Core Castorbean facts
Name – Ricinus communis
Family – Euphorbiaceae
Type – annual shrub
Height – 6 to 13 feet (2 to 4 meters)
Exposure – full sun
Climate – warm
Soil – rich enough
Foliage – deciduous
Fruit formation – summer
In spring in soil preferably amended with soil mix, and if possible, organic soil conditioner like manure or seaweed.
If you sow castorbean seeds, try to sow in a nursery during the month of March and transplant it directly to the ground in May after any risk of low temperatures has gone away.
It doesn’t need any pruning because this shrub only lives for a year.
A surprising plant with its thorny flowers, castorbean is special in that it needs to be sown and grown as an annual.
Quite easy to care for, its quick growth belies its vulnerability to low temperatures.
Shelter it from wind and place it in a very sunny spot.
It is a good idea to soak the castorbean seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing them.
