Castor-oil Plant

Castor-oil Plant (Ricinus) - R. communis is a much-grown plant in warm countries, growing out of doors in the warm months in ours, and used for bold beds near those of the more brilliant flowers, but it is not well to associate it closely with bedding plants, because of its strong growth and the shading of its leaves. It requires rich deep earth to form its finest leaves, and to raise the plants a brisk hot-bed is needed in February or March, in which to plunge the pots in which the seeds should be sown. About the end of May gradually inure them to a cool temperature, and after a few weeks place them in a sheltered position out of doors. By the end of June they may be planted out in the beds; the more sheltered the situation the better. Plant and water them with soft rain-water, and mulch the surface with manure. During hot weather manure-water will be of use. It is not at home in our climate, and I never wished to see it in my garden.