The seeds are in the pod. Wait until the pod is dry and brown. The viable, ripe seeds will be black and papery and flat. There may also be some white ones, but I don't think the white ones are ripe.

Donna,

I have deer too, but still wanted to try growing Hostas from seed. I now have several Hostas which have a blueish hue, very thick leaves which are BIG, and flower in white which I did not have before. They are beautiful.

I have managed to keep the deers away from them - to a certain extent - by spraying a concoction of blended raw eggs and water on them.

These are my wsn Hostas earlier this year. Right now they are in full bloom.
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I have heard that once the bottom pod opens then the entire stalk is ready for harvesting.
Beautiful hosta tiffy. Mine ws babies are still about an inch high.

My wintersown hosta.

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There's another lasagna pan to plant out. I'll do that in the fall once I take out some of the annuals in the perennial bed. Out of over 200 seeds sown, collected and traded, I got about 2 dozen new plants. A few got attacked by giant slugs (tiny, but giant to the hosta babies).

Tiffy,
How old are those big Hostas? Very nice. I try and plant them close to the house or at least hide them.
I'll have to give growing some from seed a try then.
Thanks for the pics.

Donna Mae

Donna,
I think those are 3 years old, maybe 4.

If you sprinkle MILORGANITE on your hostas, deer and rabbits will leave them alone. I live in deer heaven and not a nibble on my hostas. Once the deer smell the stuff, they never come back. WORKS!!
(Available at garden centers for under $10 for a big bag - won't harm tender growth, food crops, pets or people).