CAPPARIS spinosa

Caper Bush

SKU: ES 66
Stock: Out Of Stock

Family: Capparaceae
Characteristics: Deciduous shrub 1 m spread 1 m

Seed per packet: Approx. 25
Seed per gram: Approx. 145

Size:
$6.00 AUD Excl. GST

Best known for the edible flower buds (capers), used as a seasoning or garnish, and the fruit (caper berries), both of which are usually consumed salted or, alternatively, pickled. 

Arching red stems and dark green, semi-succulent plants with a profusion of flower buds, which are the edible capers.
Left unpicked these buds form delicately scented pinkish-white flowers, adorned with long lavender stamens that open at dawn and close late in the afternoon.

Native to the Mediterranean with a natural distribution from coastal regions of the entire Mediterranean Sea basin west to the Canary Islands and Morocco.

Prefers well-drained soil in an open sunny position, drought, and frost tender.

Grow notes:

Cold stratification is recommended for this species. This can be replicated by cold stratification in the refrigerator or alternatively over-wintering in the garden in cold climates will assist in germination.

Cold treatment is not critical for germination to occur but should give increased germination rates.

Seeds are best sown in spring. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

  1. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed raising mix. The seed will lodge in the pores of the mix once watered.
  2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed if required to hold the seed in place. Do not bury the seed deeply.
  3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
  4. Ensure the mix is moist but not waterlogged.
  5. Place the container in a plastic bag.
  6. Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.
  7. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
  8. Keep warm & moist, and avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
  9. Germination generally occurs in 14-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures after the period of cold treatment.

General note: Seeds of many plants are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.

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