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
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.
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Neutral pH (6.7), suitable for most crops.
Key agronomic watchpoints in this zone:
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.
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.
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.
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.
