Growing Castor bean in Occitanie
3 adapted varieties
In Occitanie, the local agronomic conditions (Cfb — oceanic temperate climate, 1569 growing degree days, clay loam soil at pH 6.7, 307 frost-free days) allow castor bean cultivation.
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Recommended varieties: LS Harold, LS Peter, LS Suzi
Climate
Limited growing degree days (1569 GDD). Choose the earliest maturing varieties.
Notable summer water deficit (-106 mm). Pick drought-tolerant varieties.
Long frost-free season (307 days), allowing broad crop cycles.
Sowing calendar
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Soil & recommendations
Neutral pH (6.7), suitable for most crops.
Recommended varieties
LS Harold
Dwarf castor bean hybrid with test good yield potential, lodging resistance and regular plant type.
LS Peter
Very early dwarf castor bean hybrid with strong productivity and good adaptability.
LS Suzi
Semi-dwarf castor bean hybrid with high yield, early development and strong adaptability.
| Variety | Type | Earliness | Yield potential | Sowing | Harvest | Suitability for the region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS Harold | Dwarf castor bean | Very early flowering and maturity | 9/10 | allow 0.8 m between rows and 0.5 m between plants | Mechanical harvest | 7/10 |
| LS Peter | Dwarf castor bean | Very early | 10/10 | allow 0.8 m between rows and 1 m between plants | Mechanical harvest | 7/10 |
| LS Suzi | Semi-dwarf castor bean | Early | 10/10 | allow 1 m between rows and 1 m between plants | Mechanical harvest | 7/10 |
Risks & watchpoints
Key agronomic watchpoints in this zone:
- Summer heat stress: 8/10.
Other adapted crops in this zone
Other regions to grow castor bean
Agronomic summary
Castor bean finds compatible conditions in Occitanie: 1,569 GDD cover the short cycle (130–170 days) of dwarf castor, 307 frost-free days, clay-loam soils at slightly acidic pH 6.7. LS Suzi, LS Marilou and LS Peter open diversification prospects on difficult lands or innovative cropping plans, particularly in Lauragais and the lower Rhône Occitanian plain, as a complement to sunflower.
Frequently asked questions
Which castor bean variety is best suited for Occitanie?
The varieties recommended above are pre-selected based on local climate, soil and disease pressure. Top picks combine adapted maturity, yield stability and the specific disease tolerances needed in Occitanie.
When is the best time to sow castor bean in Occitanie?
The favorable sowing window is typically from April to October. Exact timing depends on soil temperature (>10°C at 5 cm), weather forecast and your local agronomist's advice.
What yield can I expect from castor bean in Occitanie?
Yields depend on variety, agronomic management and the season. Under typical Occitanie conditions with good practices, our adapted varieties target stable, competitive commercial yields. Precise ranges are available on request.