Red Castor Bean ''Carmencita'' (Ricinus communis)

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Cajun2 (Carole) Cleveland, TX(Zone 9a) Aug 01, 2003

Common name: Red Castor Bean ''Carmencita''
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Ricinus
Species communis

Plant Link: http://plantsdatabase.com/go/75519/

Thumbnail by Cajun2
Post #600709
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roshana Jacksonville, IL(Zone 5a) Sep 18, 2003

Neat photo! I'm growing this for the first time this year, one in the sun mostly and one in mostly shade. The one in the sun is blooming but the shade one is not. Are the seeds going to be in those red puff-bally things? Or will there be long pods? Interesting plant.

Post #652873
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Cajun2 (Carole) Cleveland, TX(Zone 9a) Sep 18, 2003

Yes! The red puffy balls are the future seed pods. Wait until they are brown (and almost ugly) on the plant before harvesting the seeds. The seed pods get spikey when they dry, so be careful. Each pod contains 3 sections; one section should contain a seed (though not all did on mine).

I didn't think mine did all that terrific, growth-wise (it is still only about 3' tall), but it produced 52 seeds!!

I'll definitely be growing this again next year. My friend in NC said hers is now 10' tall!!! I love the red/purple/green foliage on it!

Post #652924
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roshana Jacksonville, IL(Zone 5a) Sep 18, 2003

Thanks for the tips on the seeds. I'm hoping to harvest some for next year too. I think mine in the shade is about the same height as yours, but the one in the sun is probably 5 feet or more. I'm enjoying the castor bean also. A friend said he would never grow them again because he had to use a saw to cut a dead one down! Can't imagine that!

Post #652954
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Cajun2 (Carole) Cleveland, TX(Zone 9a) Sep 27, 2003

Does anyone else have this growing in Zone 8 or lower as a perennial? Or even where it freezes to the ground and comes back? Or do I just dig it up when it dies back in the winter?

Post #662901
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rootdoctor Harrisville, MI(Zone 5b) Sep 28, 2003

Cajun2,that is some great info!
We had lots of fun with this thread,maybe you can find your answers here,I noticed some folks in your area.
http://davesgarden.com/t/390294/

Post #663332
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Cajun2 (Carole) Cleveland, TX(Zone 9a) Sep 28, 2003

Thanks for pointing me to the Castor Bean Contest thread! How FUN!

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss in the storm though.
That's really too bad :(

Post #663509
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polaris93 Highland, IN(Zone 6a) Apr 25, 2004

cajun2, did you use any kind-a soil mix for the castor bean plants?

Post #849536
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Cajun2 (Carole) Cleveland, TX(Zone 9a) May 05, 2004

no, i sure didn't... in fact, i even failed to water mine at first last year.

i have just TODAY planted 3 'seeds' for the Dark Purple Castor Bean so wish me LUCK! i'm gonna NEED it!!!

i may HAVE to fertilize these heavily if there's going to be any kind of competition again this year *wink*

Carole

Post #860524
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polaris93 Highland, IN(Zone 6a) Aug 16, 2004

looking for the info on the castor bean contest can you help me?

Post #1004234
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polaris93 Highland, IN(Zone 6a) Sep 30, 2004

cajun2

keep checking your seed pods once in a while you'll find a pod that has 4 seeds in the pod, their rare but keep looking i will post a pict of a 4 pod

Post #1072738
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