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How to Buy Castor Bean Seeds

The castor plant (Ricinus communis) is a shrub named for its seed's resemblance to an engorged tick (Ixodes ricinus). The plant grows as an annual in the southern U.S. and a perennial in tropical climates. Castor seeds are not actually beans because beans are produced by plants of the legume family. Oil from the castor seed is used in paints, varnishes, and the production of nylon. The seeds and seed pulp are highly poisonous, but this does not limit availability of seeds for horticultural purposes.

Things You'll Need

  • Funds or credit card
  • Shipping address
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a supplier of castor seeds. Suppliers can be found on the Internet at sites such as Amazon, Local Harvest, and SeedRack. Several varieties may be advertise; make sure the seeds you order are Ricinus communis.

    • 2

      Choose a seed quantity. Castor plants can take up significant vertical as well as horizontal space. Plan for a 12-foot-high shrub, six feet in diameter. Ten seeds, or 12 grams, should cost you about $4. Bulk orders can be filled by foreign suppliers, although import of castor seeds is prohibited in Australia.

    • 3

      Order the seeds using the website's order form and fill in your address. Choose method of delivery, and wait for the shipment.