Melinda Myers

Castor Bean

Botanical Name

Ricinus communis

Hardiness

Zones 9 to 11, grown as annual elsewhere

Height

5 to 10 feet

Width

2 to 4 feet

Flowers

Mid to late summer: inconspicuous

Light

Full sun

Soil

Moist, well-drained, fertile

Planting & Care

• Wear gloves when handling seeds
• Scarify the seed coat with a file before sowing
• Sow seeds directly outdoors after danger of frost or indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
• Castor bean requires adequate water and fertilizer to perform its best
• Plants may need staking, especially in non-sheltered locations

Problems

SEEDS ARE POISONOUS! Do not plant where children may play.

Varieties

• Carmencita Pink - pink seed heads, 5' tall
• Sanguineus - reddish leaves, 8' tall
• Zanzibariensis - green leaves, 10-15' tall