Castor Bean Tropical Mix, - CARIBBEAN products, annual foliage !

Castor Bean Castor Bean Tropical mix, Zanzi Palm, 'Gibsoni impala and more... Ricinus communis Plant a castor bean and then stand back.

This is one of the fastest-growing, giant annuals in the garden, rivaled only perhaps by giant sunflower. By midsummer, you'll have a huge (it can hit up to 20 feet) tropical plant sporting burgundy foliage. It's a great plant to grow with kids. Be careful, though. The seeds are extremely toxic. Wait to plant it outdoors after all danger of frost has passed; castor bean hates cool weather and won't grow well until temperatures heat up in summer.

Castor Bean seeds can be started indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost date or directly outdoors after frost season has passed. It is recommended to soak the Ricinus seeds for 24 hours in water to help break the seed coat. Cover the Castor Bean seed with 1/4 inch of soil and keep moist. Grow the Castor Bean plant in full sun and in soil that is rich and has been amended with organic matter. Care of the Zanzibar Castor Bean plant would include staking the plant if needed and fertilizing every month (or adding a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting). In the fall after the first frost, remove the plant and discard.

NOTE: All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are poisonous. Eating the seeds may be fatal. This plant is not recommended if you have small children. Again if you have children that naturally put things into their mouths, you probably should avoid this Castor Bean plant. If you do decide to grow it, educate your children about the dangers of this plant. Season: Annual USDA Zones: 3 - 11 Height: 96 inches Bloom Season: Mid summer to mid fall Bloom Color: Green Environment: Full sun Soil Type: Well ammended soil, pH 5.8 - 7.0

Planting Directions Temperature: 65 - 70F Average Germ Time: 7 - 14 days Light Required: Yes Depth: 1/4 inch Sowing Rate: 1 - 2 seeds per plant Moisture: Keep soil slightly moist but not wet, avoid soil drying out Plant Spacing: 72 inches