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Castor Oil Bean 'New Zealand Purple'
Seed Packet

Castor Oil Bean 'New Zealand Purple'

Ricinus communis
A favorite accent plant when tropical plants and gardens were all the rage. Vick's 1904 Garden and Floral Guide listed Duchess of Edinburg with dark purple stems and leaves. Ours is a similar inky purple, the spiky seed pods just as dark as the leaves. A heat-lover, it does well in humidity, too. Seeds extremely toxic, keep away from children and pets at all times. Self-sows.
SKU #S881
Caution: Poisonous. The purchaser assumes all liability related to the use of this product.
$4.00
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
7
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Tender Annual
Mature Size
6-10' h x 3' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer
Color
Inky purple leaves and seed pods
Features
Deer Resistant
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/2-1"
Sprout Time:
7-15 days
Seed To Bloom:
12-14 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Sow indoors in pots 6-8 weeks before last frost. Keep at 65-75°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow 2 weeks after last frost, when soil has warmed.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Castor beans give us a tropical paradise in a northern climate, for they quickly grow full and bushy from direct sowing after frost. The large, impeccable leaves and amazing towers of colorful bristly seedpods amp up the summer garden. Do not grow in areas where children or pets are present, as seeds are highly poisonous. Caution: wear gloves when handling the seeds or plant, as contact with skin can cause skin irritation or toxic effects. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Final Spacing:
3'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week; do not overwater.
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Mix about 2-4" of compost into soil prior to planting if soil is not rich. Feed monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Diseases & Pests:
May become weedy in frost-free areas. Remove seedpods before they fall.
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