Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

3/26/2018

8 Comments

* This article has been moved to Heirloom Gardener. You can view it here.

8 Comments

Lea mollman

3/26/2018 01:05:54 pm

You do not mention that it is a deadly poison. Keep children and animals away from it.

Joanna link

3/26/2018 02:37:31 pm

I did say that the plant is highly poisonous and that people have died or nearly so from taking the seeds. But yes, I definitely would not grow it if I had young children or pets that can get into the garden

Eliza link

3/26/2018 04:06:12 pm

I grew it one summer, but as it gets so large, I haven't since. It needs a lot of space, but it looks good with other large leaves like canna, alocasia and the like, for a warm, tropical look.

Joanna link

3/27/2018 02:33:48 pm

Hmm, I have 6 of them and am thinking about planting a few more, though I'm not sure where I'll put them yet (I always think of that afterwards)! They probably won't get that big here, but its encouraging that they do grow so well where you're at!

Veleria

3/26/2018 04:15:34 pm

You can put the beans in mole holes to get rid of moles.

Joanna link

3/27/2018 02:35:05 pm

Interesting! I was wondering if they might repel certain garden pests. I have a lot of trouble with groundhogs and rabbits eating some of my flowers.

Jason link

3/27/2018 03:59:38 pm

It's certainly a dramatic plant, and its toxic properties are worthy of respect. I had no idea it had a written history going back to biblical times.

Joanna link

3/29/2018 07:52:04 am

Yes I've been very cautious with it-washing my hands after handling the seeds etc, just to be safe! The history that can be contained in a garden is incredible!

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I am a passionate gardener and seed-saver, who also enjoys playing the violin and accordion, running, spending time with my 4 golden retrievers, keeping chickens, photography, and reading.

Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

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