Capers are used to season your dishes, but also to give a Mediterranean look to your garden or balcony. so How to Propagate Capers?
The caper, known for its tasty buds and widely used in cooking, is a Mediterranean plant that can add color to green spaces, but also give your garden that “beach house” look. Caper cuttings not only speed up the growth process, but also ensure that the new plants retain the characteristics of the mother plant. Here’s how to make them.
How do you multiply caper plants?
Multiplication of caper plants can be done through several methods, including growing in pots, in the garden or between wall crevices, but cuttings are one of the most effective. This method involves taking a portion of a branch from the mother plant and rooting it to give rise to a new plant.
Cuttings should preferably be taken in spring or fall, when climatic conditions are most favorable for rooting. It is important to choose healthy and strong branches, about 10-15 cm long, and remove the lower leaves to reduce evaporation and promote root development.
The method of making caper cuttings in water
To make caper cuttings thrive, you could submerge them in water. The advantages of taking cuttings in water are many: no special gardening knowledge is needed, and you will be able to watch the roots develop. After preparing the cuttings, dip them in a glass of clean water, making sure at least one node is submerged. Change the water to prevent bacterial growth and ensure a clean environment.
After about 15 to 20 days you should already see the first roots emerge. When the roots are developed enough, transfer the cuttings to a pot with well-drained potting soil to continue growth. The key is to choose a branch with multiple nodes: if the node is only one, the timing is longer; you may have to wait as long as 5 to 6 weeks. It may be helpful to add a low-concentrate hydroponic fertilizer to the water.
When to take caper cuttings
The ideal time to take cuttings is during late spring, specifically between May and June. Alternatively, early autumn can also be a propitious time. In fact, the weather conditions are mild enough to favor root development, the level of moisture in the air also tends to be adequate. In addition, in spring, plants are in full growth phase, which increases the likelihood of successful propagation.
Planting cuttings in the ground
Once the caper cuttings have developed sufficient roots to support themselves, it is time to plant them in the ground. Repotting should be done, then, a few weeks after cutting the sprig. To properly plant the cuttings, dig a hole in the ground deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
Place the cutting in the hole and gently fill with soil, compacting slightly to eliminate any air pockets. Water generously to help the soil settle around the roots.
Can capers be sown in walls?
Capers grow excellently (and often spontaneously) between cracks in walls. It could, therefore, also be a great idea to decorate the garden of the beach house or main house. To start, you should find a wall with cracks or crevices large enough to accommodate the seeds. Make sure the wall is exposed to the sun for most of the day.
Insert the seeds into the cracks in the wall, covering them lightly with some fine potting soil to encourage germination. An alternative is to insert the caper seeds into a mature fig tree and cover with soil. Once sprouted, the capers will require little care. Check periodically that the plants receive enough sun and are protected from pests.
