Can I harvest seed from a candle bush before the pods turn dark? A storm broke several branches from my candle bush and pods are still green. I live in Louisiana and haven't grown a bush from seed yet. My bush did not come back on its own last year. I love that plant and do not want to lose it.
By all means harvest the seeds and allow them to dry in the pods.
They may not be as viable but still worth the chance.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/candlestick-bush/growing-candlestick-bushes.htm
Last year, my sister planted a candlestick bush. While it was a beauty, this summer I'm having to deal with hundreds coming up in my non grass front yard! Any help ? Also, pursalane is trying to grow everywhere the candle bush isn't!. I don't favor insecticidials.
There are some non-herbicidal things you can do such as pour boiling water over them. That should kill them according to the article below.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/watering/hot-water-on-plants.htm
Which do I collect for growing new plants? I have both green and brown seed pods on my bush.
Wait till they are brown to collect the seed pods. The green ones are not ripe yet. Here is more about planting seeds.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/candlestick-bush/growing-candlestick-bushes.htm
I have several small starter plants; Candlestick plants. I live in S. E. Texas (77957.) I don’t even know what zone I’m in now. Do I get them inside over this winter, and plant in the spring? We usually have a night or 2 of freeze.
You are in hardiness zone 9 and the candlestick plant is hardy in zones 9 to 11. Since it's late in the year and the plants are small, I would keep them inside over the winter near a south window. Then plant them outside this spring.
Alternatively, you can plant them outside now, and cover them during the coldest snaps.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/candlestick-bush/growing-candlestick-bushes.htm