Do you know how to collect common milkweed seeds from pods? Each fall, monarch enthusiasts spend time popping open milkweed pods to harvest the seeds for future habitat projects. Pods are ripe when they open at the seam with light pressure. If the seam does not split open with a gentle squeeze or press, the pod is likely not ripe yet. Ripe seeds will be brown. If you're looking to harvest the milkweed pods in your garden to help monarchs and other wildlife, this video will provide a quick intro.