Capparis

The genus of Capers (Capparis) includes 250 species-perennial grasses, semi-shrubs (with a lignified base, from which green shoots are formed annually), shrubby and tree-like plants, but the most famous is the deciduous species of prickly capers (Capparis spinosa). It has a thick crown with a height of 1.5-2 m. The stem is recumbent, the leaves are rounded or oval, heart-shaped, with stipules in the form of spines. Pinkish-white four-petaled flowers with fibrous pink-purple stamens and a very long-columned pistil bloom in summer. In their place, oblong berry-like fruits are formed. A variety of prickly capers (C. spinosa inermis) without thorns. In general, the plant looks quite decorative, but the most important thing when growing is to collect the buds before they open. They are preserved and used in cooking under the name "capers". In addition to flower buds, young fruits and the tops of shoots are used for food.

The genus of Capers (Capparis) includes 250 species-perennial grasses, semi-shrubs (with a lignified base, from which green shoots are formed annually), shrubby and tree-like plants, but the most famous is the deciduous species of prickly capers (Capparis spinosa). It has a thick crown with a height of 1.5-2 m. The stem is recumbent, the leaves are rounded or oval, heart-shaped, with stipules in the form of spines. Pinkish-white four-petaled flowers with fibrous pink-purple stamens and a very long-columned pistil bloom in summer. In their place, oblong berry-like fruits are formed.

A variety of prickly capers (C. spinosa inermis) without thorns. In general, the plant looks quite decorative, but the most important thing when growing is to collect the buds before they open. They are preserved and used in cooking under the name "capers". In addition to flower buds, young fruits and the tops of shoots are used for food.

Cultivation

In the open ground, capers are used to mask walls. In warm climates, in any rocky, rocky, or very dry soil, they are found in the wild. Growing capers presents a certain complexity, starting with the sowing of seeds (slow and low germination). In addition, capers do not easily take root in artificial environments other than natural ones. They are planted on a permanent planting site in spring in any, preferably very well-drained soil.

Location

Illuminated; but at an early stage of development, until the branches at the base are lignified, shaded, not in the open sun.

Temperature

Although capers are plants that come from areas with mild winters (the recommended minimum winter temperature is 9-12 °C), they can also take root at lower temperatures, if the site is oriented to the south, protected from cold winds and not waterlogged.

Watering

Usually watering is not required, because capers feel great where other plants can not survive due to low soil moisture.

Care

Remove individual damaged branches and leaves.

Reproduction

Propagate by seeds, which are sown in spring in boxes with loose soil, which is a mixture of 2/3 sandy earth and 1/3 sand, and if possible, mix it with construction debris. The temperature is maintained at 18-20 °C. As soon as the seedlings grow up, they are transplanted into 8-10-centimeter pots filled with the same soil, and in the spring, they are planted in the ground. In areas with mild winters, they can be sown immediately in the open ground. Less often, capers are propagated by lignified cuttings, taken in the summer and placed in boxes with peat and sand (1:1). Immediately after the formation of roots, cuttings are transplanted into pots and only in the spring they are finally planted.

Propagate by seeds, which are sown in spring in boxes with loose soil, which is a mixture of 2/3 sandy earth and 1/3 sand, and if possible, mix it with construction debris. The temperature is maintained at 18-20 °C. As soon as the seedlings grow up, they are transplanted into 8-10-centimeter pots filled with the same soil, and in the spring, they are planted in the ground. In areas with mild winters, they can be sown immediately in the open ground. Less often, capers are propagated by lignified cuttings, taken in the summer and placed in boxes with peat and sand (1:1). Immediately after the formation of roots, cuttings are transplanted into pots and only in the spring they are finally planted.

Diseases

If the capers are not suitable for soil or too much watering, they can turn yellow due to rotting roots, which leads to plant death.

Acquisition

Capers are not easy to find. It is recommended to buy seedlings in cups, because the seeds germinate slowly and do not give reliable results (poor germination; plants differ from the mother).

Capers: Mediterranean flavor Prickly caper buds that are eaten are usually marinated or salted. They began to be cultivated a thousand years ago in the Mediterranean countries. The characteristic taste of capers is associated with capric acid, which is formed in large quantities if they are marinated. Capers bloom in the middle of summer, and buds that are still harvested by hand today must be plucked closed, or at least half-opened.

Capers: Mediterranean flavor

Prickly caper buds that are eaten are usually marinated or salted. They began to be cultivated a thousand years ago in the Mediterranean countries. The characteristic taste of capers is associated with capric acid, which is formed in large quantities if they are marinated. Capers bloom in the middle of summer, and buds that are still harvested by hand today must be plucked closed, or at least half-opened.