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Can anyone tell me how to harvest Castor beans?

I have four castor bean plants and one is producing bright red spikey orbs that must be seed pods. Do I wait till first frost or should just forget about them. I live in SE Montana and people want seeds from me. I've told them to just order from a seed catalog but they want mine!!!

Public Comments

1. If someone else wants them, then they need to come pick them. Always wear gloves, like kitchen gloves, because the oil on the seeds is very toxic, will cause skin rashes. And if you INJEST ANY, you very likely will visit the hospital, and possibly die. Yeah, kinda cool looking plants. But very toxic, and the source of 'ricin', one of those CIA type poisons. So like I suggest: If they want them, let them pick them. After the pods are getting dry. Wearing gloves. (Can't understand why people plant weeds purposely.)
2. Let the bean pod dry. Inside..then remove the bean..Remember the castor bean is deadly poison...do not eat.
3. I have one of these plants now and Had actually recieved the seeds from an old woman who is now deceased.My plant is starting to die back and I was told to harvest the seeds when plant dies.To plant I just break open a pod and drop pod and all into the soil.( in the spring of course ).This plant is highly toxic,I wash my hands well after planting.
4. I'm not sure when they should be harvested, but the seeds are very poisonous. I understand that you have to be very careful when handling them. I would strongly suggest, that you speak with a gardener at a local nursery regarding this plant. Good luck!
5. Here is a link that will tell you all you need to know about them..from growing to harvesting