Description
Black Castor Bean Seeds grow Ricinus communis, a bold ornamental foliage plant valued for large, dark purple-black palmate leaves and burgundy stems. Use it as a dramatic warm-season accent in tropical-style borders, large containers, and garden backdrops where height, texture, and dark leaf color matter.
Why Grow It
- Large dark purple-black palmate leaves create a strong focal point in sunny gardens.
- Fast warm-season growth works well for tropical borders, privacy screens, and oversized containers.
- Best treated as an ornamental foliage plant, not an edible crop.
Growing Information
| Botanical name | Ricinus communis |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Tender perennial shrub grown as a fast annual ornamental in cold climates |
| Mature height | 5-10 ft. in warm-season gardens; taller in frost-free climates |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom or harvest window | Grown primarily for foliage; small flowers and seed capsules may appear summer to fall |
| Seed count | 5 seeds |
| Sowing advice | Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow only after soil is warm. Sow about 1/2-1 in. deep, keep warm and evenly moist, and transplant carefully once danger of frost has passed. Seeds are poisonous; handle with care and keep away from children and pets. |
| Spacing | 36-60 in. apart; allow extra room in warm climates and large containers |
| Germination | Usually 7-21 days at 70-85 F; hard seed may germinate irregularly |
Best For
- bold ornamental foliage
- tropical annual borders
- dramatic garden backdrops
- large patio containers
- seasonal privacy screens
Packet Details
Includes 5 seeds. Store seeds cool, dry, and dark until sowing. Use the growing table above as a planning reference for your local season.
Important Safety
Safety note: Ricinus communis is an ornamental plant. Seeds and plant parts are toxic if ingested. Keep away from children, pets, and livestock, and wash hands after handling seed.
FAQ
Is Black Castor Bean edible?
No. Ricinus communis is for ornamental use only. The seeds and plant parts are toxic if ingested, so keep seed packets, sown seed, and plants away from children, pets, and livestock.
How should I start the seeds?
Start indoors in warm conditions 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow only after the soil has warmed. Keep the medium evenly moist and transplant carefully because young plants grow quickly.
Where does this plant look best?
Use it where bold dark foliage can stand behind lower flowers or foliage, such as a sunny border, large container, tropical-style bed, or seasonal privacy planting.
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