Ricinus seeds

I would like to know if they are floating or sink , for the simple reason that I`m not sure if the seeds are still viable.

 

Some of mine floated sal and some sank but all have germinated

 

joolz , thank you ; )...what variety are you planting?

 

Ive got 6 carmencita red and 3 pink sal but i think 3 planted together is needed for a decent display?

 

sal73 - As a general rule if it floats it is not viable. Absolute gospel in my experience as far as chillies and Datura are concerned.

 

Hi sal,
I could put them on a windowsill indoors, or on top of the lectrikery cabinet in the vestibule.
Thanks for the heads up on them being frost sensitive, never grown ricinus before.

 

I had a mix of impala, zanzibarensis and communis (?) and some floated. All looks to have germinated, even the one with the patterned shell completely removed. Ricinus are very easy to germinate - like cress for gardeners.

 

No a problem , what variety did you get?

 

I've seen two or three planted close so that they grow away from each other at an angle, and that does look effective, but I've planted them in a group, and also a single one amongst other plants, and that looks effective too - they are quite "butch"

 

Here's a Ricinus pic from last year



green R. zanzibarensis on the left, leaf is 80cm wide plant is 210cm tall (yes, I did actually measure it, sad isn't it?!!). The pinker one on the right is R. carmencita 140cm tall.

Here's a picture round the back of the bed showing the Musa sikkimensis underplanted with Ricinus:

 

A thicket of Ricinus...great idea. I have a great spot to try that.

 

ok , at the beginning they where all floating , now they are half and half and they all increased in size.

 

Mine have just broken the surface this morning. Sown on 01-Apr in 9cm pots, not pre-soaked

 

I presume, (rightly or wrongly), castor oil plant seed, contains, castor oil.

That said, the seeds might float for that reason, but I cant think it has much to do with viability.
Also, I've never thought soaking the seed was necessary, it grows like cress, unless dead.