FREE: Castor Bean Seeds

The listing, Castor Bean Seeds has ended.

Castor bean is very easy to grow; too easy, some might say. They like full sun and have a tendency to self sow and new seedlings can pop up all summer long. This is one of the fastest growing plants in the world and becomes almost tree-like in 3-4 months. It will need to be staked if grown where the wind can blow it over.
USDA Zones 8 - 11. Castor bean is a big evergreen shrub or small tree in zones 10-11, and is a tender perennial. It usually won't live through the winter, but can be expected to reseed itself in zones 8 and 9, and maybe in zone 7. Plants sometimes sprout back from the roots after freezing in zones 8B and 9. In zones with shorter growing seasons, - 7 (lower than seven) start sowing indoors at 8 (eight) weeks before last expected frost. Castor bean is widely grown as an annual in cooler climates and can tolerate a touch of frost.
Castor bean grows fastest and largest with abundant water, but once it gets established, it can tolerate drought - it just won't grow as fast.
Castor bean seeds germinate quickly, and the plants grow very fast. They can be expected to self sow under favorable conditions. Germination can be hastened if the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours or nicked with a file before planting. Sow in place in zones 8-11. In areas with shorter growing seasons, or to get a head start, sow seeds indoors in individual containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
The plant and seeds are toxic if ingested so take that into consideration when planting to make sure they are not easily accessible to children and pets.
Free shipping in US only