Seeds - R -  Plant Nursery

Castor Bean - Impala
Ricinus communis

The Castor Bean Impala, 'Ricinus communis', has fast growing, dramatically tropical, dark bronze foliage. Because all parts of this plant are poisonous, do not plant this near very small children and pets. With this in mind, you will love this plant if you need a tall tropical looking screen. Small scarlet flowers appear on foot-high stalks, followed by prickly husks, which contain brown speckled seeds. The Castor Bean blooms in summer when the plants are about 1 foot tall.The Impala grows best in hot, humid climates and in full sun. They prefer sandy or clay loam soils with good drainage. Water regularly like you would other tall plants. Plant in the spring after the last average frost date. The Caster Bean is an excellent quick hedge. The large copper-red leaves are dramatic and tropical looking.

Sorrel - Common
Rumex acetosa

The Sorrel or Common Sorrel, 'Rumex acetosa', is a hardy perennial. The Sorrel leaves have a sharp, lemon/spinach flavor and is one of the earliest spring greens. Sorrel is an underutilized vegetable in the United States and unjustifiably so. Sorrel is very high in Vitamin C and has many uses. The young tender spring leaves can be used as salad greens, famous for Cream of Sorrel soup, cooked like spinach and served with trout or salmon, or mixed in with cooked spinach or chard. The fresh leaves are used by some to soothe canker sores. Once you try Sorrel, it will become as regular a garden plant as spinach.The Sorrel plant is 12 to 36 inches tall and has large, crinkled, arrow-shaped leaves. The plant is also called Sour Dock, Herb Patience, and Patience Dock. Plant the Sorrel 2 weeks before the average last frost date. In mild climates, Sorrel can be planted in the fall. Sorrel prefers a moderately acid soil and the soil needs to be kept moist for the best flavor and production. Cut older, yellow leaves off to encourage the young, tender, healthy growth.