Caper

Germination

Sow under glass. Prior to sowing soak seeds for 2-3 days in warm water. Sow into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 18-21°C. Germination is irregular and over a long period of time. 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.

Growing

Prefers any well-drained soil in full sun. Keep under glass with a minimum temperature of 10°C. Do not over water.

Cultivation

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.