From our perspective, the seed pod is not merely a container but the final, crucial stage of our reproductive cycle. It is the vessel where our future offspring, the seeds, complete their embryonic development. Rushing this process is counterproductive. If harvested too early, the seeds inside will be pale, soft, and underdeveloped, lacking the necessary nutrients and vitality to germinate. They are essentially not yet alive in a viable sense. We invest significant energy into these pods, transferring nutrients to ensure each seed matures fully, becoming plump and robust. Only then do they possess the strength to carry on our genetic lineage.
We communicate our readiness through clear physical signals. The most obvious sign is a dramatic color change in the pod itself. Initially green and fleshy, the pod will slowly transition to a soft, reddish, yellowish, or brownish hue. Its texture will also change significantly, becoming soft and often starting to wrinkle or shrivel slightly. This indicates that we have ceased nutrient transfer and the pod's outer wall is beginning to senesce, or die back naturally. Crucially, the pod may even begin to split open at its apex. This is our ultimate signal that the seeds are ready for dispersal. The seeds inside will have transformed from small and white to large, round, and typically a rich reddish-orange or dark brown color, feeling firm to the touch.
To harvest our seeds in a way that respects this natural process, a gentle approach is required. Do not pull or twist the pod forcefully from the scape (flower stalk), as this can cause damage to us, the parent plant. Instead, using a pair of clean, sharp secateurs or scissors, make a clean cut through the peduncle (the small stem attaching the pod to the main scape) about an inch above the pod. This minimizes the open wound on our scape. Once the pod is removed, you can gently pry it open along its natural seam with your fingers. If it is truly ripe, it will open easily, revealing the rows of seeds nestled within.
Upon opening the pod, you will find our seeds often held together by a sticky, pulp-like substance. This material can inhibit germination by promoting fungal growth if left on the seeds. Therefore, it is beneficial to gently separate the seeds and wash them in a mild solution of water with a drop of dish soap or a fungicide like potassium permanganate. Gently rub them to remove all traces of the pulp. After washing, rinse them thoroughly in clean water and then place them on a paper towel to air dry for a day or two in a cool, shaded spot. They should not be stored while moist.
