They do form pods when they are ready. If I remember correctly, when they have been pollinated, the flower stalk points upwards and you will see five pods in a circle pointing upwards, looking very much like the pods of hellebores or nigellas (love-in-a-mist), to which they are related. When they are ready, they will start to turn brown and split at the inside seam, and they will have many seeds in each one.

Yes, Magus is right, and when they're ready and have split, you'll be able to see down inside into the pods. Gently pull off the pod and then just sprinkle them wherever you want. They'll just pour out of the pods when turned upside down, so be careful.

Here's a pic (not the best) of a pod. You might be able to see black specs; that's the seed. Usually the pod turns completely brown before splitting, but I've noticed this year that only the tips are turning brown and the rest is remaining green. I just may have never harvested seed this early ;) I normally harvest when entirely brown.

I have seed from a Columbine with variegated leaves that I just harvested. I want to sow it in a container where I'll get the greatest number of plants. I also have some in a pack I bought that says to prechill in the refrigerator 2 to 3 weeks before sowing, with germination in 15 to 30 days in a cool location of 55'F. I live in Georgia and was wondering how to treat the seed. Of the seed that falls naturally from the plant do they ever sprout in the hot summer or is it the next spring before they start to grow? Thanks!

Undoubtably I didn't catch all my columbine seeds and I now have patches of new babies!
Hope you enjoy planting them. I just love columbines in my gardens.
Evelyn