Ricinus Carmencita

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Life Cycle:Annual

Familiy, Origin:Euphorbiaceae, Africa, East India

Sitelocation:Full sun

Garden Height:150 cm,59,06 inch

Crop Time:Plug crop: 4-6 weeks; Green pots: 9-10 weeks

Sell Period:May-July

Seed Form:Raw Seed

Seed Count:2 K/g

Sowing Method:1-2 seeds per plug, sowing directly in final pots is recommended

Germination:6-12 days at 18-22 °C, in media with very low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.8-7.0. Requires light for germination. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 h before sowing. Do not cover seeds. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Avoid the substrate/soil to dry out.

Plug Culture:From Stage II* reduce the soil moisture, the plug should not dry out and reduce the temperature to 16-18 °C. Do not let soluble salt level rise above 0,75 EC. Start fertilization at 75 ppm nitrogen in a well balanced formula. During Stage III and Stage IV fertilization levels can be increased up to 200-300 ppm.

Growing On:2-4 weeks after sowing transplant 1-2 plants into a pot (14-16 cm) or into a container (3-5 l).

Media:Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 0-10 % parts (e.g. perlite), 1,5-3 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, 0-5 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.8-7.0.

Photoperiod / Light:Long day plant. Keep light levels high. High light levels improve the stem quality and the red coloring of the leaves might very intensify.

Temperature:Grow at 12-15 °C. Temperatures below 10 °C are tolerated for a short time, but the growth is inhibited. For selling it is recommended to harden the plants slowly at 10-12 °C. Ricinus does not tolerate frost.

Fertilization:High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 300-350 ppm nitrogen (at 0 kg/m3 slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium levels. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,05 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times.

Cultural Hints:Ricinus is very poisonous, do not eat and do not feed to animals and keep away from children. Dry, light and airy cultivation, but avoid drought stress. Drought stress can be a cause of necrosis on leaf edges.