A monster-sized castor bean. This variety is from Zanzibar, reaching over 12-15 feet in one season with green leaves that grow to over 2 feet across and purple-tinted stems.
15 seeds
PLANTING
Ricinus communis
Annual
Germination:7-14 days, soaking seeds for 12-24 hours aids in the germination.
Seed Planting Depth:1″ deep
Starting Indoors:Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.Provide70-80Fsoil temperature. Using peat, cow, or paper pots can help with the stress of transplanting, they grow delicate roots and successful transplanting canbe challenging. Transplant into the garden after the last frost. Water seedlings regularly until established.
Outside Sowing:Only in zones 8-10
Growth Habit:Upright and branching
Height and Width:10-15 feet
Spacing: 24-48″apart
Light Needs:Full sun
Soil Needs: Loose, rich, well-drained. The richerthe soil the larger the plants will grow
Approximate days to flower from seed:90-100 days
Uses:Adds a tropical look to gardens, impressive quick growth for filling in garden spaces.
Care:Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before transplanting. Seeds arepoisonous and cutting the flowers stalks before or after they bloom can keep the plants from self-seeding, especially in areas above zone 8.
