Growing Non-GMO Castor Bean Flower Seeds

Castor Bean seeds are recommended solely for outdoor growth because of their large height. Plants grow so vigorously that there is little reason to start seeds indoors. Sow directly after the final frost in a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds. Castor Bean seeds may need staking if plants are grown isolated. Plant 2-3 Ricinus seeds according to the suggestions provided in rich, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Do not plant Castor Bean seeds near areas where children will play or frequent, since the plant is notorious for being poisonous if ingested. Skin contact with the Castor Bean plant may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Be sure to plant Ricinus at the north end of the garden, since plants will grow quite tall and may shade other plants if positioned poorly.

This gorgeous plant can be a woody perennial in frost-free climates, providing beauty year after year, or it can be grown as an annual in more temperate regions. The plant is killed when temperatures get below freezing. Although the castor bean plant is known for its beans (which are not true beans but actually a seed), they take around 150 days or more to reach maturity and are typically not achieved in temperate climates. When growing as a perennial, prune the plant yearly to maintain the desired size.

Castor Bean in the Flower Garden

Castor Beans are brimming with potential. Use these in your flower garden as a backdrop or a border. They are attractive when wild-sown and paired with other red-blooming plants. Scatter them in any bare patch of soil, or intentionally plant them along a property line. They bring an exciting and exotic element to every landscape they are part of and have numerous uses.

Landscaping with Castor Bean

Castor bean plants are perfect for borders and backgrounds. The foliage creates a beautiful backdrop for all the other showy plants. Then, while it’s blooming, it steals the show for a short time! Try companion planting Ricinus with Mexican sunflowers or another more finely textured plant for a compatible duo. Some gardeners even use castor beans as rodent repellent because it is poisonous to moles, varmints, beetles, and other pests.

About Castor Bean Garden Seeds

Do not consume this plant: Ricinus communis, or Castor Bean, is one of the most notorious plants in the world. The Castor Bean plant has an allergic OPALS rating of 10 out of 10 and is verified by the Guinness Book of World Records as being the world's most poisonous houseplant. It is more poisonous than cyanide and rattlesnake venom. Remove the flower spike and just enjoy the foliage if this is a concern. The toxin is not present in the pure seed-oil, which has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

The Castor Bean plant is native to tropical eastern Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean but has become naturalized in many areas of the world such as the southwestern United States.

Once established, Ricinus is very drought tolerant and requires very little maintenance through the summer and from year to year.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Castor Bean plants are a fantastic way to bring an exotic feel to your yard. Even in cooler growing zones, if these get enough sun, they can often bloom before the frosts come!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Castor Bean Seeds Per Package:

• 5 g Packet - Approximately 12 seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 280 seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 1,100 seeds

Non-GMO Castor Bean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.