thx for the help annette.
i suspected that i was taking the seeds too early. i'll have to be more patient...

In addition, even after the pods open and seed fall out, give them a little squeeze as sometimes a bunch get hung up. They should be fairly dry and crack as you pinch them.

When I harvest rose campion I take a pair of scissors and a large bowl so I can cut down and shake seed off at the same time. Some pods don't turn dark, just a light brown, so look for the opening at the top. I figure that when ma nature is ready to cut the seeds loose, they are ready. It's worked so far for four years of harvest.

sounds good. maybe i'll finally have some seeds to share with all of the people who have given me plants as i got the gardens started. i deadhead these quite a bit and they bloom for a long time. i love them coming up in the middle of some short sedum. the contrast in color and size is really nice...

any thoughts on a companion plant, maybe something with yellow flowers???

I'm growing rose campion this year for the first time simply because I saw a gorgeous photo of it paired with some short intensely blue larkspur and a white snapdragon as an accent. Can't wait until next year to see what that looks like in the garden...

If you like the fuschia and yellow mix try evening primrose. I got that mix accidentally this year, and it was quite a riot of colour. Not to everyone's fancy though. Will send you a pic. later.

Thanks for your replies to the newbie: I collected my seeds this morning JUST like you said and it was a success!

THANK YOU!

Thanks northerner, I might try that as I have some evening primrose in another area. I have learned to enjoy the accidents - for me gardening is never 100% planned. I 'suggest' with my planting and plans and mother nature tweaks the details.

ps. If you have a photo I'd love to see it.