ShrubPerennial evergreen shrubModerate

Croton

Codiaeum variegatum

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Croton grows in bright light to partial sun and prefers rich, well-drained soil. Water needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture.

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Photo Gallery

Plant reference images showing growth stages and identifying features.

Croton plant — **Plant**
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Credit: Forest and Kim Starr · Source · CC BY 3.0 us

Croton flower — **Flower**
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Credit: Forest and Kim Starr · Source · CC BY 3.0 us

Croton leaves — **Leaves**
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Credit: Billjones94 · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Croton fruit — **Fruit**
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Credit: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/80/da/68d3d0119ca284c648c025627317.jpg Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0042688.html Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-03-28): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/gvmw8w79 CC-BY-4.0 · Source · CC BY 4.0

Croton seed — **Seed**
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Credit: Kroton · Source · CC BY 3.0

How to Grow Croton

Croton growing information includes sunlight requirements of Bright light to partial sun, soil conditions listed as Rich, well-drained soil with a soil pH of 5.5-6.5, and Moderate; prefers consistent moisture water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 10-12. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Croton as 14-30 days from fresh seed, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/4 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 1-3 years to mature ornamental size.

Plant Overview

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is listed in the Euphorbiaceae family and categorized as a shrub with a perennial evergreen shrub life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.

Plant ID: PLT-0234
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Plant type: Shrub
Life cycle: Perennial evergreen shrub
Difficulty: Moderate

Growing Conditions

Croton is listed for bright light to partial sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; prefers consistent moisture. The database soil reference is Rich, well-drained soil. The listed soil pH range is 5.5-6.5, and the listed hardiness range is 10-12.

Hardiness zones: 10-12
Sunlight: Bright light to partial sun
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
Water needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is 14-30 days from fresh seed and the seed depth is 1/4 inch. The listed time to maturity is 1-3 years to mature ornamental size. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination: 14-30 days from fresh seed
Seed depth: 1/4 inch

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity: 1-3 years to mature ornamental size

Garden Information

Toxicity / cautions: Toxic if ingested; sap may irritate skin

One plant · one ecosystem

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Growing Reference Note

Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.