Full Sun
Medium
Plant out after all danger of frost has past in a well drained fertile spot in full sun or partial shade.
Keep well watered through the growing season
Not frost hardy, sap may cause allergic reaction
All parts of the plant and seed are toxic
Sow in early spring in pots or modules in ordinary potting compost. Cover with perlite and keep at 21C. The seed coat can easily become damaged and such seeds will not germinate The seed germinates quickly in warmth, light is not needed for germination
Pot on when large enough to handle in about three weeks. The stem may require staking, as the plant grows unless in a very sheltered spot or at the back of a well stocked border
Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Castor oil plant is a half hardy plant.These estimates for how long Castor oil plant takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 5 days | Min 5 days | Max 6 days (4)
Average 30 days | Min days | Max days (0)
Average 60 days | Min days | Max days (0)
Castor seeds have been traditionally used to extract oil that has been used as a purgative. This is no longer recommended as the plant is too toxic. All parts of this plant are poisonous
The castor oil plant is also a mole deterrent.
Castorbean, Castor bean plant
Ricinus communis L.
1 :Growing Herbs with Margaret Roberts; First published 1985