Caper bush: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
When and how should you plant a caper bush?
Plant your caper bush in spring once frost risk has passed and the growing conditions are warm enough. Choose full sun and shelter from cold winds. Before planting in the ground, consider your winters: in a cold or wet region, a container that can be protected is generally a more suitable option.
Drainage matters more than making a very rich planting hole. Avoid a place where water collects after rain. A little sand or gravel in a hole will not make a waterlogged clay site suitable. In a pot, use a freely draining, loam-based mix with suitable horticultural grit and a container with clear drainage holes.
Handle the root ball gently when removing the nursery pot. Young caper plants can react badly to transplanting, so keep the original soil around their roots and avoid pulling the roots apart. Make enough room for the ball, keep its previous planting depth and gently fill the gaps around it. Allow space for the spreading shoots rather than placing the plant directly against a busy path.
Water after planting and let the excess drain away. During establishment, check moisture and water as needed without keeping the roots saturated. A plant raised under cover should become accustomed to outdoor sun gradually. Keep a potted plant movable so you can protect it when cold weather returns.
When does a caper bush flower?
How do you prune a caper bush?
When and how should you harvest capers?
