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Ricinus communis - can I collect the seeds?

LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
in Plants
My Ricinus communis (castor oil) plants are doing well and a couple are flowering. Does anyone who grows these know if the seeds will develop enough in the UK to be viable? And if so, any tips on collection and storage (other than being careful not to poison myself)?
'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
- Cicero

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    yes, they have occasionally self-seeded for me and should ripen well this year. Wait til they're really ripe, dry and coming loose, shake them into an envelope (or anything non plastic), I store seeds in a cupboard that's rarely opened and doesn't get much warmth from the heating system


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I’ve grown them from seed as well. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Thanks, nutcutlet. Is that seed you've collected yourself, Lyn?
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    edited August 2018
    No, Hostafan gave them to me. 
    I didn’t collect my seeds, they didn’t grow very well here, we usually have cold wet weather whatever month it is and they prefer dry hot. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Aha - but ripened here. Good. Thanks.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    Same for me as for nutcutlet.  Let the flowers finish on the plant, they should be dry, I leave them to dry out in our cold greenhouse over the winter, or you can put them in a paper envelope or bag.  This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago, the plant has grown another foot taller since then.
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Thanks everyone :)
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
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