Castor Bean Plant

[bushdoctor82]

Anyone have any experience growing castor bean plants?

I started some from seed earlier this month and had to up pot to half gallon containers this evening. The variety I’m growing is named Impala and should grow between 4-6’. I’m primarily growing them as another possible control for root knot nematodes (I’m throwing the kitchen sink this year). There are limited studies in the lab and field that show that a seed meal or a tincture made from the leaves can aid in suppressing RKN.

I realize the seeds are poisonous and they will be grown away from pets and children.

 

[Fig Gazer]

Caster bean grows wild around here by the 100 of pounds if not tons . SEEMS a shame to grow it on purpose ?

 

[TorontoJoe]

Are you growing them for the beans or just to prevent RKN? Just curious. I'd never heard of them. I had to ask The Google what they were

 

[bushdoctor82]

Caster bean grows wild around here by the 100 of pounds if not tons . SEEMS a shame to grow it on purpose ?

I know they can become invasive in warmer climates, but I’ll be growing it as an annual.

Definitely not a shame if the plant and byproducts can help in the management of root knot nematodes - it would be a shame to not grow it and try it out for a season.

 

[bushdoctor82]

Are you growing them for the beans or just to prevent RKN? Just curious. I'd never heard of them. I had to ask The Google what they were

I’ll be growing it this season primarily for the seeds and leaves, but they are a striking plant to throw into a few garden areas. I’m at the point where I’ll try (and am trying) anything besides chemicals to treat for RKN.

 

[Fig Gazer]

i GUESS MY POINT IS I COULD SEND YOU A BUNCH BUT USPS PROBABLY WONT ALOW IN MAIL ?

 

[bushdoctor82]

Thanks for the offer - USPS shouldn’t be an issue, as my seeds came through the mail. Before I get too crazy and load the yard with these plants, I’m giving it the ol’ college try this season.

 

[Topfigs]

They can grow over 12 feet in a few months. I think ricin poison came from this plant.

 

[bushdoctor82]

They can grow over 12 feet in a few months. I think ricin poison came from this plant.

Yea - I’ll be leaving my Heisenberg hat in the closet when processing seeds.

 

[Figland]

That is interesting! Hope it works for you. In the creek bed at the bottom of our property I try to stop them from growing but I usually fail. I'll have to try harder, I wonder if they are helping us avoid RKN? Maybe.