castor beans = ricin

by plants 'n pots on February 05, 2004 02:24 AM

A few years ago I received some castor bean seeds from an online trade. I have been growing this beautiful plant each summer, and of course have loads of seeds. I only grow it in large containers on my 2nd story deck, so no harm will come to any wandering neighborhood kids or animals.

Now that ricin is all over the news, will it be or is it illegal to grow these gorgeous plants? I remember a few years ago one of the local nurseries said they could not start plants in their greenhouses and offer them for sale, but they were able to sell them if they got them from particular wholesalers.

Anyone know if there will be a problem growing these plants this summer? [shocked]

Will I need to ask you guys to post bail for me? [dunno]

The local paper ran a list of people who were jailed for possessing the powder in the last several years...

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by weezie13 on February 05, 2004 02:57 AM

It was great meetin' you Lynne,
Take Care in the Big House!!! [Big Grin]

Weezie

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by weezie13 on February 05, 2004 02:59 AM

Keep an eye on your "soap on the rope"! [grin]

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by weezie13 on February 05, 2004 03:04 AM

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by weezie13 on February 05, 2004 03:05 AM

Oh, I am just kidding!!
Honestly!
I wouldn't have a clue....
Just couldn't resist!

Weezie

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by plants 'n pots on February 05, 2004 03:07 AM

Too much Weezie!
You're the first one I'm coming to for bail $.

Better start baking cakes too! [Big Grin]

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by weezie13 on February 05, 2004 04:08 AM

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by weezie13 on February 05, 2004 04:24 AM

Baking cookies,
You have never tasted my cooking have you!! [Big Grin]

You'd be there awhile!!! [Wink]

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by plants 'n pots on February 05, 2004 04:41 AM

Ummmmmm - not the point - [dunno]

don't plan on EATING IT!... [Frown]

gotta have something to hide the file in...

(I know... I'll just hide some of that great toxic powder!

)

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by Jillie on February 05, 2004 05:07 AM

I'll make you a BIG cake with a file in it.
I'll also put money on your "books" so you can shop in the despensary....need some cigs?

J/K.... [grin]

Isn't it scary?

Sheesh. [shocked]

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by plants 'n pots on February 05, 2004 05:17 AM

Thanks Jillie - I knew YOU'D come through for me! [Wink]

All kidding aside... I really would like to know if there will be a problem growing this plant anymore?!?

I can just see the police raiding my backyard...
like they did last summer across the county when they discovered a HUGE patch of marijuana growing in the foothills of someone's property! [lala]

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by Jillie on February 05, 2004 05:54 AM

....Helicopters.....Spotlights.....Loudspeakers....Bullhorns....

Maybe we'll see it on the 6:00 news...

I can see the headlines.....

(I don't really think we have to worry, hunny [kissies]

).....but it's funny...... [Wink]

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by weezie13 on February 05, 2004 07:11 AM

I agree with Jillie,
but it's been a little fun kidding you!!!

We'd all be there bailing you out Lynne,
You're great, couldn't imagine the place
here with out you anymore!!! [Cool]

Weezie

The Orange outfits won't clash with your hair color will it?? [Big Grin]

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by plants 'n pots on February 05, 2004 02:32 PM

EEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWW - ORANGE CLOTHES [Razz]

now, a nice shade of coral, or salmon even... [Big Grin]

that's what I love about you two -
making me chuckle last thing at night,
and first thing in the morning!!!! [kissies]

(I'm a little nervous today - going for a follow-up ultrasound and possible aspiration on a cyst you know where... been through this a few times before, but it's always unnerving...)

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by Jillie on February 05, 2004 03:55 PM

Good, good wishes for you, Lynne

Gee, you and Hollywood, on opposite ends of the country...going for the ol' poke n' prod today...
Hollywood's getting her lung biopsy .....

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by plants 'n pots on February 05, 2004 04:04 PM

Thanks so much Jillie! [kissies]

I, too, wish Hollywood much good luck, and I hope they find something simple and easy to cure so she can breathe easier real soon!

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by Jillie on February 06, 2004 03:44 AM

Thanks, Lynne [kissies]

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by weezie13 on February 06, 2004 04:52 AM

Well, my cables' been off all day,
I'm sorry I didn't send my

cheers
for both Plants and Hollywood!!!!!!
How did everything go???

Maybe should start a post in Banter Hall for that,

NOT that we would ever get off subject here!
Me? Never?

Weezie

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by Phil and Laura on February 06, 2004 03:11 PM

PsssssssssT LYNNE, If your castor bean seed is the variety that grows over 6 ft., I sure would like some seed; BEFORE THEY HAUL YOU OFF!! [Big Grin]

Phil

by weezie13 on February 06, 2004 03:33 PM

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by Jillie on February 06, 2004 04:13 PM

Can I try on yer orange jumpsuit before you go????? [Big Grin]

Never wore anything orange before....

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by Jillie on February 06, 2004 04:14 PM

(sorry, Lynne, I jes' hadta) [kissies]

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by Jiffymouse on February 06, 2004 05:19 PM

ok folks, first, hope everything went the best for lynne and jc.

now about the castor bean plant, i got in my email today one of my gardening newsletters and it said that growing the castor bean plant was legal 'cause the process to get the ricin out of it was lengthy and complicated. so... send me some seeds! [Big Grin]

by Jillie on February 06, 2004 05:24 PM

Thanks, for your concern, Weez & Jiffy [kissies]

Holywood (aka JC, JoAnn) came thru the biopsy ok...with little more than a cough and a sore throat today...now the waiting begins...

Hey...toss us a coupla seeds, too!

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by plants 'n pots on February 06, 2004 05:34 PM

Thanks from me too, Weezie and Jiffy! [kissies]

My procedure went smoothly, but now it is also the waiting for results... will hopefully have them late Monday-Tuesday. The wait is not easy, so I'll be playing lots of games here since we are housebound once again with this "lovely" mix of winter weather! [Frown]

As for the seeds - I'll be happy to send them out to those who would like - just let me go downstairs and check and see how many I have first!

I've had the best luck with starting them indoors first here -
usually around mid-March.

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by plants 'n pots on February 06, 2004 06:57 PM

ok - Phil, Jiffy, and Jillie

(Weezie - I don't recommed this for you with young children because the entire plant is poisonous!)

I just looked over my seeds and...
I have enough to send about 20 seeds of the green castor variety - doesn't get quite as large as the red, and is all green in trunk, leaves and veins, red flowers which turn to very prickly seed pods.

I also have enough for about 10 seeds each of the red castor been variety - gets to at least 6 feet when planted in the ground here, has slightly lighter colored trunk, red stems, HUGE green leaves with red veining, and red flowers which turn to very prickly seed pods.

I can send you both varieties if you like...
just send me a PM with your address

castor bean plant

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by weezie13 on February 06, 2004 08:27 PM

Lynne,
That plant has been on my wish list for awhile now, and that's right where it's staying until
"them thar rug rats are all growd up"
I won't take any chances with them.....

I do just love the plant,
they say it's the the 3rd or 4th fastest
growing plant!!!
(Two types of bamboo's are faster,
if I remember correctly)

Have you watched it grow???

Weezie

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by Flower on February 06, 2004 08:34 PM

I love growing this plant too....it grows well in our short hot summers. I plant them in the front along the house ... with the "tropicals".

I enjoyed that site...thanks for sharing.

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by plants 'n pots on February 06, 2004 09:00 PM

Weezie~ I haven't really watched it grow, because I usually plant it in 12 inch pots on my deck - it doesn't get to its full potential in the pots. I did plant 2 in the ground 2 summers ago and they got huge - too big for the areas they were in and I had to cut them back! [dunno]

Smart of you not to grow them now. I wouldn't take any chances on those lovies of yours!

Barb ~ glad you liked the site. [grin]

I always try to post at least a picture of a plant I'm talking about, usually I'll find a link to info about growing them too. I first saw these plants growing out front of a Chinese restaurant here - they had one on each side of the main entry - they were soooooooooo exotic looking I just had to have it, and was lucky enough to get some seeds from an online trade.

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by papito on February 06, 2004 09:58 PM

While on the subject of castor bean plant...

A while back there were discussion about garden pests (moles, gophers,etc.), castor bean plant was mentioned as a good mole repellant. See below:

http://landscaping.about.com/cs/pests/a/mole_control_4.htm

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Amor est vitae essentia.
Love is the essence of life.

by Jiffymouse on February 07, 2004 01:48 AM

papito, i remember that thread, vaguely. hmmmm. that would mean maybe it would work for catlover and her gophers??? hey catlover, want some? i bet weezie would let you have her share for right now [Big Grin]

by Barb H. on February 07, 2004 03:04 AM

Lynne,

Glad to see your biopsy went ok. And Hollywood seems to have come through ok as well. Got to keep you two gardeners up and about...it's so much fun shooting the breeze with y'all!! [grin]

I got the biggest smile reading this thread about your possible arrest and confiscation of your Castor Plant!! [Big Grin]

Barb H.

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by Jillie on February 07, 2004 03:26 PM

Okay, Lynne, I PM'd you [wayey]

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by catlover on February 08, 2004 03:04 AM

How big of an area does it work around the plant??? [dunno]

Sure....I'd like to try some....I live right up the street from the cop shop! [grin]

Thanks Jiffy for thinking about me and my gopher problem!!!

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by plants 'n pots on February 08, 2004 04:18 AM

Catlover... PM with your addy if you'd like me to send you some!

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by catlover on February 08, 2004 06:15 AM

Sent....thank you very much!!!
Catlover [wayey]

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by plants 'n pots on February 09, 2004 11:05 PM

Okay!

Seeds were mailed out today.
If you don't find me here, look for me in
Sing-Sing... it's just over the bridge here! [Eek!]

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by weezie13 on February 09, 2004 11:13 PM

You'll be the one in ORANGE, right? [Big Grin]

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by plants 'n pots on February 09, 2004 11:35 PM

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT...

me and how many others?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? [Big Grin]

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by weezie13 on February 10, 2004 12:13 AM

You'll be the one waving!!! [wayey]

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by plants 'n pots on February 10, 2004 04:36 AM

Actually, I'll be jumping for joy -
my test came back negative today so I can breathe a sigh of relief!

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by catlover on February 10, 2004 04:50 AM

Congrats Plants n' pots....that is great news!
[muggs]

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by weezie13 on February 10, 2004 05:08 AM

Congratulations!!!
Best news I've heard all day!!
(All week actually!)

Weezie

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2

http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

by Jiffymouse on February 10, 2004 08:08 PM

awesome lynne [clappy]

get those deep breaths in now that you can!

by plants 'n pots on February 10, 2004 10:56 PM

Thanks you guys [kissies]

You all helped me through the weekend -
I knew I could count on you!

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by gardengal on February 10, 2004 11:27 PM

Yay! Lynne's okay!! Glad to hear everything is going to be fine. Now we just need to hear from Jillie or Hollywood about JC. Keep well! [angel]

* * * *

Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.

by jc2weho on February 11, 2004 04:29 AM

Hi Kristen,

Thank you so much for thinking of me. Had the Broncosopy last Thursday, didn't feel too well until Sunday. As of Monday, I called the Doc's office to see if the biopsy lab results were in and they told me yes. I waited all day to hear from the Doc, but no luck. I called the office again at 3pm and they had the answering machine on. I left a pointed message that I really wanted to hear from him that day. I was out to client appointments today, but no message from the Doc. I will hound the office staff again tomorrow morning. Right now, it's go ahead and wait!

Lynne! Great News for you, I am so very glad!

* * * *

by plants 'n pots on February 11, 2004 04:48 AM

Hi JoAnn~

Thanks so much. I know exactly what you are going through! My results came in later than they were supposed to, and that was after I was told that they needed to do the stain again, which of course put me in even more of a frenzy.

I'm sending all my good vibes to you and wishing you the best of news really soon. [kissies]

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by plants 'n pots on March 19, 2004 05:05 AM

Anyone start their castor beans yet?

I started about 12 in peat pellets, and about 10 more in a moist paper towel in a sealed zip-lock baggie on March 10th. All the seeds in the bag have germinated and are in the process of being potted up. About 1/2 of the seeds in the peat pellets are showing signs of life.

I hope the people I have sent seeds to are having success with theirs too!
I'd love to hear how large they get in your gardens this summer - I read on another site where a woman's plant had leaves that were 25 inches across, and saw some pictures of this plant - great stuff!

* * * *

Lynne's knitting journal

"I'm spayed, declawed, and housebound - how's YOUR day going???"

by catlover on March 19, 2004 04:19 PM

Plants...I have not gotten them in yet...have my grandaughters 1st Birthday party Sat....hopefully get them in on Sun!!! I can't wait to see how big they get....first time with seeds....besides some morning glories at my dad's years ago....

...did you know morning glories spread everywhere....and that kids can carry seeds EVERYWHERE in a yard [shocked]

.....

Those things were springing up left and right....my poor dad was out there for several years hoeing them out!!!! Tee hee hee [Big Grin]

At least my dad never forgot about me!!!! ROFL !!!!! [lala]

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The Garden Helper

Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2004