Castor
Castor: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Castor bean, Ricinus communis, belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, and brings a strong foliage shape to a garden. Its large palmate leaves are divided into pointed lobes, creating star-like outlines at the ends of long leaf stalks. Depending on the cultivar, the leaves may be green, bronze or purple, with stems that can also have reddish tones. Their size and glossy surface explain much of the plant's ornamental appeal, even when the flowers are less noticeable. Its upright, branching outline contrasts well with plants that have fine leaves.A perennial in sufficiently warm climates, castor bean is usually grown as an annual where winter frost occurs. Rapid growth can give it an imposing presence within a single season. Its final height depends on the cultivar, the climate and the garden conditions: a compact selection and a large tropical form do not develop in the same way. The botanical name identifies…
