After they're completely dried up. I look at this as one of those gardening chores for a sunny winter day.

I pick mine after they have begun to "shrivel up" a bit. Just keep the seeds out and let them completely dry before putting them in a sealed container.

I have white and also a very light lilac/pink vine this year. HAve been collectiong seeds for several weeks, but just a few at a time.

Jennifer

Be sure that the pods are dried up and the seeds are extremely dry. I had at least 100 of the seeds from last year, but I didn't let them dry....or took them out of the pods too soon. They turned moldy..and didn't take this spring.

Thanks for response, all!

BMG, this will be 1st time for HyaB collecting for me. I picked a couple of pods what appeared to be near dried out pods a few weeks ago, today I opened up and they were dried up to the point of desintegrating, I'm not sure , but fron this little experiment I concluded (just from this exp) that they need to dry on vine.

Would like to know if anybody else has a different suggestion or opinion?

Thanks

GM

You can cut off big pieces of the vine and hang them in a dry place with good ventilation. Only the ones that have been already formed well will turn out right. :) Arum

Thanks Arum! I will try that...

I am completely new at this. I love the vines I have and want them again next year. Can anyone tell me what to do and when. Thanks CJ

I do the same thing that Arum does. I've found that if I leave them outside until the pods are completely shriveled that we've already had a few hard frosts and the seeds rot. As long as the seeds are full sized I've had no problem hanging the vines inside and waiting for the pods to dry.

Gardenmomma, and Karyn, these are the most beautiful vines, and besides MG"s I think this is my favorite! Hoe your's do well!! :) Arum

I pick before a frost and let them dry out on paper towels until very dry. i then crack them open and keep the very best looking beans. I then put them in a plastic container with lid off to make sure beans are completely dried. This has worked for me for the last few years. In spring I keep a mess for myself and give away the rest to friends.