Also, is ricin released when the seed is broken using a hammer? I've read the inhaling ricin is dangerous. Castor beans contains ricin that's why I want to know if ricin is released. I know, I won't do it. I just want to become aware. :)

Thanks!

I've been growing Castor Beans by seed for years and I haven't died yet ;)

Wear gloves and don't grow the plant if you have children or pets that put anything in their mouths.

Sharon

Ok. I'm good then. What about during winter, are they easy to cut? Every Sunday, they pick up our yard waste. I honestly don't know what those folks do with our yard waste. Anyways, am I correct that I really shouldn't worry about the leaves,stems,branches, etc when they start working on it? I've read the leaves are highly toxic too.

Oh, I bought 15 seeds last night. 10 for dark burgundee leaf and 5 for green color leaf.

Thanks!

I usually wait till the following spring to pull the dead roots/ stem and all out. The roots are HUGE and its a tug of war to pull them out when they are somewhat alive.

I'm not sure about zone 5 but I have better success of nice tall plants if started indoors rather than direct sow in the spring.

Sharon

This is 'Kiwi Red' ... was a much slower starter compared to the green leafed types, though they sure had done well with the long and rather hot summer. Seed was a bit expensive, though I have saved seed from the one plant that had decided to flower particularly early. BTW, I have found that 'Kiwi Red' does not much branch out and would look best planted in groups of three or more.

{{gwi:4403}}

Terry

Such lovely photos, and beautiful looking plants.

I love that Kiwi Red, Terry - looks great in that location. Is that your new place? Wow, looks like you've been gardening there forever.

V1rt,I have not had any probs with seeds or leaves and I have broken a few leaves,I also never wore gloves with seeds.Here are some pics of my castors,these sprouted in June and would be at least 2' taller if I did not not kill off my first two batches.The castors are much bigger now,I will post some pics of them at the end of this season,the ones by the house are around 8' now and the castors in front are 6'

Thanks Pudge ... yes, the photo is taken at my new place west of Edmonton. Next year I'll post more photos as the place begins to come together a bit more ... so MUCH work ahead!

Nice photo Jimhardy, rather tropical looking indeed.

Terry

twrosz, thanks,I really like the reddish color of your castors,I have a different one in the front of the house but its not as red as yours, a rogue seed in the batch of green seeds I bought.

Jim, 'Kiwi Red' has awesome coloration, though it really does need to be planted in a group of several, as it does not branch out. With your longer and hotter summers, this variety would do fantastic. Your place is so southern looking for zone 5b ... good work there guy!

Terry

Yours too!I am looking forward to next year,I already have 100 castor bean"seeds"for next year.Everything in the yard was done this year,so when the bananas get replanted next year they should easily reach 12'+ also if I can get my fan palms through the winter(with protection)they may grow to 5'-6'tall.I also have tetrapanex which is similar in leaf structure and size to castors.We had a chilly spring this year so hopefully things will get off to a better start next year,also cactus garden did very well this year and I should have a dozen our more blooming cactus plants not to mention varigated cannas(white and green with peach flowers.Heres a different view of garden-

You have an interesting assortment of plant material ... bananas, cactus, cannas and palms, these along with the style of your home, all lend to that real southern look ... I think everyone should have a veranda to enjoy! Somewhat appears you're just starting out with this place or doing some major reworking of the replantings, I hope you'll keep us posted as your yard progresses ... thanks

Sorry folks, I just saw my thread again. It's hard to remember when we post to different forums. Hehehe :D

Awesome pics there!!!

How tall can it grow here in Illinois, zone 5a? I would be happy if it reaches at least 7ft. I won't if it goes beyond 10 ft.

Thanks!