Seed is mature when pods turn brown. Green pods produce inferior seed. Harvest by hand stripping brown pods from branches. Use the least force necessary to remove mature pods. Green pods should remain on the branch to mature for subsequent harvest.
Hand harvesting allows four seed crops per year.
Harvesting pods with a knife by removing foliage or branches reduces subsequent seed crops. After harvest, sun dry pods for 2-3 days. To extract seed, pound pods with a mortar and pestle and separate debris by winnowing. Seed should be stored in a cool dry place removed from direct light. To improve germination, the shiny black seeds are treated before sowing.