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- Q.Castor Beans - When should I start castor beans?
- Q.How Do I Start Castor Beans Inside - How do I start castor beans inside?
- Q.What Plant Food Or Fertilizer To Use For Caster Bean Plants? - I'm new to gardening and want to know what to feed my plant. I'm starting out from seed.
- Q.Castor Bean Plant Growing Out Not Up - I have planted a number of castor bean plants from seeds. They seem to be growing out and not up. ...
- Q.About Castor Beans - Will they deter snakes
- Q.Castor Bean Plant Safe In Compost? - is it safe to put the remains of a castor bean plant in my compost? will it kill off ...
- Q.Castor Bean Plant And Toxicity - I have been given three castor bean seeds from a friend who grows them. I was so very excited and ...
Asked by
johnny on
April 27, 2011Q.Castor Beans
When should I start castor beans?
Answered by
Heather on
May 2, 2011
Certified ExpertA.You can start them indoors about 4-6 weeks before you plan on planting them out. You can start them outdoors as soon as all chance of frost have passed.
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- Asked by
johnny on
April 10, 2012Q.How Do I Start Castor Beans Inside
How do I start castor beans inside?
- Answered by
Heather on
April 16, 2012
Certified ExpertA.Soak the seeds for 12-24 hours in warm water. Plant them in soil about 1 inch deep and place them in a relatively warm spot. Once you see sprouts, place them where they can get bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist. Once danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have at least 2 sets of true leaves, plant them out in your garden.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
mpmda1 on
October 21, 2014Q.what plant food or fertilizer to use for caster bean plants?
I'm new to gardening and want to know what to feed my plant. I'm starting out from seed.
- Answered by
theficuswrangler on
October 21, 2014A.Castor beans are easy and vigorous; here's more about them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/castor-bean/castor-bean-information.htm
If the soil is even marginally fertile, you probably won't need to worry about fertilizer. If you really want to use some, an all purpose 3-1-2 formulation, or balanced 1-1-1, would be fine. Learn more about fertilizer here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/fertilizer-numbers-npk.htm
One thing you will find helpful as you begin to learn about gardening is to understand that plants make their own food by using the energy in light to combine elements from air, water, and the nutrient minerals in the soil. Fertilizer just helps along what's already there. So the starting points are always correct light for the type of plant, correct water, and good soil. You might want to start by learning about soil, and how to nurture it. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/ultimate-beginners-guide-composting.htmWas this answer useful?00 - Asked by
kathi121959 on
July 24, 2015
Wisconsin Rapids wiQ.Castor bean plant growing out not up
I have planted a number of castor bean plants from seeds. They seem to be growing out and not up. Is this normal and will they start growing up eventually?
- Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
July 26, 2015A.You can add a stake and give them a support to start out on.
Make sure that they have plenty of sunlight and adequate water in well draining soil.
Here is a link with growing information.
Also please use caution and refresh yourself on the toxic safety measures with this plant.https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/castor-bean/castor-bean-information.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
deborahmedwards1958 on
May 29, 2017
71701Q.about castor beans
Will they deter snakes
- Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
May 30, 2017A.No, Caster Bean plants are not a snake deterrent.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/castor-bean/castor-bean-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/getting-rid-of-snakes.htmWas this answer useful?00 - Asked by
sobadores on
October 8, 2017
87507Q.castor bean plant safe in compost?
is it safe to put the remains of a castor bean plant in my compost? will it kill off the worms and other microbes or will the poisonous parts decompose and be safe to use?
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
October 8, 2017
Certified ExpertA.Ricin, which is the chemical culprit responsible for the plants toxicity, will break down at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. this being said, if your compost pile is properly maintained and large enough then you will have no problem composting the plant. If you are concerned that the temperature will not reach 140 in your pile then I would stay away from composting it.
Was this answer useful?10 - Answered by
sobadores on
October 9, 2017A.thank you; do you take the temperature of the compost deep in the center or at the bottom to determine the temperature?
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
April 12, 2018Q.Castor Bean Plant and Toxicity
I have been given three castor bean seeds from a friend who grows them. I was so very excited and could hardly wait to plant them. Upon doing some research I now have concerns about some innocent creature getting poisoned such as a deer, rabbits, birds. I am now torn...I have never been so excited about a plant before but now this issue has came to be. I am hoping for some advice from a gardening professional please. Thank you for your time. Deb
- Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
April 12, 2018A.I have seen many gardeners grow Castor Bean seeds with no issues in their gardens, but being aware of the toxic nature of this plant is a good idea before deciding whether or not to grow it.
These links will help you make a decision.https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/castor-bean/castor-bean-information.htm
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/castor-bean-plant
http://www.library.illinois.edu/vex/toxic/castor/castor.htmWas this answer useful?00
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