castor bean

[angmf2233]

Just got first set of leaves on my new seed, castor bean it took a while, never had these before hope they grow, I have 2 growing so far. I read somewhere that you soak the seeds which I did but also said that if seeds float they are no good? Is this always true? I just put some four o clocks in to soak and half are floating?

[Lana888]

Hi, I'm not sure if floating seeds are good or not but you can easily presprout castor bean seeds. Just space your seeds a couple inches apart on a damp/moist paper towel, and then roll up the towel and place in a plastic baggie. Put the baggie in a warm spot (top of frigerator) and check every few days for white sprouts from the seeds.(usually 4-5 days). You can plant these sprouts directly in the ground or in a pot to tranplant later. Not only do you get a headstart on germination, you'll also know you have good seeds. My castor beans grew to be about 10 feet tall using this method. You can presprout just about any seed the same way. Hope this helps and good luck with your castor beans.

[angmf2233]

Can you do this with little seeds also? sorry but I am a newbie.

[bhscarlett]

i never presoak my four o clocks,, i have never had trouble growing them,, this year i had to get some new varieties, and hope fully i wont be sorry they are direct in soil,, too late if i didnt do right,, used to be couldnt give them away,, they reseed very well and spread too,, blessings,, beth

[angmf2233]

I had some of those where I used to live I haven't planted any here yet though, I bought some and someone sent me some of the newer one called limelight I am gonna soon plant these.

[bhscarlett]

ive been searching for the newbies, mixed, they are pretty ,, let me know when and if they get to seeds,, love them alot,, cant find, guess to new to stay on shelves or see in swaps,, blessings,, Beth

[Gardener972]

I've never presoaked castor beans; I just poke them in the dirt and they take off! They are near a soaker hose though and they do better.

[angmf2233]

This is my first time with these, you are a lot warmer than me also how big did yours get? Thanks Angie.

[Gardener972]

Here in Texas, I plant them in April and by our first freeze, usually in late November or early December, they are well past the eves of the house. They may get 10-12 feet tall here. They make nice shade on the west house against our blistering sun.

[jessiebella677]

I just planted some for the first time. I didnt soak them, eeeks! I hope they grow!
Jessie

[angmf2233]

is it ok to grow in a good size pot? I think I had one sprout, not sure stupid me not marking my seeds. Anyway I put it in a big pot on my porch. Hope its ok.

[Gardener972]

I've never grown them in pots before but I think it will be OK as long as it gets water & full sun.