Capparis spinosa Seeds | Caper
LATIN NAME: Capparis spinosa
COMMON NAME: Caper, Wall Caper
Plant Profile
Capparis spinosa, commonly known as Caper, is a species with a long record in gardens. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers freely through the season. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Capparis spinosa, a representative of the Capparis group with clear practical value. Comparative flavour research has also examined how bud size correlates with flavour intensity, since smaller, younger buds are generally considered to have the most refined, delicate flavour. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Caper earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Understanding traditional bud-size grading system also helps cooks choose the right grade of commercial caper for a given dish, from delicate garnishing to more robust cooking applications. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Capers are the pickled flower buds of this Mediterranean shrub, and the root bark has a long folk record in liver and joint remedies; the buds are rich in the antioxidant quercetin.
Growing from Seed
Caper grows readily from seed. A period of cold, moist stratification helps seed germinate evenly, after which it should be sown into a loose, gritty, extremely well-drained mix reflecting its native rocky habitat. Full sun suits this drought-tolerant Mediterranean species well, and it can even be encouraged to grow in wall crevices or rubble, echoing its famous architectural growing habit in its native range. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray full sun. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Caper, Wall Caper earns its space through character rather than fuss. Given full sun and free drainage, it asks for little routine attention.
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