Castor Bean Gibsonii Ricinus Communis is an evergreen, herbaceous, semi-woody shrub native to Africa. Castor Bean seeds can be started indoors, and this Ricinus Communis variety is a fast-growing, tropical shrub that can grow all year round in frost-free regions, but it is grown as a half-hardy annual in most zones. Castor Bean Gibsonii reaches 5-6 feet just in one season, and its enormous reddish-bronze leaves and dazzling scarlet flowers are eye-catching. The flowering Castor Been attracts bees and butterflies.
Castor Bean Gibsonii is superb as a screen or border plant, and can be grown in large containers. Ricinus Communis seeds have to be covered with soil, and the established Castor Bean plant likes to grow full sun tolerating partial shade and the rich, moist but well-drained soil is required. The exotic look of Castor Bean Gibsonii makes a superb tropical backdrop to any garden, and the plant re-seeds itself if conditions are right.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial/Annual
Height: 72 Inches
Bloom Season: Summer/Fall
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Rich, Moist well-drained, pH 5.8-7.0
USDA Zones: 8-11 (As Perennial) All Regions of North America (As Annual)
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Spring (6-8 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring
Seed Depth: 1/4 Inch
Germination Time: 10-20 Days
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