Hi,
The beans are where there once were flowers. The only reason to keep them on the plant would be to let them ripen so you could grow more Wisteria Vines or to give/trade them to another person. So you can cut them off and no harm will be done: )
Remy

I was wondering this same thing just yesterday.

Remy -- how does one know when it is time to harvest the pods to plant the seeds?

thanks

The pods turn brown and begin to look dry when ripe. Seeds are black when mature. Nick and soak in hot water, sow 55-65F, germination in 30-60 days.

But, as wisteria grown from seed may take as long as 10 - 15 years to flower, growing from seed is rarely recommended....better to take softwood or hardwood cuttings, layer, or take root cuttings.

When the pods mature on the vine (brown) remove them and place them in a paper bag. The pods will violently burst open so that you can collect the seeds inside. Don't leave the pods out without placing them in a bag....the force behind this pod bursting is incredible.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1175516}}

This sort of answers my question. One of my husband's customers gave him two bags full of these beans. They are still green and soft. They have part of the stem attached yet. So should I let these dry out and plant seed, or try to put the stem in root starter?? I didn't want to hear they take that long to mature. Also, should this be done now in the fall or wait til spring? I always wanted one of these vines, but looks like I'll be waiting a while. Thanks.