Last summer my Whiskers got pollinated (all by itself, I may add) and now has 3 nice fat seed pods. How long before they ripen? How does one tell if/when they are ready?? Inquiring minds want to know...
How long to wait..??
I waited til the pods were dry, don't know if you have to, but I just assumed that was best.
Some people harvest after they are bumpy and soft. Others wait for the peduncle (stem) to turn yellow, I've picked some that were almost starting to mold, and others have been quite green on the outside, but I could tell that the seeds were loose inside. I've also heard of people putting a little slice in the pod and peeking inside to see if the seeds were brown and if not, sealing it back up. Boy, I wasn't much help, was I? Have fun.
Guess I have some time to wait yet, the ones I have are just as green as can be. I wonder if being out in the covered patio where its cooler than inside may be slowing the process down a little. The same plant is blooming again, the first bloom opened before Christmas and lasted almost a full month. It seems to love the cooler temps out there. We run heaters if its suppose to get below freezing outside, but during the day we dont bother.
earthling, the riping process of a pod may differ on one and the same plant. One pod may likes it classic, peduncle turning yellow and the pod begins to shrivel. The next pod may show spots of rot. But I have noticed, that all pods loose the glossy shine of their surface, when the seeds inside begin to mature.
I have been watching it very carefully for changes, but none yet. I talk to it everyday (I have no life...)
My V. Orange has been on since September, just started to get dull, has been bright green all this time, so hoping not too much longer!