Description

The Castor Bean – Impala (Ricinus communis) is a striking plant with large, bronze-red leaves and scarlet seed heads, creating a tropical look in your garden. This dwarf variety grows 4'–6' tall and is heat- and drought-tolerant, making it a great addition to gardens in warm climates. Blooming from summer to frost, it attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators with its creamy yellow flowers and prickly scarlet husks that contain brown, speckled seeds. While visually stunning, caution is needed, as the plant parts are extremely toxic if ingested, and some may experience contact dermatitis. CAUTION: Plant parts are extremely toxic if ingested, and some people experience contact dermatitis.

This packet has 6 seeds.

Variety Info:

Botanical Name: Ricinus communis
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native: Probably Africa
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 8-11; otherwise treated as an annual
Plant Dimensions: 4'–6' tall
Variety Information: Creamy yellow flowers followed by prickly scarlet husks that contain brown, speckled seeds.
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer to frost
Attributes: Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant

Sowing Info:

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date.
When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date, but because it grows so fast, we recommend sowing outside.
Days to Emerge: 15–21 days
Seed Depth: 1″
Seed Spacing: 2 seeds every 4'
Thinning: When 3″ tall, thin to 1 every 4'