for each seedpod - locate some mesh type bags - the type of mesh bags that hot house tomatoes come in .... red potato and many citrus bags will work but may be a little too "rigid" to work with ..
each bag, that is about 8 by 5 inches - that will allow airflow ...and holes no bigger than 1" square or round
and either: twist ties or a stapler
tie a knot at one end of the bag, then turn the bag inside out ...
as seedpods mature ... they go through several color changes ... from green, to purplish, and finally to a light or dark tan ..... when pods reach this color stage, examine the top side of each pod for any slits or cracks ....
when crack or split appear -
slip one mesh bag, over the pointy end of each seedpod, towards the knotted end... once seedpod is fully within the mesh bag - secure bag to itself with either twist ties, staples or string ...
then wait for the seedpod to fully open releasing seed .....
when seed begin to release, it is safe to cut the seedpod off the plant ....
allow all the seed tufts to fully open ...
Place seeds with tufts in a colander or a box with many holes and allow to dry out a little, (couple of weeks) ....(a lid or paper plate will stop seeds from floating off).... drying will make removing the tufts much easier with just a single twist ....
if it freezes where you are - store cleaned seed (free of tufts) in the driest draft free place possible with zero light ..... a brown paper bag works good or seed wrapped in a paper towel, placed in a ball jar
plant next spring
don't plant too early ....wait until outdoor day/night temps to warm up well above 60-65°....
planting too early may result in plants or seeds killed off from *damping-off* - a condition caused by cool and wet conditions
meanwhile ...source your seedling starter materials ..... + plus potting media
