper (scarification) and then soak seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours, changing the water regularly.

2. Sowing the Seeds:
Timing: After stratification, sow seeds in spring once all danger of frost has passed, or indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date.

Potting Mix: Use a well-draining, sandy potting mix. A mix designed for cacti or succulents often works well.

Depth: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) deep.

Spacing: If sowing multiple seeds in a tray, space them about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) apart.

3. Germination and Early Care:
Temperature: Maintain a consistent soil temperature of 70-80°F (21-27°C) for optimal germination.
Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle for gentle watering.

Light: Provide bright, indirect light. A grow light can be beneficial for indoor seedlings.
Patience: Germination can be erratic and take anywhere from 3 weeks to several months. Don't give up!

4. Transplanting:
When: Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle.
Containers: Transplant into individual pots, gradually increasing pot size as the plant grows. Caper bushes develop a deep taproot, so a tall pot is beneficial.

Hardening Off: If growing indoors, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week or two before planting them in their final outdoor location.

5. Outdoor Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Caper bushes thrive in full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day).

Soil: Well-draining, sandy, and alkaline soil is ideal. They tolerate poor, rocky soils. Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay.

Climate: Best suited for hot, dry climates. They are hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder climates, they can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter.

Watering: Once established, caper bushes are drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing: Generally, caper bushes don't require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can be beneficial.

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

6. Harvesting:
Caper Buds: Harvest the unopened flower buds when they are pea-sized to olive-sized. This typically occurs in late spring to summer. Pick regularly to encourage more production.

Caper Berries: If you allow the buds to open and pollinate, the plant will produce fruit (caper berries). Harvest these when they are firm and green.

Preparation: Both caper buds and berries are traditionally brined or pickled before consumption.
Embrace the journey of growing your own Caper Bush and savor the unique flavors it brings to your table!