Our warm summers suit this tropical plant well, and in very large beds or borders where a tropical effect is wanted it has a fine appearance. It is easily raised by sowing the seeds in March. either singly in small pots or in a flat and afterwards potted off singly in 3-inch or 4-inch pots.

There are now several varieties.

those with the bronze-colored leaves being very handsome. To get a good growth of the ricinus the soil of the bed should be deep and rich.