Gibsonii Castor Oil Bean is a towering heirloom cultivar of Ricinus communis that commands attention in any sunny garden, reaching 6 to 10 feet tall with architectural presence. Unlike many ornamental beans, this variety bridges the line between striking visual display and practical utility, blooming prolifically throughout summer with flowers that give way to seedpods worth harvesting. From seed to first blooms takes 84 to 98 days, making it achievable even in shorter growing seasons. The plant's deer resistance and moderate water needs mean once established, it largely takes care of itself, though gardeners must manage its seedpod maturation carefully to prevent self-seeding.
3
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
120in H x 36in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
This heirloom castor bean grows to remarkable heights, commanding 6 to 10 feet of vertical space and developing a substantial 3-foot width that makes it a natural focal point in summer gardens. Summer-long flowering from June through August delivers continuous visual interest while the plant's documented deer resistance removes a major headache for many gardeners. The variety's moderate water appetite and full sun preference align it with gardens seeking impact without constant fussing, though attentive gardeners will want to remove mature seedpods before they naturally fall to prevent unwanted volunteer plants.
Gibsonii Castor Oil Bean is primarily grown for ornamental display, valued for its dramatic height, large foliage, and summer flower production that attracts attention in garden borders and as a backdrop planting. The plant's seedpods are harvested by gardeners interested in seed saving and the traditional extraction of castor oil, making it a functional ornamental for those pursuing heritage plant cultivation.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors in pots 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Maintain soil temperatures between 65 and 75°F for reliable germination. Seeds typically sprout within 7 to 15 days under these conditions.
Transplant indoor-started seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Harden off seedlings gradually to acclimate them to outdoor conditions before final planting.
Direct sow outdoors 2 weeks after your last frost date, when soil has warmed sufficiently for germination.
Allow seedpods to mature on the plant through summer and into early fall. Harvest pods once they have fully matured and begun to dry on the plant; they will show signs of color change and hardening. For seed saving purposes, remove entire seedpods from the plant and allow them to dry completely in a warm, sheltered location before extracting seeds. Remove seedpods before they naturally shatter and fall to prevent unwanted self-seeding throughout your garden.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.