Mache: seed harvesting tips?

[Leenstar]

I grew Mache (aka Corn Salad) this winter. It did great and I liked it alot. I left it alone to let it go to seed. It has done so.

Today when looking at it is dropping what I assume are the seeds all around the plants but they are still green.

I didn't want to pick up seeds by hand from the ground so I tried to gently rub the green seeds out of the flowers into my hand. I plan to now dry them inside in controlled conditions.

Here are my questions
1. Any problem with prematurely separating the green seeds from their stalks?
2. I assume this in normal seed occurance since the green seeds were already surrounding the plants.
3. Are there any special techniques or considerations you gurus of gardening have when it comes to Mache and saving seeds from it?

[raymondo]

I do pretty much as you've described. When I notice them dropping, I shake the heads into something (a cup usually) over a few days, leaving the plants in the ground. I get lots of plants from the fallen seeds so I'm not sure that my fussing is worth it. I should just leave them to it then transplant the seedlings as they emerge.

[ottawagardener]

Ray: Transplanting the seedlings is what I do too. I do save some seeds but mostly just to give away as they are fiddly.

[ianpearson]

I just pull out the plants and shake off the seed where I want the next crop.