Ricinus

This annual is from tropical Africa and is grown for its decorative foliage. These plants have upright growth, 5 to 15 feet. Their leaves are palmate (palm-shaped) and grow up to 3 feet across. Contact may cause severe skin allergy. R. communis, the Castor-Oil Plant, has several varieties. Gibsonii's leaves are bronze-green, sanguineus has reddish foliage and cambodgensis has purple leaves. The insignificant flowers have many stamens and no petals; they grow up to an inch across. They are orange-scarlet. In mild climates these plants grow as perennials up to 40 feet high.

Pot Cultivation

This plant should be set in deep, rich soil in a place that is sheltered from winds. The soil should be well drained and moist. They need sun half the day or more.

Propagation

Seeds can be sown outside where they are to grow when the soil is warm and there is no danger of frost. Before planting the seeds they should be soaked in warm water overnight. When they are started indoors, plant them in pots filled with two-thirds loam and one-third leaf mold. Place them in a propagating case. The temperature of the greenhouse shouldn't be less than 60 degrees. When the seedlings peek through the soil, the propagating case needs some ventilation. It should be increased throughout a week and at the end they are set out on the benches. When they are well rooted in the small pots, they are transplanted to 5- or 6-inch pots filled with two-thirds loam and one-third leaf mold and decayed manure. When danger from frost has passed, place them in a cold frame to harden them off and eventually plant them outside. Be careful, the seeds of this plant are very poisonous.