£1.50
Capparis spinosa, a tender, sprawling, shrub to 1m tall, bearing round, grey-green leaves to 4cm across. In summer it produces flowers comprised of four white petals surrounding a tuft of white to pink stamens. The unopened flower buds are pickled or salted and eaten as capers, as are the long-stalked, olive-shaped berries (caperberries) Evergreen plant resistant to dry climates, it likes calcareous soils, the unopened flower bud is what is truly marketed on a large scale of this plant.
Approximately 10 Seeds
In stock
Sowing & Growing
They have very hard seeds so it is convenient to sand them a little and then leave them to soak for almost a week, changing the water daily. It can take several months to germinate, so be patient.
Sow under glass into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 18-21°C. If germination has not occurred in 2-3 months cold stratify. Either move outside for natural cold over winter or move to a fridge, 4°C, during warmer months. Alternating periods of cold/warmth should ensure germination. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on with a min. temp. of 10°C. Pot on as required. Ideally keep under glass or in the greenhouse. Harvest possible in 3 years.
Prefers any well-drained soil in full sun. Keep under glass with a minimum temperature of 10°C. Do not over water.
Harvest should be possible within 3 years from seed sowing. The edible caper is the immature flower bud of this plant. Harvest flower blossoms in the morning immediately before flowering. Wash in salted water then dry and salt down or pickle.
| Packet Size | Approximately 10 Seeds |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | Tender |
| Plant Type | Shrub |
