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Height: 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m) 8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Spacing: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness: USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Danger: All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Late Summer/Early Fall
Foliage: Grown for foliage
Other details: Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping 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
Seed Collecting: Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible
On Jun 24, 2007, WUVIE from Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a) wrote:
There will always be room in my garden for many Castor Beans.
Zanzibarensis, also recorded as Zanzibariensis / Zanzibar, is the
largest leafed variety often growing to extreme heights. Typically, the all green plant with white veining is found, though also features shades of red within the variety.
While they are poisonous, the seed pods present the problem moreso than the plant itself. Simply remove the pods before they
form and / or mature, and dispose of them properly.
Using common sense, there is no reason one cannot safely grow these tropical beauties in one season, provided a long season is available.
On Mar 23, 2007, dulcimerdude from Britton, MI wrote:
I'm a castor bean lover from way back. I began growing the "giants" a couple of years back and have been very pleased. The first year plants grew to over 10' with the largest leaf about 30" across. Last year, grew to almost 14' with the broadest leaf over 36" across. This year, I started my indoor garden before Christmas, currently have plants almost 2' tall, so hope to get some 20 foot'ers this year.
On Jan 28, 2006, Gabrielle from Washington, IL (Zone 5a) wrote:
'Zanzibarensis' is a fast growing annual in zone 5, but my information says it is hardy in zones 8-10. It adds a very tropical look to the garden, and some people use them as a quick "tree" for shade. Soaking aids germination of seeds.
On Jan 6, 2006, Dacooolest from Brandon, MB (Zone 2b) wrote:
A particularly large variety of castor bean, with dark green leaves and red berries. In my short season garden, they grew 8 feet tall!!
Regional...
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Hereford, Arizona San Diego, California Fort Myers, Florida Chicago, Illinois La Grange Park, Illinois Roselle, Illinois Washington, Illinois Lake Charles, Louisiana Blanchard, Michigan Britton, Michigan Leakesville, Mississippi Dover, New Hampshire Columbia Station, Ohio Swanton, Ohio Hulbert, Oklahoma Tangent, Oregon Murrells Inlet, South Carolina San Angelo, Texas
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