Cultivation of Caper (Capparis ovata Desf. var. palaestina Zoh) shrubs is limited because of poor seed germination. Dormancy and seed germination requirements of caper were investigated by subjecting the seeds to 5.78 mM GA₃, 5.78 mM GA₃ + scarification, 19.78 mM KNO₃, 19.78 mM KNO₃ + scarification and cold treatment + scarification, at 15°C, 20^oC and a variable temperature of 20-30^oC, either in 12 h photoperiod, at continuous light for 24 h (42 μmol m^-2 s^-1) or in continuous dark. In general, 5.78 mM GA₃ + scarification had a positive effect on seed germination under all light conditions examined at a changing temperature of 20-30^oC. However, the highest seed germination was recorded from scarified 5.78 mM GA₃ treated seeds treated at an alternatively changing temperature under a photoperiod of 12 h light and 12 h dark. The results showed that the seeds were characterized by a combined (physical, light, thermal and physiological) type of dormancy, with the seed coat involved in the maintenance of physical dormancy.