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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

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