Jatropha is a tropical plant that is gaining popularity in the gardening world and can be grown as a shrub or tree.
It is easy to grow, and it produces seeds that can be used to make biodiesel fuel.
It is a popular choice for gardeners because it is drought tolerant and relatively easy to care for.
Jatropha needs to be grown in an area that receives good levels of sunlight and which has well drained soil. The plant can be grown as a shrub or tree and will fare well in any type of soil as long as it does not get waterlogged.
Is jatropha easy to grow?
Yes, jatropha is easy to grow. It does well in hot, dry climates and does not require a lot of water or care.
The plant can be grown from seed and will mature in just a few months. Jatropha can also be propagated from cuttings, so you can start with a small plant and watch it grow.
What are the benefits of growing jatropha?
There are many benefits to growing jatropha.
The plant is drought tolerant and can withstand hot, dry climates.
It also produces seeds that can be used to make biodiesel fuel.
Jatropha is also a popular choice for gardeners looking for an ornamental plant because it is easy to care for and does not require a lot of water.
How long does it take to grow jatropha?
It takes about 9 to 12 months for a jatropha plant to mature when it will begin to produce fruits.
Best levels of production will, however, only begin to be realised when the plant is 2 to 3 years old.
Where can you get jatropha seeds from?
Jatropha seeds are available from many online stores and can also be found at local nurseries.
You can also propagate your own jatropha plant from cuttings.
How do you care for a jatropha plant?
The plants are easy to care for providing that you get the initial location correct – sunlight and good drainage are key.
The plants do not like salt and growing close to the sea may be difficult.
They are not frost hardy and will be quickly damaged by cold conditions, although they often recover quite quickly if the frost is short term.
The plants can be protected from frost by throwing a blanket or similar cover over them.
Harvesting jatropha
The fruits will start to ripen when the plant is about 2 to 3 years old and will continue to produce fruits for many years.
The fruits can be harvested by hand or by using a pair of secateurs.
Be sure to wear gloves when harvesting as the thorns on the fruit can cause skin irritation.
The seeds can be extracted from the fruit by crushing the fruit and then separating the seeds from the pulp.
What can you use jatropha for?
Jatropha can be used for a number of different things including biodiesel fuel, dye, soap, and bird feed.
As an ornamental plant Jatropha makes an interesting shrub or tree that will produce masses of pink colored flowers which will gradually develop into green pods that contain the oil bearing seeds.
The flowers will attract masses of butterflies into the garden, a feature that appeals to many gardeners.
Final words
So, if you are looking for an easy to care for plant that has a variety of uses, then jatropha is a great choice.
It can be grown in most climates and does well in hot, dry conditions without requiring a lot of water.
The plant also produces seeds that can be used to make lubricating oils and biodiesel fuel.
So, if grown on a large enough scale you may have the opportunity to help the environment by growing jatropha.
