Question
This is the first year I have had a moon plant.  It is a beautiful plant and I would like to have more next spring.  I have noticed a lot of pods with spikes on them that I believe are seed pods.  The pods have not dried out yet.  My question is when do I remove the pods......while they are still 'green' and dry them indoors or wait until they dry on the vine?  Thanks, Holly

Answer
Hi Holly,
Thanx for your question.  The plant you describe as a moon plant is also known as jimsonweed, angel's trumpet and numerous other names.  It is a datura possibly D. Stramonium.  Also called a thornapple hence, the spiny fruit balls as you described which contain the seed.  Allow the balls to completely dry out and they will being to split open.  Wear gloves and cut them off of the plant and bring them indoors and open the pod up carefully.  Spill the seeds out onto a paper plate.  They should be a yellow-brown color.  If you open the pod up while it is green the seeds may not have had a chance to mature and they will not germinate.  Store dry seed in a glass jar, sealed and kept in a cool, dark, place.  You can start them in January like you do tomato seeds.  I hope this helps.
Tom