Correspondingly, how do you prune a Jatropha?
You can prune jatropha at any time. If you would like yours to grow in a tree shape, simply cut out all but one stem coming out of the ground to force it to have a trunk. Then remove lower branches from your jatropha as it grows. Fertilize jatropha, if necessary, in the spring and summer months.
Also, is Jatropha a perennial?
Jatropha is a perennial shrub or tree. It is drought resistant and easy to grow in tropical to semi-tropical locations.
When should I prune my Jatropha?
You can trim for shape anytime. Prune heavily in spring (late March and early April) and it will fill out quickly to become lush and full. Keep the trunk free of baby shoots to maintain the tree look.
How do you grow Jatropha?
Jatropha can be planted in a well-drained location. Jatropha is not too particular when it comes to the soil and location. But the plant must be planted in an area where there is partial/full sunlight. The plant can be grown as a mixed shrub or as a hedge.
How do you care for a Jatropha tree?
Jatropha plants need well-drained soil, and while they can handle partial shade to full sun, they will flower best in areas with full sun. This plant is not salt tolerant. Jatropha grows best in zones 10 to 11. They are marginal in zone 9B; frosts and freezes will damage them, but they usually recover quickly.
What are the benefits of Jatropha?
Jatropha curcas is known for various medicinal uses. Its antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-HIV activity has been well recognized. Because of its broad-spectrum activity, we investigated aqueous and methanol leaf extracts for cytotoxicity and its potential to inhibit hemagglutinin protein of influenza virus.
Will Jatropha come back after freeze?
During an unusually cold winter this plant will freeze to the ground in my zone (9A) but it promptly returns from the roots as soon as it warms up again.
