How to Care for Castor Beans

Native to Africa and the Middle East, castor beans often grow wild on hillsides, rocky terrain and even along roadsides. The parent plant is a fast growing annual, reaching heights of four to five feet at maturity. In fact, the castor bean plant develops a tree-like appearance in as little as three to four months when planted from seed. If you live within the castor bean plant's favored USDA hardiness zones, which are zones 8 through 11, growing castor beans is less than challenging. Care is even easier once the plant is established.

Soil pH
Pitchfork
Lime or peat moss
Soaker hose
Mulch
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Test the pH of your soil before planting castor beans. Castor bean plants thrive when grown in soil that has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil pH is outside these parameters, you will need to amend the soil.
- 2
  Amend the soil after breaking it up with a pitchfork. Mix lime in with the soil if your soil test reveals a pH below 5.5, or peat moss for soil with a pH above 6.5. Add the required amendment following label instructions.
- 3
  Plant your castor bean plants in holes that measure twice the width of their root balls. Space the holes at least 36 to 48 inches apart to give the castor bean plants plenty of room for expansion.
- 4
  Run a soaker hose along the soil line around the castor bean plants. Water the castor bean plants deeply after planting. Supplement the castor bean plants during the growing season with water from the soaker hose, during dry times. Maintain moisture at a one-inch depth at all times.
- 5
  Pick weeds by hand when they appear, or spread a three-inch layer of pine bark, straw or pine needles around the plants to deter their growth. A layer of mulch will also improve water retention.

How to Plant Green Beans in Pots

How to Germinate Pinto Beans

Growing Beans