Does anybody know if we can grow this?

[ancee]

My hubs (George) is of Cypriot descent. A few years ago I witnessed him hanging his Mother over the side of a mountain by the arm whilst holding onto the roof of the car, while she picked a plant which grows on the mountainside! (He loves his Mum by the way and is not usually cruel!) The plant she was picking she called Cappari. It turned out to be capers she was pulling off. She didn't only just get the buds but long stalks, which she then pickled and everyone sat around happily eating the leaves, buds, stalks and even the thorns which had all softened.
So I've found out it's real name is Capparis Spinosa or the Flinders Rose, but can't seem to find out if we can grow it in this country. Does anybody know?
I thought it'd be lovely for her not to have to dangle dangerously if she wants anymore, she's now in a wheelchair so that's not really cut out for the sides of a mountain!

[veggiechicken]

Seeds are available but they seem to need some protection over winter. Give it a go!!
Caper Seeds £2.70 from Chiltern Seeds - Chiltern Seeds Secure Online Seed Catalogue and Shop

[solway cropper]

You might struggle to grow it here as it's a Mediterranean plant and likes long dry summers....something that's been in short supply for many years. It's not just the temperature it needs but the amount of sunlight and long growing season are also factors for successful cultivation. If you have a greenhouse it might be worth a go. There might even be varieties which have been bred to survive our summers!

[rustylady]

Apparently we can - link here from Alan Titchmarsh Top tips from Alan Titchmarsh on growing your own capers

[ancee]

Thanks Guys! Big Cheesy Grin No greenhouse as yet Solway, but am planning on a poly tunnel. Thanks for the link vc. Yay no more hanging the Mother-in-Law over sides of mountains! - I do actually love her to bits you know, and cannot look at her precarious danglings!

[VirginVegGrower]

My hubs (George) is of Cypriot descent. A few years ago I witnessed him hanging his Mother over the side of a mountain by the arm whilst holding onto the roof of the car, while she picked a plant which grows on the mountainside! (He loves his Mum by the way and is not usually cruel!) The plant she was picking she called Cappari. It turned out to be capers she was pulling off. She didn't only just get the buds but long stalks, which she then pickled and everyone sat around happily eating the leaves, buds, stalks and even the thorns which had all softened.
So I've found out it's real name is Capparis Spinosa or the Flinders Rose, but can't seem to find out if we can grow it in this country. Does anybody know?
I thought it'd be lovely for her not to have to dangle dangerously if she wants anymore, she's now in a wheelchair so that's not really cut out for the sides of a mountain!

I love them and we eat capers by the tonne weight each year. Good luck growing though. I've tried all ways. In the house, in the greenhouse, in 50/50 soil/grit and nothing works in the UK. Imagine my disgust when I saw them with big fat fruits on at Jekka's Herb Farm...grrrr! She had hers in a polytunnel which I assume is unheated. Try asking her.

[VirginVegGrower]

BTW I have seeds - don't buy. Send me address by PM and if you get them to grow I will have a plant back

[ancee]

Oh THANKYOU VVG! Will send you a pm, once I figure out how to! I've just received my seeds from James Wong (Suttons) and have a few interesting varieties. Do you want some in return? I have cucamelons, callalloo, musk melons, tomatillos, chinese chives, inca berries, wintergreen and electric daisies. If there are any there that take your fancy let meknow And of course, if I manage to get the blighters to growI'll send you one!

[VirginVegGrower]

OK I will have a look and get them off to you tomorrow. I have a VC envelope to send too.

[veggiechicken]

Ancee, if your VVG seeds turn into chilli peppers they should have been mine

[VirginVegGrower]

Ha ha missus - don't be cheeky!

[ancee]

OK! So if yours turn into capers we'll both have a plant! Do you want one if I'm successful? Am slyly looking at all the windowsills in the house, deciding (when the time is right) which one to house them on. Farewell ornaments and daft things you stick on windowsills as you can't think where to put them...

[veggiechicken]

Yes please Ancee - we'll do a swap
Clear your sills now, seed sowing time is upon us

[VirginVegGrower]

Seeds in post to both of you today, so stand by your beds.

[veggiechicken]

Wonder which ones we'll have Ancee