Grow the Mediterranean’s most sought-after delicacy! This hardy, sun-loving perennial yields prized savory buds for gourmet curing. Once established, these drought-tolerant bushes provide decades of elegant blooms and flavorful harvests. Hardiness zones 9-11.
- 40 seeds minimum
- Start indoors for best results. Seeds require cold stratification for successful germination. Sow stratified seeds 1/4″ deep in a mix of 50% potting soil, 25% perlite, and 25% sand. Store in warm spot (7085F) with moist soil. Germination may take 3 weeks to 3 months.
- See Annies Caper Bush Growing Guide for detailed instructions.
- Mature plants reach 2 to 3 feet in high, spreading 3 to 10 feet wide.
Caper Bush Growing Guide
1. Germination: Overcoming the Challenge
Caper seeds are tough to germinate due to their hard, dormant coats.
- Initial Soak: Submerge seeds in warm water (110115F) for 1224 hours.
- Cold Stratification: Wrap soaked seeds in a damp paper towel, seal in a bag, and refrigerate (40F) for 6570 days.
- Second Soak: After refrigeration, soak seeds again in warm water for 24 hours.
- Scarification (Optional): Lightly sand the seed coat to aid water absorption.
- Sowing: Plant seeds 1/41/2 inch deep in a mix of 50% potting soil, 25% perlite, and 25% sand.
- Care: Keep soil moist and warm (7085F). Germination may take 3 weeks to 3 months.
2. Early Care & Transplanting
- Thinning: Snip weaker seedlings with scissors to avoid disturbing sensitive roots.
- Hardening Off: When seedlings reach 35 inches, move them to 1-gallon pots. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over 23 weeks using the plastic bag method.
- Final Site: Choose a sunny location (68+ hours of sunlight) with excellent drainage, such as rocky walls or raised beds.
3. Soil, Fertilizer & Maintenance
- Soil Chemistry: Use alkaline soil (pH 7.58.5). Amend acidic soil with garden lime or crushed oyster shells.
- Fertilization: Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium/phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 16-16-16) 23 times during spring and summer.
- Pruning: Flowers grow on one-year-old wood. After the plant is 3 years old, prune heavily in late winter to encourage new growth.
4. Companion Plants
Capers thrive with other Mediterranean plants that love heat and dry, rocky soil:
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage.
- Flowers: Lavender, rock rose (Cistus), California poppy.
- Succulents: Aloe vera, sedum (stonecrop).
5. Troubleshooting
- Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or clay soil. Let the top 2 inches of soil dry completely before watering.
- Pests: Cabbage White Butterfly caterpillars may attack leaves; use organic Bt spray or hand-pick them.
- Chlorosis (Yellow Leaves): Indicates acidic soil or iron deficiency. Use chelated iron and check soil pH.
6. Harvesting & Curing
- Capers: Harvest unopened flower buds early in the morning when theyre tight and dark green. Smaller buds are more flavorful.
- Caperberries: Allow flowers to bloom and die to produce caperberries, which can also be pickled.
- Curing: Capers must be cured before eating. Soak rinsed buds in coarse sea salt for 12 weeks or brine them in equal parts water and white wine vinegar for at least 3 days.
Plastic Bag Hardening-Off Technique
The plastic bag method is a hardening-off technique that eases seedlings from indoor conditions to outdoor environments. Acting as a temporary greenhouse, it stabilizes humidity and protects plants from wind and temperature changes.
Summary of the Method
This method focuses on managing transpiration, as indoor plants develop a thin waxy cuticle and lack the ability to quickly close their stomata.
- Preparation: Place the seedling in a clear plastic bag, ensuring it doesnt touch the foliage.
- Support: Use stakes to prevent condensation from causing rot.
- Ventilation: Loosely tie the bag or add air holes for gas exchange.
- Exposure: Start with shaded outdoor placement for a few hours.
- Gradual Removal: Over 57 days, increase exposure and open the bag until its fully removed.
- Caution: Avoid direct sunlight, as the greenhouse effect can overheat and damage plants. Always start in full shade or on cloudy days.
Best That Benefit from This Method
- Nightshades: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants (sensitive to humidity drops).
- Cucurbits: Cucumbers, melons, squash (large leaves lose moisture quickly).
- Tender Herbs: Basil, cilantro, parsley (prone to wind burn).
- Tropicals: Monsteras, hibiscus, calatheas (mimics jungle humidity).
- Legumes: Runner and pole beans (need structural protection).
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