Caper

Caper Bush, Capparis spinosa, Seeds Showy Fragrant Flowers, Edible Flowers/Leaves, Heat, Salt and Drought Tolerant, Container Plant, Rock Wall or Rock Garden Caper Bush is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing in the driest, hottest sites, often with little soil and water. It is a low sprawling shrub that grows to 2 feet with many-branches, alternate semi-succulent dark green leaves, round to ovate in shape. From May through early fall the plant produces small pinkish flower buds, which are harvested and used commercially as capers. If left unpicked these flower buds form sweetly fragrant, pinkish-white flowers which open in the morning and close in the afternoon. The flowers are have four sepals and four white to pinkish-white petals, many long violet-colored stamens and a single stigma usually rising well above the stamens. As an ornamental plant, Caper bushes can be an attractive groundcover, specimen or container plant. In order to successfully grow them in a garden setting, soil needs to be amended significantly, preferably with small rocks and sand. In a container it requires plenty of perlite. The plants prefer to be grown lean, with very little fertilizer or water. Overwatering is a sure way to kill them quickly. Growing them on rock walls or at the top of amended mounds will help keep them happy and healthy. Flowers are born on first-year branches, so lightly pruning will give a healthier and bushier plant. Capers of commerce are immature flower buds which have been pickled in vinegar or preserved in granular salt. Semi-mature fruits (caperberries) and young shoots with small leaves may also be pickled for use as a condiment. Capers have a sharp piquant flavor and add pungency, a peculiar aroma and saltiness to foods, such as pasta sauces, pizza, fish, meats and salads. The flavor of caper may be described as being similar to that of mustard and black pepper. To make capers, harvest flower blossoms in the morning immediately before flowering, wash in salted water repeatedly until any sand or grit is removed, then dry and salt down or pickle in vinegar. Zone: 8 to 11 (to 18 degrees F) Growth Rate: Medium Plant Type: Semi-Evergreen Shrub Family: Capparaceae Native Range: Mediterranean Height: 6 inches to 2 feet Bloom Time: Spring thru Early Fall Bloom Color: Pink Sun: Full Sun Drought Tolerance: High Water: Low Maintenance: Low Sowing Capparis spinosa Seeds: For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided. Scarify: Soak in water for 24 hours Stratify: Cold 60-90 days, 40 Degrees F in a Moist Medium (Not Wet). Germination: Sow 1/4” Deep, Keep Moist, (Not wet).For more information about seed pretreatment and growing trees and shrubs from seed, please download this .pdf:https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2007/08/fcpg018.pdf Germination: Seeds Packets are labeled with seed name and sowing details. Seeds have not been pretreated unless specified in the listing. Seed is not a specific Cultivar (Variety) unless specified in the listing. Due to the many factors involved in successful germination, Seller cannot be responsible for buyers growing methods or mistakes. I have provided what I believe to be a good overview on this page (which you are free to print for further reference), however, it is still recommended to check specialist literature for more details and practices specific to your climate and soil conditions to avoid mistakes in the germination and growing process. 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