Castor Oil Plant Zanzibariensis

Castor Oil Plant Zanzibariensis: variety and characteristics

Castor Oil Plant Zanzibariensis (Ricinus communis) is an annual flower of the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Perhaps the variety with the largest leaves, bright green.

A striking, architectural plant for the back of the border.

Please note that the seeds and all parts of the plant of all castor oil plant species are poisonous. Please handle with care and always wash your hands after handling seeds or plants.

The castor oil plant is a tropical ornamental with huge palm-like leaves in green or bronze – for a quick exotic accent. The seeds are highly poisonous.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 85%
• Pack size: 2 g
• Seed origin: Tanzania
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: July – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Castor Oil Plant Zanzibariensis

Castor Oil Plant Zanzibariensis seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower from July to October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Castor Oil Plant Zanzibariensis

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 2–3 cm
• Spacing: 1–1.5 m
• Germination: 10–20 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow indoors. Soak the seeds for 24 hours before sowing. Sow at a depth of 6 mm in moist, well-drained seed compost. Germinates at 20-25°C. Germination takes about 1-4 weeks. Transplant seedlings when they are big enough to handle into 8 cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out once the danger of frost has passed, 30 cm apart. Wear gloves when working with this plant. Likes rich soil or dug-in compost or manure. Requires constantly moist soil.

Soak the seeds for 24 hours. Plant out after the last frosts.

Flowering and uses

Grown for its foliage. Keep the seeds away from children and animals.

Frequently asked questions

When should Castor Oil Plant Zanzibariensis be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 85%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.