Harvesting Sweet Pea Seeds

Because of the Texas heat it can be hard to grow Sweet Peas. So this year I tried some heat tolerant varieties with some success. Now I would like to harvest the seeds. When is the optimum time to pick them? As they are going to seed they look unsightly. Do I need to wait until the vines die?

Thanks for any help

Siggy

Siggy-
The pod has to start turning color(brown). It doesn't have to be all the way brown...it can just be starting to turn color, if you are in a hurry. This means the energy supply has been cut off, and it is time for them to dry on the vine.

You can just pluck them and let them dry somewhere else. Make sure you don't seal them in a plastic bag, or they will mold,and also that they aren't out in the open so that the pods will dry, burst open and fly across the room.

Most suggest putting in a small paper bag, and then twist tie the top. This way it still gets air, but won't scatter seeds when the pod splits.
-T

Thanks I'll do that :-)