Capers

Species: Capparis

Family: Capparidaceae

Intro/Brief Description

The absolute origin of capers is uncertain. Some believe it originated in Asia while others believe it is from the Mediterranean. Either way, capers surely originated in a warm, dry, sunny location, probably beside the sea or ocean. The oldest reference to capers dates back to 2700 BC, to a Sumerian clay tablet. Ancient Greeks used capers for medicinal and culinary purposes. Capparidaceae is related to the cabbage family.

Examples

Spineless Capers Capparis spinosa is hardy to USDA zone 9. It originated in Egypt. This species grows up to 5’ tall. It is the caper most often used commercially.

Jamaica Caper (Capparis cynophallophora) has a seed pod that resembles a bean. Jamaican capers are not eaten because of their poor flavor.

C.apparis umbonata is a tree that grows to 21’ tall. Leaves are alternate, leathery and very drooping, tapering toward the base. The leaves have a prominent mid rib.

Special Features

Both the foliage and the flowers of the caper plant are visually appealing. They’re sometimes used at the back of ornamental plantings. Their deep roots make them good candidates for erosion control, especially on hillsides.

Hardiness

Capers should be grown in dry heat with intense sunlight. They dislike cold weather and are hardy only to USDA zone 8.

Growth Habit

The caper plant’s crown grows to approximately 2’ tall then spreads out on canes that are 7 to 10 feet tall. Canes are grown on a frame called a parka. If not harvested at bud stage as capers, the flowers are bisexual and live only 24 to 36 hours. Plants produce several hundred blossoms each season. Fruit is 2” to 3” long and 1/2” wide. It is purple when mature and contains 200 to 300 seeds.

Bloom Time

Capers are the immature bloom of the plant. They are harvested and usually pickled, though sometimes heavily salted. They normally are not allowed to go to bloom unless the grower wants to harvest the seed. Semi-mature blooms are called caper berries. These are also harvested. The white to cream colored flowers are fragile and short lived.

Propagation

Plants are grown from seed and by vegetative cuttings. Seedlings are finicky and success rate can often be below 50%. Seedlings should be potted up to gallon containers until a strong root system forms. Place the gallon containers in partial shade when possible.

From Seed

Capers are somewhat difficult to start from seed. The seeds are tiny. A small percentage of fresh seeds germinate quickly while the rest do not germinate at all. Dried seeds become dormant. If you have only dormant seed you should soak them in warm water for 24 hours. Start out with water that is 105°. You can let the water cool to room temperature. To avoid dormancy, keep seeds in a moist towel inside a closed jar, and keep the jar in the refrigerator. Remove seeds from the refrigerator, soak in warm water overnight and plant in loose potting soil. Cover with 1/4” of soil.

Germination OR Cuttings

Take cuttings from established plants between February and April. Use the basal (located at the base of the stem) portion of the plant. Choose a stem that is 1/3” in diameter and at least 9” long. The stem should have 6 to 10 buds. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and place in loose, well-drained potting soil. Bottom heat encourages improvement in root formation. You can expect 70% of the stems to root using this method.

Transplanting

Transplant into well drained but very moist soil in early spring. Leave as much soil on the roots as possible to keep them from drying during the transplanting process. If you’re transplanting during a dry spring you need to water the transplants deeply and often. Space plants 8‘ to 10‘ apart in rows that are 8‘ to 10‘ apart.

Soil

Capers should be grown in nutrient poor, gravelly soil. They naturally grow in rock crevices. Their deep roots will find the nutrition they need.

Irrigation

Plants should be watered two or three times a year for the first two years. Three year old plants will need irrigation in unusually dry summers or under extreme sun. The extensive root system will find moisture deep in the soil. Fertilize in spring followed by deep irrigation.

Sunlight

Intense, hot sun is preferred for capers.

Care

Prune plants that are 3 or more years old in winter to remove dead branches and water sprouts. Prune heavily to increase production because buds form on one year old growth. Properly pruned canes are cut back no closer than 3” from the plant’s crown. Do not prune younger plants.