Ricinus

[andy]

Anyone grown them before ?....im going to have a go in the exotic garden but i have to grow them from seed.

I remember we used to grow them as dot plants in our bedding displays in Brighton but political correctness has since taken over from common sense.

There's some nice varieties around too...dark bronze leaves with red flowers.

So if anyone has any experience growing them from seed, i'd love to hear about it.

Andy

[Rosefriend]

I grew then a long time ago Andy - I do remember thinking that they took heat to germinate - over 20deg C at least and the seeds are enormous aren't they. I can't remember whether I soaked them or not before I planted them.

I did 2 plants the last time and they really were rather nice.

RF

[Chuckles]

Well I had to google and then realised what Ricinus was, Castor Oil plants

Never grown them but I do like them, I was very tempted to take seed from these which I saw on hols. I've seen the ones that are a lot redder stemmed and leaved and with red flowers too but these are the only ones I have pics of

[jean]

I've grown them a few times and they make a spectacular foliage plant both in pots and at the back of the border. Many folks are put off because they are poisonous, but there are a lot of poisonous plants in the garden. They should keep producing beautiful leaves right into autumn.

They are also used in floristry - mainly just the stems ( I've got 70 seeds to trial in the GH this year I'll probably end up with a mini forest )

I think the trick is not to sow them too early for planting outside as they can get quite leggy before they get a decent root system to support them and a cold snap or windy weather will finish them off very quickly.

I got my Ricinus Communis Impala seeds from Nickys Nursery

[Cheerypeabrain]

I had one plant last year...Ricinus NZ Black...



If I can fit some in I might grow a few from seed this year.... ;D

[beanie]

I grew some a couple of seasons ago and found them fairly easy. every seed germinated. A tip I was given was to make sure I kept potting them on and not to let the roots be restricted. forgot to add that I soaked them in tepid water for a few hours before planting

[andy]

Just got my Ricinus seeds from T&M....hopefully get them in for the weekend ;D

[Dutchy]

It is only monday of course you can. Besides outside will be a mess again so what else is there to do after work.
I hope they grow well for you