Sowalong: Ricinus with Kevin Smith

This week on Sowalong, BBC Gardeners’ World magazine’s Deputy Editor, Kevin Smith, shares his much-loved ritual of sowing ricinus. With striking, architectural foliage and tropical jungle appeal, ricinus suits Kevin’s planting style perfectly and he tells us why he sows this seed every year without fail.   

Starting as jumbo, shiny, speckled seeds ricinus, or castor oil plant, can be slow to germinate, but once it does will spring to life shooting through the soil at speed. When you eventually plant it out for the summer, it’ll reach lofty heights quickly. First discovering ricinus in northern France, Kevin quickly found this versatile, low-fuss annual great for filling gaps in borders and creating a focal point in the centre of a pot, here in the UK. Really reliable for making an impact, find out how to plant up summer bedding plants around a central castor oil plant in your containers.   

Listen on for advice on how to get started with ricinus seeds, watering and feeding routines, plus harvesting and seed saving tips too. Just wait until you see those beautiful spherical, spiky seed pods for the first time. Making such a statement in the summer garden, ricinus really is one to try. 

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