144 The Flower Garden [Chapter 



Ricinus, or Castor-oil Bean 



PROBABLY the most effective and tropical-look- 

 ing plant in cultivation to-day is the Ricinus, 

 and fortunately it is within the reach of everyone. It 

 is usually seen as a solitary specimen on the lawn, or 

 as the centre of a bed of other plants, or probably in 

 a long row; it is more effective, however, in a group, 

 and thus grown makes a good background for low 

 plants. Seed should be started early in house or hot- 

 beds. It germinates in twelve to fifteen days. The 

 best results will be obtained when started in the house 

 by planting in three- or four-inch pots. Put two or 

 three seeds in a pot and remove all but one if more 

 come up. Before filling the pots with earth mixed 

 with good compost, a piece of shard, or flat stone, 

 should be placed over the drainage hole to confine the 

 roots, as they make a very rapid growth. Shift into 

 larger pots as required, and plant out when all danger 

 of frost is past in a deep, rich soil. Marsh earth is 

 best, but where this is not available any good garden 

 soil will answer if heavily manured and well watered. 

 The young plants are somewhat backward after 

 transplanting and frequently refuse to grow at all, so 

 that it is well to have a few plants in reserve against 

 a possible emergency. After the plants are a foot 

 high, little if any trouble will be experienced. The 

 newer Zanzibar varieties are the most desirable, being 

 very fine both in colour and development, growing 



