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gardenguerrilla

Castor bean plant

gardenguerrilla
22 years ago

I've been given a few castor bean seeds and want to get them started inside next month for spring planting. I've been told it will grow really tall and have star-shaped leaves. I need help figuring out where to plant it(sun, I imagine), whether it's susceptible to winds, how tall it actually gets, how wide, is it really attractive, etc, etc.

The person who gave me them is not much of a talker and getting info from him is like pulling teeth! Thanks!

Comments (51)

  • wolfie4
    22 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    We plant them every year in full sun we have really tall ones they get to about 15 feet. This year I am trying new varieties, a purple one and impala, which is now growing in our basement, it has a very light leaf color. Yes they are very poisonous if eaten, our grandchildren have never been any problem with them tho.The ones we have are hugh green leaves wiht beautiful red stems, the stems are like bamboo almost.

  • Josh
    22 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Here are some pix...just click on small pix to enlarge. As to being poisonous, just remove the seeds from the plant and destroy or lock them away safely for replanting. They are the only dangerous part of this gorgeous plant. jo

    Here is a link that might be useful: Castor Bean

  • wolfie4
    22 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thank you Jo, I enjoyed the photos, do you have a link which shows different varities? Those two new ones we are trying, did not have photos with them.

  • Josh
    22 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Wolfie, Did you check thru all the pages (scroll to bottom of page)...I think there were 3 or 4. Also, if you have a name like "Forest Giant" or whatever, you might try typing it in and rerunning search...I sometimes think though that often seed companies make up names each year just to keep us ordering"the newest"...LOL jo

    Here is a link that might be useful: CastorBean

  • BrendaC
    22 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I plant Castor Beans every year. Full sun is best, the more sun they get the larger they become. Wind does tear the leaves apart so I always try to plant them close to the house where the wind won't harm them. I Love them!
    Ours get to be about 15' tall and all of the neighbors want them. I only give the seeds to people that don't live in my neighborhood. I guess I'm selfish, but I don't want anyone around my house to have them. Just me!

  • mango
    22 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Ricinis is just about my favorite plant, or at least one of them! Full sun, plenty of water, and they'll take over. Beautiful foliage and at our house, frequented on a daily basis by a praying mantis. They develop star-shaped dangly pods if they get big enough. Dry them over the winter and then crack them open for the seeds. 2-3 per pod. Scratch the seeds a bit before you plant so they germinate nicely. Good luck!

  • gingerbreadbaker
    22 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I started a few seeds inside and decided I "needed" more. When I was unable to find them anywhere, I asked for them at the local nursery. The owner said she was told they weren't able to sell castor bean seeds anymore because they are so poisonous...now I definitely "NEED MORE" I hate being told I can't have something. I feel like a maniac searching every store, still haven't found any!!!!Help!!!!

  • debrashawn
    22 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi, My cousin asked me to find out what this plant was that was growing in a yard a couple blocks from her house. Just happened to drive by as this family was having a garage sale and asked what it was...it was a Castor Bean plant. She invited me back in the fall for some seeds. I bet she was surprised to see me. I brought with me some Cleome seeds and a pic of what they looked like in my yard, to trade. I estimated that she gave me 60 seeds because there were 20 pods. I have no idea how to start them or anything at all about them but that they're deadly. I'm pretty nervous but am going to try some. I have too many I'm sure. Your welcomed to some for free of course. If you're interested...email me when you get a minute... :) debrashawn@hotmail.com

  • sojay
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Does anyone know if eating the seeds is the only way you can get poisoned? Can you get the poison through a cut in a finger and exposure to the water the seeds were soaked in overnight before sowing? I know that a single seed can kill an adult if eaten.
    This is my first time I try castor beans, and I don't know if I am being overly cautious.

  • fangdangle
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I started mine in the house about the end of Feb.
    Planted outside today /about 7" tall .
    I wanted some feature near the ponds and love the bloom,so if we don't get anymore snow I am safe. They seem very sturdy and will be in the full sun.
    Sorry I can't tell you for sure about poison factor .For some reason I thought both leaf and seed are poisonous.

  • Josh
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Here's a list of sites re poison plants...jo

    Here is a link that might be useful: Poison plants

  • Jordan_BooBoy
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    gingerbreadbaker - so you do have some plants now? if you transplant them outside during summer surely they'll produce more seeds than you need...

    I just love these plants, and find them super useful for providing quick growth and shade.

    I started with two sun beaten lots with literally nothing on them. I use the castor bean to provide a good shade for other plants, also the shade keeps the soil from drying out so bad... Then later, after the other plants are going well I just remove the castor beans.

    I too was nervous about growing them at first, but here they grow wild, you see them everywhere... Now I've just gotten use to them, still careful when handling and generally try to deadhead before they can produce seeds... Provide sun and water--the soil hardly matters, these suckers GROW FAST!!!

    I once left a seed pod in a bowl in the sun one day on my coffee table one day, came home to find the sun had dried it and the seeds had exploded and flown in every direction imaginable. Both dogs seemed a bit traumatized from the shootin' beans but neither had appeared to eat any... Still find one of those darn things now and then around the house...

  • doris836
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Does anyone know where you can buy the seeds for these? I have looked everywhere around my area and no-one has any. Sure would love to plant this beauty!Thanks Doris

  • JohnnieB
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    All parts of the plant are toxic, but the seeds have the highest concentration of toxin and are the main problem, probably because they are so attractive and bite-sized. A single seed can kill a child but I suspect the same child would have to eat quite a bit of foliage to get sick. If you're really concerned, just keep the flower heads picked off before they form seeds.

    Those exploding seed capsules are really something! I harvested an entire seed head and left it drying in my living room. I was sitting and reading one evening when one of them exploded--it really made me jump!

  • WUVIE
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have many photos of my castor beans.
    I have grown them for several years and just LOVE them!
    Just send me an email if you wish to see pix.
    In the meantime, here is a helpful sheet for growing castor beans. Some is my text, some was found on the net.

    CASTOR BEAN

    The plants grow extremely fast. The largest plants develop from
    seed started early inside,
    so you might wish to begin early in the year in your house.
    Castor bean likes a deep, rich soil, sheltered from winds. The
    seeds are both attractive and poisonous so
    should be kept away from children. Soak the seeds overnight for
    the best germination results.
    The seed can be started outside in the garden. Push the
    seeds into the soil with the nubby end going in first.
    Do not pack the soil over the seed. They will germinate in seven
    to fourteen days
    but I have had them come up in less than one week with bottom heat
    germination mats,
    which are available at your local hardware store most of the time.
    Be patient. You might want to assist the seedling by removing the
    seed carefully as it emerges. Sometimes the seed clings tightly
    and causes the
    foliage not to be able to come out.
    As they grow, you may notice a "shell" on the leaf.
    A white, sometimes pink veined filmy thick tissue.
    This shell is sometimes too heavy for the plant to bear, thus it
    will droop nd may snap the plant's neck. I remove this shell after
    it has
    loosened. Try not to rip it off the poor plant.
    Also, the leaves are very large for such a tiny stem when they
    first come up, so you may need to assist it in getting it's head
    out of the
    ground by scratching the soil around it in order that it may lift
    it's head up easily when
    ready. They like water and full sun, but grow in the shade.
    They won't grow much in the shade, however.
    As they grow, watch the seed pods develop.
    Try to check on your plants often, as the seed pods will be
    green one day, and cracking open the next. If you harvest the
    seeds in the summertime when it is hot, they will actually crack
    and pop open like popcorn. It is fun to remove the shells when
    they pop!
    If you have any other questions about your castor beans, please do
    not hesitate to email me.

    Castor bean plant good for barrier use

    WASHINGTON -- For people with a need for a fast-growing barrier
    plant, the castor bean plant is hard to beat.

    It is valuable for a number of uses: to fill garden space; as a
    handsome live barrier to wall off a neighbor's property, a busy
    street or an unsightly garage; or to separate a patio from a lawn.
    The seeds germinate reliably enough, but for those who missed
    sowing them in May, seedlings grown in plastic pots are available
    in some nurseries.

    It is amazing to watch the seed grow in just one season into an
    exotic, well-proportioned shrub 8 feet tall or even taller and
    about as wide or sometimes wider. Glistening in the sun, shiny new
    leaves seem to form and spread out every day. The plant, known
    botanically as Ricinus communis, is native to Africa. By late
    September, the cultivar Zanzibariens has been known to reach a
    height of 15 feet.

    The stems are sturdy and self-branching, and the attractive
    leaves, which form a dense canopy, can be green, bronze-red or
    red, as wide as 3 feet in diameter. They look like magnified maple
    leaves that have grown additional lobes all around.

    The castor bean plant has spread like a weed in milder parts of
    California. But outside the tropics, the plant is an annual. A
    sunny site is a critical requirement for full size and spectacular
    beauty. Free of pests and diseases, the castor bean plant has a
    reputation for repelling moles and gophers.

    The seeds are as attractive as beads -- and sometimes are used as
    beads, but they are poisonous. They yield an oil that has been put
    to use in parts of Asia as a facial oil and against warts. Today,
    the oil also is added as an ingredient in paints and varnishes.

    It is a one-of-a-kind plant, with only one species -- an oddity in
    the plant kingdom.

    But there is another garden giant well worth cultivating. The
    angelica is smaller than the castor bean plant and not as
    dramatic, though it is unquestionably attractive. Up to 6 feet
    tall and a little less wide, Angelica archangelica develops large
    clumps of sturdy stems. The leaves are glossy pale green and
    quickly form a dense fortress. They are topped by dozens of airy,
    greenish-white flower heads that resemble domes.

    A member of the carrot family, this well-loved, old-world plant
    often is listed as an herb. Every part of it has been put to good
    use. Its dried roots have been used for centuries as a tonic to
    fortify the blood and to beautify the skin. James Duke's book on
    herbal medicine, The Green Pharmacy notes that angelica has chemical compounds that strengthen the
    heart and the stomach and helping to clear the skin. In Europe,
    the confectionery trade appreciates the taste and the perfume of
    the flowers.

    Angelica will thrive in locations with only half-a-day sun or even
    more shade. But the soil must be rich, porous and, most important,
    not allowed to dry out. Many gardeners have lost stout specimens
    of angelica seedlings because of insufficient moisture, though the
    plant shouldn't be overwatered either.

    The flowering stem soon withers after blooms fade, and the entire
    plant will die back if too many stems set seeds. Those seeds that
    do form and fall to the ground are likely to germinate and sprout
    by the dozen the next year.

    Castor bean plant and angelica are annuals that live short but
    happy lives. They have immense energy but invest none in growing
    root systems that can survive winter and allow them to return the
    next season. They live for lavish foliage, and those who love
    flamboyant plants during summer are lucky beneficiaries.

    Name: Ricinus communis Common name: Castor bean, castor-oil plant.
    Family: Euphorbiaceae. Description: Tropical-looking tender shrub;
    purplish, red or green fan-shaped leaves and burgundy stems.
    Hardiness: Generally regarded as an annual, except in USDA
    Hardiness Zones 9 and 10. Landscape uses: Provides tall screen or

    leafy background in a hurry for temporary hedges, backs of beds
    and poolsides.
    Precaution: Seeds are extremely toxic.

    Ricinus communis
    Castor bean adds tropical flair to landscapes

    In India and China, castor bean is an important crop for
    industrial and pharmaceutical uses. Here in North America, we
    prefer to use it as a super-fast ornamental plant with bold and
    striking foliage. Ricinus communis is easy to produce, reaches a
    large size in a short time and makes an excellent temporary screen
    or background planting. Plants can reach 12 feet tall and up, and
    6 feet wide in a season, smaller in cooler climates.

    Castor bean should be regarded as an annual in all zones except
    USDA Hardiness Zones 9 and 10. In the tropical South, it will over
    winter and become quite woody and treelike. Purple, red or green
    leaves and burgundy-colored stalks and stems add a novel hue to
    patios, poolsides and beds. Individual leaves can be up to 3 feet
    across! Orange or white flowers are without petals and are
    clustered in long panicles; the attractive fruit is covered with
    soft, orange-brown spines. Seeds (or beans) are toxic, so keep
    plants out of reach of children and do not plant castor bean where
    children play. To prevent seed formation, pinch off the burrlike
    capsules while they are small if you do not wish for seeds.

    Several selections are commercially available: 'Dwarf Red Spire'
    is a lower-growing plant (6 feet) with red leaves and seedpods;
    'Sanguineus' has blood-red foliage and stems; 'Zanzibarensis' has
    very large green leaves.

    Growing castor bean

    Propagation is by seeds, sown indoors at 70F-85F. Seed germinates
    in three to four weeks. Soaking seeds in water overnight before
    planting may enhance germination. Plant six-week-old seedlings in
    quart or gallon containers using a standard, well-draining potting
    mix. In the landscape, castor bean likes deep, rich soil,
    sheltered from winds. It prefers full sun and regular irrigation.
    Unfortunately, castor bean is susceptible to a number of fungal
    and bacterial diseases. Fungi can attack irrigated plantings at
    any stage of growth, though most damage is on young plants. After
    germination, seedlings are susceptible to a number of root and
    stem rots, which become more prevalent in wet soils. The most
    common diseases are Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Sclerotium, all
    capable of decimating young plants. Use a fungicide seed treatment
    where the incidence of soil-borne pathogens is known to be high
    and for irrigated plantings. --

    Name: Ricinus communis
    Common name: Castor bean, castor-oil plant.
    Family: Euphorbiaceae.
    Description: Tropical-looking tender shrub; purplish, red or green
    fan-shaped leaves and burgundy stems.
    Hardiness: Generally regarded as an annual, except in USDA
    Hardiness Zones 9 and 10.
    Landscape uses: Provides tall screen or leafy background in a
    hurry for temporary hedges, backs of beds and poolsides.
    Precaution: Seeds are extremely toxic.

    Complete Castor Bean Growing Guide

    Below is a Growing guide I created myself, using the all the
    information available on Internet. I have tried to make it
    accurate and as general as possible so it would pertain to most
    regions. I have also included some of my own observations as I
    have grown castor beans for some years now. Let me know what ya
    all think.

    Growing Castor Beans (Ricinus Communis)

    Description of the Plant : It is thought to be a native to the
    Ethiopian region of tropical Africa. The Castor Bean (Ricinis
    Communis) is a plant of massive proportions and produces large
    tropical palmately-lobed leaves. The leaves are glossy and often
    red or bronze tinted when young. White, insignificant flowers
    appear in clusters at the end of the main stem in late summer. The
    fruit capsules consist of an oblong spiny pods which contains
    three chambers each occupied by one seed. The plant is
    not a legume (from the bean family) as the name would imply, but
    is a member of the Euphorbia family.

    Growth Habits : The Castor Bean, a fast growing plant, makes a
    dramatic focal point in the garden. It can
    form a giant plant with huge fleshy leaves that grows to a height
    of 6 to 15 feet and 3 to 6 feet wide in a
    single growing season. In colder regions it is grown as an annual.
    In the south and southwest the castor
    bean can be grown as a perennial. Grows best where temperatures
    are rather high with adequate moisture.
    Requires a growing season of 140 to 180 days to produce mature
    seeds. They tend to do best planted in
    full sun even in the hottest parts of the southwest, but may fail
    to set seed if temperatures exceed 100
    degrees for an extended period.

    Sowing Date : Castor Beans tend to do best when planted directly
    in the ground and may be directly sown
    outside after the soil has become warm and frost danger is past.
    They are generally planted at the same
    time corn or tomatoes are planted. Germination can be slow,
    usually taking 10 to 21 days after planting.

    Seed Preparation : Soaking the seeds in water, overnight, before
    planting may enhance germination.
    Additionally, scarifying or scratching the seed coat with a file
    or sharp knife, can also help the seeds to
    absorb water and begin germination.

    Soil : The Castor will tolerate a wide range of soil types, but
    grows best in a soil of medium texture. Does
    well in either alkaline or acid soils, as long as there is good
    drainage. One of the more important factors
    for seed production is the supply of nitrogen in the soil.
    Insufficient nitrogen results in reduced castor bean
    yields. Excessive nitrogen produces heavy vegetative growth with
    little or no increase in seed yield.

    Planting Depth and Spacing : Seeds should be planted at a depth of
    approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches and
    plant should be spaced approximately 4 feet apart.

    Harvesting/Seed Capsules : The spiny seed pod or capsule is
    composed of three sections which turn
    brown when mature. Each section contains a single large seed and
    as it dries and splits open, the seed is often ejected. Harvesting
    usually takes place in late summer to fall. The shiny seeds of
    castor plants are a little larger than pinto beans, with very
    beautiful and intricate designs on the surface. Like human faces,
    fingerprints or the spots on a leopard, no two seeds have exactly
    the same pattern. The seeds resemble the bodies of ticks,
    particularly ticks engorged with blood. Seeds retain viability for
    2-3 years.

    Additional Information
    The seeds are both attractive and poisonous so should be kept away
    from children.

    The entire plant and seeds of the Castor Bean are toxic and hands
    should be washed after handling the
    plant and seeds.

    Additionally, some allergy-prone people may experience contact
    dermatitis from
    touching the plant, so caution is recommended.

    Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:773156}}

  • Boz_
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    who wants seeds?
    I found some I had stored from last year, a very high percentage of them are viable.
    Boz

  • Noturningback
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I hear they keep mosquitos away.

  • mom6nan
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You've heard the tale of Jack and the Bean Stalk. Well....

  • JohnnieB
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have several large castor beans in my garden, and I assure you, they do NOT keep mosquitoes away!

  • kattej
    21 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Never knew it was poisonous untill last year. When I was little I saw it everywhere. They would harvest the seeds and extract oil from the seeds - used as hair oil. Also some people would drink it (very infrequently - like once a year) to clean the bowel - you will get terrible bowel movement.

  • chazzyander
    20 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I got some seeds from a garden magazine called Gurney's. You can get a free catalog at their site which is www.gurneys.com, and you can also order them online. Sorry I don't know how to post links.
    Chaz

  • carlanne
    19 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Pinetree Gardens in Maine has them in their catalog, also. WWW.Pinetreegardens.com, I think.

  • bluebirdie
    19 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Sorry for tagging along someone else's thread. But this thread has so much valuable infomation, I have it bookmarked.

    I planted three kinds of castor bean plants from seed (one kind is 'Sanguineus'). They're transplanted in the ground three weeks ago when they're about three inches tall. Most of my yard gets at least 10 hr of sun everyday now. Now that they're all about one foot high with small palm size leaves, they're all blooming on the tip of the main trunk. Shouldn't they do this when they're bigger?

    I confess that it's very dry here and I'm only watering them once in a day or two.

  • nycteris
    19 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I tried to grow one in a pot last year, and it didn't like that at all! I only had about four leaves. But I did end up collecting a couple of seeds. I don't trust them, because the plant was so sickly - so I ended up buying some seeds on ebay. I suppose it's a little early for Ohio, but I'll attempt them soon... I'd love to see a healthy plant.
    (And yeah I confess I toyed with the idea of a death garden ^_^ )

  • FariesAngel
    19 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    It is fun to hybridize them. I have been doing this for 30 yrs. and get some really weird plants because of it. I really don't know what will happen from each years hybridizations, but it is sure fun to see the weird results.

  • Secluded
    19 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hey,
    If you're still looking for Castor Bean Seeds, go online to Main Street Seed and Supply. They will send a package of 18-24 seeds for $1.75 plus $1.50 shipping. That's many more than you get most places for less money. All are the tall ones(there is a dwarf variety) of various colors.

  • susanlynne48
    18 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I received what my neighbor referred to as "blue castor beans". Does anyone know what these plants are like? I have seen the red and green, but have never heard of blue.

    Susan

  • almac377_yahoo_com
    18 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    here is a link to a website that has pictures of a purple(blue) Castor bean plant. I would love to find some seeds for this beauty.:

    http://www.greenbeam.com/features/plant090400.stm

  • ornata
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    That first picture looks like it was taken in the evening, when the light can give reflective surfaces a blueish cast. The Ricinus with the strongest purple colour to its leaves is R. communis 'New Zealand Purple', and seed is quite widely available, e.g. from JL Hudson in California, or from Chiltern Seeds in the UK (but Chiltern is much more expensive). 'New Zealand Purple' has a lovely metallic lustre to the leaves, but they are more of a burgundy colour than a true purple.

  • janice_in_ottawa
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    What a wealth of info in this thread. I love the tropical look of castor bean plants, way up here in the short-season north.

    I have a question about seed pod development. I have had great success with castor beans in the past, having them grow 10 feet tall in a decent-sized pot on my balcony. This year, I have one in a nice big (20") pot on my sunny deck, and it seems to be starting seed pods at only 2 feet tall! Does this mean the plant is at the end of its growing stint for the season? I didn't have seed pods on my previous plants until they were much taller. Should I be pinching them off to encourage further growth?

    Thanks for any help you can offer.

  • benita383
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi:

    I planted several castor beans here last spring and they are now about three feet tall. The leaves are large, bronze-purple and about five or six-pointed.

    I enjoy them, but they are making my neighbors nervous. So that detracts from the enjoyment. We are mainly middle-aged adults around here so I intend to hang onto them for awhile. Roz- comet97@msn.com

  • trigger_m
    17 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    They are indeed neat plants.Mine grow maybe 10 feet tall-dark reddish/purple color.My neighbors ask what Those purple Plants are-and they are a good 100 years off the road to the flowerbed!!They get really big!!They do self sow-so be careful where you plant themI've moved them from my main flower bed to a smaller bed.Been pulling seedlings all summer.Been very careful to explain to my son to NEVER eat,or even mess with these plants.

  • fernzilla
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have found both plants and seeds on Ebay just about anytime. They will have pictures of mature plants so you can see what they look like. Alot of places don't sell the seeds as Recinus(Castor Bean) plants can be used to maufacture The poison Ricin. Of course Castor Oil also comes from the Castor Bean plant.

  • murkey
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I found some on Sand Mountain Herbs.com under the name 'Mole Plant'. They recommend them as a mole, chipmunk, vole, and gopher repellent. Last year I sprayed all my flowerbeds with a mixture of water, dish soap and castor oil because I lost so many of my plants to root eaters. I wonder if planting a few of these plants would do the same job?

  • clarence_gardner
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I started growing a plant a while ago in hopes of making my own lotions.hair care products etc. but now I am afraid of doing anything so I have a few questions to ask.

    If I take the beans and blend them together like in a blender is that toxic?

    Is the bean itself toxic or is there a toxin inside in a liquid form of some sort which can not be used?

    Why do the seeds pop and can that be dangerous.

    This plant beauty is breath taking but i am afraid to do anything until I find out more. Can someone please help me?

  • glaswegian
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Anyone growing these come spring?

  • jerad_foster_gmail_com
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Has anyone had luck, with these in pots. I have three 16" cube planters, and would love to put Castor Beans in there. They are in full sun, I don't care if it gets full size I just want it to be healthy. I'll be planting it from seeds starting now, sounds like I'm a little late but I'm going to try nonetheless. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

  • stokesjl
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    i threw some seeds in some large planters i had last year. this wasn't until very late april/early may. i let the rain take care of most of the watering, unless it was unusually dry. they took off just fine. didn't get absolutely huge growing in a container, but they served their purpose of adding to the tropicalesque feeling i was going for on my patio.

  • glaswegian
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Here is a pic of one of the ones I started indoors in March

    {{gwi:529723}}

    Cannas

    {{gwi:529722}}

  • girlndocs
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You CANNOT make your own castor oil with castor beans. This is a process that can't even be done on US soil because of how dangerous the process and the wastes are (so we shuffle themn off on poorer countries, nice huh). Castor oil has no ricin in it, but the pomace it leaves behind does. Please don't go blending the seeds up trying to make lotions.

  • jeradf
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I started mine indoors a few weeks ago. Five of the six have sprouted and are about 6" tall. How long should I wait before I transplant them to larger pots?

  • tbenton
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I too would like to know how and when to safely transplant young castor bean plants that I am starting from seeds from last year's plant. I have soaked and planted 8 seeds in one large pot.

    Also...can I harvest the pods before they burst so I don't have to look for them all over the place? If so when do I know its time before they burst? I would like to put them in a plastic bag so they will burst in there.

    Lastly....how long can I keep the seeds? I still have many seeds left from last year and would like to save them.

    Thanks

    Terri

  • tbenton
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    For those who still cannot find them - I got my first castor bean seeds at...

    http://www.wuvie.net/castorbeans.htm

    After that I had plenty from the pods for future years.

    Terri

  • dlpasti
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I grow caster beans every year with my canna's-----they're not a problem---if you worry about seeds and someone getting them---pull the flowers off. Anyone need a seed or two, let me know...........Oh, and the bed they're in is the only bed in the yard that for some reason the moles don't go through---my neighbors yard is a mole playground!

  • quicksdraw
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Where can I buy the large variety? Looking for the huge 12-15 foot tall. With huge geeen leaves and a very thick green stock. Ive noticed the red stocked plants are much smaller - thanks for recommending

  • jreal
    14 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have been growing Castor Beans for a couple of years. I want to cultivate the seeds from this year's plant and plant them next year. When and how do I get the seeds from the plant? Is there a good time to get them off the plant? And, when I do, how is it best to keep them until ready to plant in February? Any suggestions, or any websites that will give me this specific information?

  • carlanne
    13 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am fond of this plant and always try to grow a few. I do have many seeds and would be happy to share them. I do not want an exchange however.

  • glaswegian
    12 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Carlanne...do you still have the seeds to share?

  • gardenisland
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hello all,

    Hoping you can help me confirm that we have found a castor bean plant growing wild - please can you review the photos and give me your opionion. I am pretty sure we have the correct plant here, they have been transplanted since the photos, but I wanted to make sure.

    Thank you - pixie

  • tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Yes, it's Ricinus communis - castor bean.

    Al

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