Species barbados nut
cluster of green flowers and green buds along green stem and leaves

barbados nut

Jatropha curcas

The Barbados Nut (Jatropha curcas) is a woody shrub, native to the Caribbean region, that grows to approximately 12 feet tall. It has thick, dark green leaves with yellow flowers that bloom in mid-summer, bearing reddish-yellowish fruits that bear the seeds of the plant. The seeds contain an oleaginous liquid that can be used as a fuel source, and the cakes that are left behind can be used as a fertilizer. The oil can also be used to make soap, candles, and lubricants. Its bright red fruits are enjoyed by many animals, who spread the seeds far and wide, making it a popular choice for landscaping.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 11

Flowers:

Yellowish green Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Fruits:

green,yellow,purple,orange Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

watering

In terms of watering, the Barbados nut needs regular irrigation. Water the soil until it is moist but not soggy. During the growing season, water the plant weekly or bi-weekly. During the winter months, when the plant is inactive, reduce the watering schedule to every few weeks or so. General rule of thumb is to never allow the soil to completely dry out between watering sessions.

sunlight

The barbados nut (Jatropha curcas) prefers full sun to partial shade, and benefits from at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is best to give the plant consistent, full sun during peak growing hours - between 10 am and 4 pm. In more extreme climates, afternoon shade may be beneficial. To ensure healthy growth, it is important to provide consistent direct sunlight for the plant throughout the day.

pruning

The Barbados nut is an evergreen and semi-deciduous shrub commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be pruned at any time of the year, but is best done during the dry season when the soil is not overly wet or saturated. Pruning should be done in late spring or early summer to promote healthy new growth and reduce the risk of disease. Pruning should be done aggressively, removing up to 1-third of the total height of the plant to encourage multiple new stems to form, resulting in a thicker, fuller shrub over time. For best results, use pruning shears or a sharp knife to make the cuts, and then dispose of the pruned branches outside of the garden area.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Jatropha curcas typically begins in July and ends in October.

Starts Flowering

Jatropha curcas typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between April and June.

Starts Flowering

Jatropha curcas typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between April and June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Jatropha curcas typically begins in July and ends in October.

Hardiness Map