SPINELESS CAPER
Product Description:
Capers are halophytes, meaning they are salt tolerant and thrive in saline air and soil conditions by the sea. Capers do not, however, require salt to grow and will do just fine in non-coastal environments. Once plants reach one year, they will begin producing small, quarter inch flower buds which can be harvested before opening. If the flower is left to develop, the buds will grow to large, fragrant white flowers with very long purple stamens, then ripen to a larger berry which can also be picked for eating. The self-fertile plants reach full production at 2- 3 years and once established will thrive indefinitely producing year after year. Hardy to zone 9 (minimally zone 8 with protection).
Ships FREE! Plants ship in 3 ½” pots and are about 6” staked at time of shipment. Available for a limited time and will ship in March. Order early for best availability. Available only within the contiguous US. Other items in cart may incur shipping cost.
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Key Features:
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Key Features:
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Initial Instructions
Upon opening, remove packaging and give your caper some light filtered water from the bottom up if it is dry. Place in a sunny window to acclimate for a few days. Up-pot into a two-gallon size pot for the season and keep well-tended. Plant the caper in its permanent location in the fall or the next spring.
Cultivation
Spineless capers are drought tolerant, sun loving, tender perennials. They are suitable for container gardening or directly in an arid, rocky, alkaline or saline landscape. Their mounding and creeping habit make them a great option for draping over a rock wall. Capparis also make for an excellent bonsai! Be sure not to overwater. Apply a light, organic nitrogen fertilizer to encourage growth through the active season. Capers require little care aside from protection from cold temperatures.
Size at Maturity
Bushes sprawl freely and can extend up to 3 feet.
Exposure
Hot, dry conditions are best. Low water and high sun.
Soil Type
Well drained, alkaline soil that dries thoroughly. If growing in a container, use a soil mix amended with sand and rock.
Hardiness
Hardy to zone 9 (minimally zone 8 with protection). Withstands temperatures down to 15° F.
Pollination
Self-fertile.
Ripening
Flowers then fruits May through October.
Harvest
The immature flower buds and fully ripened berries need to be preserved before they are eaten. They may be pickled in vinegar or a water and salt solution creating a brine. In their fresh form they are very astringent and inedible.
Pests & Diseases
Generally not bothered by pests or disease.