Castor Seed Cultivation Information

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is grown for its seeds. The oil extracted from Castor seed is being used widely for various purposes. It is used as a lubricant in high-speed engines and aero planes, in the manufacture of soaps, transparent paper, printing-inks, varnishes, linoleum and plasticizers. Castor seeds are also being used for medicinal and lighting purposes. The Castor may be used to make manure and plant stalks as fuel or as thatching material or for preparing paper-pulp. Castor leaves are being fed to silkworms. Castor belongs to the family of “Euphorbiaceae and genus of "Ricinus L.". Castor is indigenous to the Eastern Africa, southeastern Mediterranean Basin and India, but is grown throughout tropical regions and sub-tropical regions of the world. Castor seeds contain between 45 % and 60 % of oil that is rich in triglycerides, mainly ricinolein. Commercial growing of Castor seeds is very much successful due to its demand in local and international markets. In India, this crop is grown where annual rainfall is expected below the national average and the soil is not that fertile. Read more here.

Tulip Flower Growing Guide

Tulips are very famous ornamental bulbous flowers grown due to their attractiveness. There are many improved varieties (cultivars) developed in this bulb growing industry. Tulip cultivation is limited in India. However, Himachal Pradesh and hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir are perfect for Tulip cultivation. Most tulips thrive in colder winters because of the long chilling requirement for bulbs. Tulips can be grown in pots, containers, prepared beds, borders, basins of other orchards like apples, cherry, etc...Tulips can be grown in greenhouse, polyhouse and shade net as well. Tulip plant belongs to the family of "Liliaceae" and genus of "Tulipa L.".

Actually, Tulips are spring-blooming perennials that grow from bulbs. Depending on the species (variety), tulip plants can be between 10 cm and 70 cm high. When it comes to flower, it is usually shaped like a cup or egg with 6 petals. The tulip flower petals are available from single colour to multi-colours with different patterns depending on the variety or species. The Tulip flowers come in many colours like orange, pink, cherry, magenta, salmon, crimson, purple, apricot, lilac, mauve, blue, yellow, apricot, violet, terracotta, red, scarlet, chocolate, brown along with many shades. Tulip is the most popular garden flower due to its appearance and  is used in decoration of various parties. Read more here.