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Jatropha curcas is a valuable multi-purpose crop which can be used for bio-energy to replace petro-diesel, for soap production and climatic protection, and hence deserves specific attention. Jatropha curcas as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production. Plant the seed and cut our dependence on foreign oil! The marble size seeds are fast sprouting. is an evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy leaves and clusters of star shaped bright scarlet flowers. The plant has a rounded or narrow domed form and gets up to 15 ft tall with a spread of 10 ft or so, although in cultivation it is usually smaller. Also makes a great bonsai. Tolerant to a wide variety of soils as long as they are well drained. Blooms on the current year's growth so it can be pruned at any time of the year. It handles pruning well and can be kept to shrub size, trained to a tree form or used in espalier. Drought tolerant. Jatropha contains a milky sap that can irritate sensitive skin. All parts of the plant are reported to be poisonous if ingested. Germination process - Allow the rest of the seeds to soak overnight for about 12 hours. You can also remove the seeds from the water after determining which ones sink or float, then nick each of them with knife. Soaking or nicking helps improve germination rates. Fill potting bags, a planting tray or a 1-gallon pot with a potting mix that contains soil, peat or compost, or any combination of these three items. Moisten the soil with water. Plant one seed in each bag or cell in the planting tray, or plant one seed every 2 inches in the 1-gallon pot. Plant jatropha seeds 2 to 3 inches deep. Place the container or bags in the shade at room temperature and keep the soil moistened until germination. Expect jatropha seeds to sprout in one to three weeks.