Castor oil belongs to the family of euphorbiaceae. The plant has been known since ancient times, its seeds are found even in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. The mention of castor oil is found in ancient literary sources. Castor oil comes from Africa, and has now spread across all continents where it is grown as an ornamental plant. Planting castor oil plants in different climatic conditions and a long cultivation period led to a significant change in the appearance of the plant. Despite all the variety of forms, varieties and varieties, castor oil plants are united under one common name “ordinary castor oil plant”.
Planting castor oil plants is best carried out in the seedling method. Before planting castor oil, you need to take a 0.5 L plastic cup and pour soil into it with a layer of about two centimeters. Then put castor bean seed and sprinkle on top of another 1.5 cm soil layer. Before planting, castor bean seed must be germinated. To do this, it must be soaked for a day in water. Castor oil plant rises within a week and grows very quickly. With its help, you can turn your summer cottage into an exotic corner, since it is very easy to plant castor oil.
Usually the plant reaches 2-3 m in height, scattering huge leaves with very beautiful peduncles. Planting castor oil plants on the site will not leave anyone indifferent. Sowing of seeds is carried out at the end of February. Seeds are stored for more than 5 years and are characterized by excellent germination. In order to plant castor oil plants without any difficulties, the seeds must be harvested in advance. The only thing to remember is that castor bean seeds are very toxic, they need to be stored away from food and children. Seeds, very similar to beans, contain ricin toxin, which can lead to tragic consequences. For an adult, the lethal dose is 20 seeds.
Seedlings can be grown in containers. For this, ordinary garden land without additives is suitable. In each pit, it is necessary to spread 3 seeds of 3 seeds to a depth of 3 cm, since plants grow more powerful under competitive conditions. Castor oil plant rises very quickly, gives sprouts 4-5cm high. At this point, the seedlings must be thinned at a distance of 5 cm. It is better to thin out the entrances, cutting off the excess with scissors, and not pulling it out. Seedlings grow quickly, and after
the appearance of real leaves, it can be transplanted into separate containers
high volume. The containers are filled at 2/3 so that as they grow
castor oil plant was an opportunity to sprinkle the earth. Seedlings do not need fertilizing,
but it is very demanding on watering. Watering should be regular and
plentiful. Before planting in open ground, plants do not cause problems. Them
only sunlight and heat are needed.
By the time the seedlings are transferred to the soil, its growth can reach 1 m. Planting is carried out when the threat of frost has passed. Castor oil plants are shaken out of containers and planted in prepared soil. In this case, the roots of the seedlings are so intertwined that the earthen lump does not even crumble. It is necessary to level the hole and make a hole with a diameter of 1 m, water it abundantly.
Castor oil plant during the summer does not require any maintenance and at the same time grows very quickly. It responds well to the introduction of a solution of bird droppings in a ratio of 1 to 20. Castor bean blossoms with huge peduncles, the size of which reaches one meter. A bouquet of flower stalks of castor oil plant will not leave anyone indifferent. In autumn, one of them, as a rule, the largest and most mature, is left for seeds.
Castor oil plant looks good in single plantings or in a group of 4-5 pieces without adjacent plants. With a mixed landing, the decorative effect is lost. Castor oil is used to decorate rocky areas and low walls.