Greenpassion, That is normal for them. When they open I remove from the mother plant, open the pod and collect the seeds, allow them to dry then store for next years crop. There are in excess of 50-100 seeds in each pod. If you wait for the pod to open on it's own you may loose seeds to mould. pa

Yes, I know about the temps. I guess that's what is so frustrating. I've read and asked so many questions and I've gotten good info, I think. I'm usually in my seed beds by 8am with temps in the mid 70s. I just about have to use yesterdays pollen because my plants are in part shade and the pollen doesn't dry until around 10am when the temps can be in the high 80s by then. The pollen from the day before is put into the little centrifuge tubes and it's still dry and fluffy the next morning. I don't believe this is my problem. I leave the tops open so they don't sweat inside and ruin the pollen and I keep them in the shade until I can get them inside where the wonderful A/C is. Well, I just took a few hours to go outside and play at being a happy bee! I also took several pics. We got some good rain yesterday and everyting looks so much better. Now, to get pics loaded, labeled, uploaded and labeled again. Oh yes, while doing laundry. I might even sneak in a little nap somewhere today. My four legged buddies must be taken out about every hour. I haven't said anything about my Jazz that go hit by the car lately. He is still the same. His bruises and scraps are about healed. Now, we must get with the Vet next week to decide what to do about his broken hip. It still hurts my heart to see such a young dog, maybe a year old, have such a disabling problem. He seems to be doing better with it than I am. Blessings to all, sorry I got off subject. I tend to ramble through my life, too! Mona

They need to ripen on the plant before harvesting.

I know everyone has a different way of doing things. This is just the way it works best for me. I pick the pods when they are still green, but not 'too' green. I put them in paper bags that I leave the top open so plenty of air circulates. When the pods turn brown, I take the seeds out, and put the seeds back in the paper bag to dry a bit more. It has always worked for me, but I like hearing all the different ways gardeners have of doing seed collecting.