Gibsonii (Castor Bean), Ricinus Seeds

Gibsonii Castor Bean Seed

Tropical foliage creates bold height in a single season
Dark green leaves contrast with vivid red stems
Pink flowers lead to ornamental scarlet seed capsules
Seeds are highly toxic and require careful handling

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Ricinus communis

Days to maturity

145 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

15 Seeds

About Gibsonii, Castor Bean Seed, Castor Bean Seed

The Gibsonii Ricinus, or also known as the Castor Bean, produces large, dark green leaves with red stems, beautiful pink flowers and red fruit. This variety's attractive foliage looks great in any home garden.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

7–21 days

Germination Type

B - Warm-Water Soak

In-row plant spacing

3-4'

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

Above 96 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

Color

Purple, Red

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Give Castor Bean a full-sun, warm site with fertile, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Incorporate compost and adjust nutrients and pH according to a soil test, avoiding excessive nitrogen. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed; harden transplants and install supports before planting when the crop requires them.

Planting

Start castor bean indoors 4–10 weeks before the last spring frost, or direct sow after frost where the season is long. Keep the medium warm and evenly moist until emergence, then provide strong light and airflow. Harden seedlings gradually before transplanting into warm soil. Space castor beans 3–5 feet apart, using the wider distance for large varieties.

Watering

Once established, castor bean prefers deep, infrequent watering. Let the surface dry between irrigations, supply extra moisture during extended heat, and avoid keeping the crown continuously wet.

Fertilizer

Feed castor bean lightly after establishment with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat only if flowering or growth weakens; rich nitrogen feeding causes soft stems and delayed blooms.

Harvesting

Castor Bean flowers are ready when stems are firm and blooms show mature color without fading. Cut during cool, dry conditions; for seed, leave selected heads until brown and dry.

Tips

All parts of castor bean are poisonous, especially the seeds. Wear gloves when handling plants, keep them away from children and pets, and remove seed clusters before they mature where accidental ingestion is possible.

Pests & Diseases

Castor bean may develop Alternaria leaf spot, Botrytis, bacterial leaf spot, or Fusarium wilt. Remove leaves with expanding concentric lesions and discard plants that wilt persistently despite adequate moisture. Do not save seed from affected plants. Wider spacing and rotation are preferable to repeatedly treating an infected bed.

Castor Bean can attract aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and slugs. Scout flowers and new growth regularly, handpick when practical, and protect beneficial insects with targeted controls.