The castor bean plant is quite common in urban design. It is often an adornment of flower beds in parks and squares. A bright, picturesque bush with reddish leaves cannot but attract attention.
The historical homeland of this plant is Africa. Castor oil plant ordinary was cultivated in Ancient Egypt about 4000 years ago. Today it is popular all over the world. It can be found on the streets in almost any country. This plant is especially revered in India, Brazil, China, Iran and Argentina. In humid hot climates, the bush lives up to three years and reaches a height of 10 meters, but in moderate latitudes castor oil plants are grown as an annual plant and rarely grows more than three meters.
A sprawling bush with carved catchy leaves and beautiful candles of reddish inflorescences makes an indelible impression on people. Castor bean plant looks best not in compositions with other plants, but planted one by one and framed by neat green lawns. Often it is used as a central element in large composite flower beds.
The castor plant plant, in addition to decorative purposes in landscape design, also has considerable value. Its seeds are used in the production of
castor oil, which in turn is used in the manufacture of paints, varnishes and plastics. Castor is used in instrumentation as an essential component of lubricants. You can not do without it in pharmaceuticals and perfumes. This oil is popular in everyday life. Every housewife knows that the leather surface treated by him becomes soft and moisture resistant.
Castor oil plant - a thermophilic plant that does not tolerate low temperatures. Seedlings are especially sensitive to cold. An adult bush begins to die already at +3 degrees. When planting this plant in open ground, make sure that the selected area is well lit from all sides by the sun. In order for the plant to be strong and healthy, it needs regular watering. With a lack of moisture, castor oil plant will stop growing, its leaves will be small and inconspicuous. But prolonged waterlogging of the soil also negatively affects the health of the plant. Castor oil can be affected by Fusarium - rot. To avoid waterlogging, good drainage and regular loosening of the soil are necessary.
Castor oil plant is a capricious and tender plant. They grow it by seedling method. Of course, you can sow in open ground, but it is recommended to do this only in mid-May and after the threat of frost has passed. Seeds are laid in soil to a depth of 10 cm, 3 pieces in one hole. Seedlings are planted in March in wide, deep boxes. After 3-4 true leaves appear, seedlings are transferred to flower beds. It is better to transplant them with a transshipment method along with an earthen lump. Several times during the season, the plant is fed with organic fertilizers, for example, manure or bird droppings. Contribute to the soil and mineral complexes.