The spinoffs from the growing of the castor beans for Zimbabwe will create numerous opportunities such as the opening of new industries that will value-add the crop. Castor is one of the most poisonous plants in the world due to ricin contained in the bean, stem and leaves. The large, tropical, palmately-lobed leaves make this naturalized plant unmistakable. Quick Growing and Care Guide. Final Document/Castor Bean Technical Production Manual Commissioned by: Jamaica Business Fund for Jamaica, Feb. 2018/ Prepared by Marcia J. Blair-Thomas 1. WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF SOIL TO GROW CASTOR BEAN? Animals do not find castor bean palatable and, in fact, the plant is poisonous. The oil was also used as an engine lubricant and for burning lamps in earlier days. In most zones, castor bean is an annual; in frost-free climates it can become a small tree. Scientific Name: Ricinus communis Common Name (s): Castor Oil Plant, Castor Bean Growing Zone (USA / UK Hardiness): 9 to 11 (Castor bean can be grown as an annual from zone 3)/ H2 Plant Details. ece.pdf 8. Life Cycle / Plant Type: Suckering Shrub, Perennial but usually grown as an annual as it is not frost tolerant. However, cases of poisoning are … Native to Africa, the castor bean is a dramatic tropical plant featuring leaves as big as dinner plates and attractive seedpods. As such, there are no efforts to develop a biological control program. grow so rapidly that they outcompete other species, dominating the area and driving out desirable natives. The seeds are collected from the … The soil should have very good surface and sub-surface drainage with adequate subsoil permeability for air and water to facilitate root growth. Biological Castor bean is a crop in some locations in the United States. Although four to eight seeds can kill an adult human, there’s a lot to love about this plant. The highest yields of castor are realized on loam to sandy loam soils. Castor Beans are fast growing, tender perennial shrubs that are capable of growing up to 12 feet in a single season. However, it can be cultivated throughout the year in areas where irrigation facility is available. The soil should be flat or with a maximum slope of 12% (~7o). Introduction Castor bean, Ricinus communis, is a perennial or annual crop which is grown throughout tropical … Castor Beans are as beautiful as they are deadly Ricinus communis is a popular plant for British borders and home gardeners over the world. Plant Height: Garden varieties 6 to 10 feet (2 … “Castor beans have a lot of economic benefits and are fairly drought resistant and the crop is produced throughout the year.” Mr Kembo said castor beans can be … Just 4 to 8 beans can kill an adult person, a horse or an ox. Castor Bean plants typically grow one or more, smooth, reddish colored central stalks with very large palmate shaped, In regions where they are grown as an annual plant, they typically grow from 5-8 ft. tall. Castor Oil: Part 1- How to Grow and Harvest Beans From Castor Oil Plant: Castor oil is extracted from the castor bean or castor seeds, which has a wide variety of uses in Ayurvedic medicine and cosmetics. The spacing adopted generally ranges from 90-120 cm between rows … Castor bean is usually planted just before the rainy season in the month of June. It can easily grow 10 feet (more for some varieties) in a single season; the height makes an eye-catching backdrop in the garden and adds intrigue to bland borders. Castor bean plant ( ) growing along the edge of San Elijo Lagoon in coastal San Diego County, California. Ricinus communis T he castor plant is a robust annual that may grow 6 to 15 feet (2-5 meters) in one season with full sunlight, heat and adequate moisture. Ricin is not found in the expressed oil but remains in the press cake. First and foremost is the fact that they are one of the most