Castor Bean

Frost Tolerance: Perennial shrub in zone 9 and warmer

Heat Tolerance: Some afternoon shade is better in the low deserts

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Asia and Africa

Growth Habits: Tender evergreen perennial usually grown as a half-hardy annual, grows up to 6-12 feet tall (1.8-3.6 m), 6 feet wide in a season (1.8 m), as a tree, up to 25 feet tall (7.5 m); palmate leaves, up to 18 inches long and wide (45 cm)

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds

Seeds can be deadly if ingested, the foliage can generate serious allergies.
The castor bean tree is used to generate rapidly a tropical effect.

Blooming Habits:
Male and female flowers are separate, both unimpressive. The female flowers are followed by a spiny red capsule, 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter (12-25 cm), containing 3 attractively colored mottled seeds.

Culture:
Soak the seeds in warm water overnight. Start the seeds indoor, 0.75 inch deep (2 cm), at 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). Plant 6-8 week old seedlings 3 feet apart. Seeds can also be sown in place. Depending on the location, the castor bean might self seed.