🌿 Caper: Growing Guide

Caper (Capparis spinosa) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −5 to 45 °C (23–113 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.5–8.5. Space plants about 200 cm (79 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).

Quick facts

When to sow, plant and harvest

The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.

• Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Aug.
• Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–Jun.
• Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Apr.
• Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–Jun.

Watering

Water about every 14 days in summer and about every 45 days in winter. Extremely drought tolerant.

Growing tips

Rocks and walls! The flower buds are picked. Santorini and Crete. Edible.

Good companion plants

These plants grow well alongside it:

• Olive
• Wild olive

Frequently asked questions

Caper: when should I sow and plant it?

Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Aug. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–Jun. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Apr.

Caper: how often should I water it?

Water about every 14 days in summer and about every 45 days in winter. Extremely drought tolerant.

Caper: how far apart should I plant it?

Plant about 200 cm (79 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).

Caper: how long does it take to grow?

Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).

Caper: which plants grow well with it?

Olive, Wild olive.

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