Oilseeds· Ricinus communis
Castor Bean Growing Guide
A tropical oilseed producing castor oil, the only commercial source of hydroxylated fatty acid (ricinoleic acid). Used in industrial lubricants, bioplastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
How Long Does Castor Bean Take to Grow?
Castor Bean is typically ready to harvest about 150 days after planting.
FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Production: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 13 October 2026. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL Licence: CC-BY-4.0.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: sandy loam, loam, alluvial
pH range: 5 - 6.5 (optimal: 5.8)
Drainage: good
Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Common Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- semilooper
- capsule borer
- thrips
Common Diseases
- fusarium wilt
- grey mold
- alternaria blight
Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.
Growing Tips
Seeds contain ricin toxin -- handle with care during processing and keep away from livestock.
Castor thrives on marginal land unsuitable for food crops, providing income from degraded soils.
Harvest capsules when they begin to turn brown; delay causes explosive shattering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Castor Bean take to grow?
Castor Bean typically takes 150 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 12 days. The best planting season is spring, early_summer.
What soil does Castor Bean need?
Castor Bean grows best in sandy loam, loam, alluvial soil with a pH of 5-6.5. Good drainage is required.
What temperature does Castor Bean need?
Castor Bean grows best at 20-35°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: high.
What is the expected yield for Castor Bean?
Across 32 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Castor Bean range from 80 to 3,000 kg/hectare, with a median of 785. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.
Key Agronomy Terms
Core farming concepts, explained in plain language.
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