Carmencita Pink Castor Oil Bean is a striking ornamental variety of Ricinus communis that reaches 6 feet tall and produces showy pink seed pods throughout summer. This cultivar blooms 84 to 98 days from seed to first flowers, making it a fast-maturing addition to full-sun gardens where it commands attention with its bold foliage and dramatic seedpods. Deer avoid it entirely, and its moderate water needs make it straightforward to grow once established. The plant's architectural presence and extended summer bloom window (June through August) earn it a place in any garden seeking dramatic vertical interest.
3
Full Sun
Moderate
10-11
72in H x 36in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The pink seedpods are the real draw here, emerging as the plant reaches its full 6-foot stature and providing weeks of ornamental appeal. Starting from seed indoors just 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost means you can have mature, flowering plants by midsummer. Its deer resistance and relatively compact 3-foot width make it a practical choice for adding height without sprawl, while the moderate water requirement keeps maintenance simple once the plants are established.
Carmencita Pink is grown primarily as an ornamental. The distinctive pink seedpods are the main attraction, providing striking visual interest in summer gardens and working well as focal points in borders or containers where their height and structure can be showcased.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors in pots 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil temperature between 65 and 75°F for reliable germination. Plant seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep and expect sprouts to emerge in 7 to 15 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors 2 weeks after your last frost, once soil has warmed and frost danger has completely passed.
Direct sow seeds 2 weeks after your last frost when soil is warm. Plant 1/2 to 1 inch deep and thin seedlings to 3 inches apart.
Monitor seedpods for maturity as they develop throughout summer. Remove seedpods before they naturally drop and split, especially in frost-free growing areas where self-seeding can become problematic.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.