Capers (Capparis spinosa)

[Georgie]

I knew that asking for a number of lovely gardening books for Christmas would lead to trouble.   ;)  Does anyone grow capers and if so could I beg a cutting come spring?  I'd be happy to pay postage or to swap for other herb seeds or cuttings.

G x

[Georgie]

[Amazin]

Sorry can't help with your search, Georgie. If no-one else has a cutting, there are a few places selling the seeds but only one I spotted selling the plants (v.small - £9.99).

http://www.crosscommonnursery.co.uk/plantshop_ext.asp?plid=752&ptid=37&_page=1&sL=

I toyed with the idea of growing them from seed - can't remember why I didn't go ahead.

[Jeannine]

Caper seeds are on one of my orders I am waiting for XX Jeannine

[Georgie]

Sorry can't help with your search, Georgie. If no-one else has a cutting, there are a few places selling the seeds but only one I spotted selling the plants (v.small - £9.99).

http://www.crosscommonnursery.co.uk/plantshop_ext.asp?plid=752&ptid=37&_page=1&sL=

I toyed with the idea of growing them from seed - can't remember why I didn't go ahead.

That's daylight robbery, Amazin!   :o

I think you probably read that seed gernination is very erratic and by far the best way to propogate these plants is from cuttings (Jekka McVicar).  It'll be interesting to hear how Jeannine gets on with her seeds.

G x

[Jeannine]

Hi I still have an open window on this purchase which is from a US supplier I use regularly on E bay, the window closes in 5 days, While the window is open I can add other seeds to my order with no extra postage. I just had a look and the same seller has 3 more lots of caper seeds, they are $2.99 for 50. I will add them on my order if anyone wants  in. XX Jeannine

[Amazin]

I think you're probably right, G, there are a few articles I've read which say the germination can be iffy, and also I think I read that they take a good long while before they start producing and I want capers NOW!

Still, as the saying goes, where there's no sense, there's me, so...

count me in Jeannine - I'll PM you. BTW, that wouldn't be Dave's Seeds you've ordered from would it? After your (very very naughty) list of 'Trans-Pond' suppliers on another thread, I was up half the night checking them out and have placed an order with him, only small as I'm a first time buyer, but if it goes okay... well, let's just say that's another fine mess you've got me into!

;D

[Jeannine]

No it is seedmart run by hirts seed company, I have just  added another one to my order for you , XX Jeannine

[jennym]

Have no experience with these, but have frequently pickled nasturtium seeds, they are pretty good, and I think you grow nasturtiums in your garden? Worth a try if the capers don't turn out well.

[Georgie]

Hi Jenny.  I've just fallen in love with the flowers and the leaves of this plant - I can't stand eating capers.   ;D

G x

[Amazin]

I have them growing absolutely rampant on the plot, Jenny, and I picked hundreds of huge seeds this year for just that purpose... and then left them hanging up in a bag to dry. I now have enough seed to supply Western Europe, but not a pickle in sight!

;D