More Information
| Botanical Name |
Ricinus communis |
| Seeds Per Pack |
15 |
| Life Cycle |
Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
15 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
21 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
1/4 in. |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height |
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) |
| Plant Spacing |
36-48 in. (90-120 cm) |
| Hardiness |
USDA Zone 9a: to 25F, USDA Zone 9b: to 30F, USDA Zone 10a: to 35F, USDA Zone 10b: to 40F, USDA Zone 11a: to 45F |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun |
| Danger |
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested |
| Bloom Color |
Chartreuse (Yellow-Green) |
| Bloom Time |
Late Summer/Early Fall |
| Foliage |
Grown for Foliage |
| Other Details |
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater |
| Soil pH Requirements |
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
| Propagation Methods |
From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds |
This dwarf castor bean is ideal for smaller gardens. ‘Impala’ seldom exceeds 6 feet in height! The leaves start out bronze/burgundy, but mature to a deep green. Large leaves and burgundy seed heads lend a tropical feel to borders or patio plantings. The small flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
(Caution: All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are very poisonous. Do not take internally. Skin contact may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.)