Jatropha podagrica

Germination

Sow indoors prior to last expected frost. Sow directly after danger of frost has passed. Indoors sow into moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 21°C. Germination takes 1-2 weeks. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grown on under glass. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. Directly, sow into moist well-drained soil, keep moist until plants are established.

Growing

Best grown under heated glass or as a house plant. Min temp. 10°C. Can be grown outside in warmer climates. Prefers a few hours of sun a day. Best container planted. The plant enters dormancy in winter, watering should be reduced at this time.

Cultivation

The plant may drop its leaves in winter but the flowers should remain. The plant may produce seedheads which explode, launching seeds into the air.