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Seed Saving FAQ

Castor Bean ~ Ricinus

13 years ago

{{gwi:2110396}}Image by: wintersown

Castor bean is a tall tropical-looking annual plant with large palmate leaves. Because all parts of castor plant are toxic it should not be grown where children might be attracted to the berry-looking seed pods.

Seed collection is easy. The plant produces large ornate seed pods studded with cillia. When the pods turn dark brown and are dry they may be removed from the plant. The pod will separate into three chambers, each encasing one single seed. The seeds are reminiscent of beetles. Castor beans are thick, dense seeds and should be dried in a safe location for several weeks before packing.

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I had no idea that castor beans were of interest by homeland security. I just hope they take care of the moles. Scotrell, my incubator is a big tupper ware bin with christmas lights linning the bottom of it. I put the tins you get from chineese food inside the bin on top of the lights. Then close. The lights maintain a constant temp. I use the jiffy refill peat pellets inside of the metal tins. This is where I germinate my seeds. Here is a link that might be useful: Click Here To Witness The Transformation
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