Castor Bean Seeds 50 Gram

The castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) is one of the most striking statement plants you can raise from seed. This tender perennial, usually grown as an annual, shoots up fast into a bold architectural form crowned with huge, glossy palmate leaves and clusters of prickly seed capsules. It is prized purely as an ornamental for dramatic borders and tropical-look gardens, not as a food crop. Important: all parts are toxic if eaten and the seeds are extremely toxic, so always wear gloves and protective equipment when handling, and keep it away from children and pets.

Planting

Sow in spring into deep, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. The hard seed coat benefits from nicking or an overnight soak (about 24 hours). Sow roughly 2.5-4 cm deep, spacing plants 0.5-1 m apart. Seeds need a soil temperature around 15-20 C and usually emerge in about 1-3 weeks. In Egypt, sow mainly from late February to April; an August-September sowing also suits the Delta and coastal areas.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly through the growing season. Generous feeding alongside steady moisture drives the largest, most vigorous plants, and a balanced slow-release feed can be added at planting in open ground.

Care

Water freely during active growth; it tolerates some drought once established but performs far better with regular moisture. Stake in exposed sites, as tall stems can be wind-shredded. Watch for red spider mite in hot, dry conditions. Plants reach about 1.5-2.5 m and need a long 140-180 day season to flower and set seed.