I used the scotch tape metod, they releave more or less like a Dandylion, a tiny parachute the seed on the end about the size of lettuce seeds or smaller. I'ts fun to watch and wait. How long, well again it depends on how dry the air is where it is growing. Watering may also make a difference on how fast the fruit will open. this I don't know. I have very tiny rubber bands which I have alsod use to keep them closed. I have put the plant into a strainer, and then put it into a bag so when they start to open they will fall down into the strainer, which is in the bag or box. You will come up with something that will work for you. Norma

I have put panty hose around the pods and gently tie off with green tape. When the pod opens naturally to spill seed you won't lose any. The knee high type seem to be more manageable and work best. They also make great skimmer basket covers for your pool, if you have one. Good luck and congrats!!

Thanks, tdogdad! I didn't know if that would harm things or not. It is well protected from wind by the branches, so I may leave it be this time. I mentioned to some neighbors that I had a seed pod. They have all come to look at it. Even my botanist friend. None have ever had pods - which I found curious since there are some nice trees on my street. I'll bet they just didn't notice them. Anyway, hopefully I can keep them to maturity!

Thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate all of the information. I didn't even think to pollinate all of them - I just did 3 because the videos I watched had only pollinated one or two and I thought that would be enough. Unfortunately, my all of my paternal plant's blooms have fallen off (too many suckers, a lot of the blooms were on their way out when I had bought them, but the plant itself looks very healthy. It's growing rapidly - I can't believe it. It's a good time to repot though, since it's not like I have to sacrifice my pretty little flowers). By the way, about how long does it take for new flowers to bloom after repotting? Once both plants are ready, I'll try again. I'm so excited! That's a great idea as well! I had just tied strings around the ones I pollinated. I had seen a few people take off the petals of their pollinated ones, but I wasn't sure how much of a difference it'd make. And even if that is just a superstition, I wouldn't be surprised if it were true. It may be the mother plant's fault - but I also don't know if I pollinated too late? The flowers had been quite open by the time I pollinated, and the paternal plant's pollen was also a bit old (though, I read older pollen is actually considered better in some cases). Thank you for the suggestion, I'll give it a go! Would getting a humidifier do the same job, or would it not help as much since all of the humidity wouldn't be concentrated in one little space? (I think all the plants could use a little more humidity) Will do :) Wow, your seedlings look great! The leaves are very interesting - good luck with them!