I have been growing Datura for years and this is the first year that I have got any ripe seed pods - one pod from the white plant split a few days ago and provided some seeds. I think the brown paper bag method will work if the seed pod is ripe enough that it would soon split. Otherwise, the seeds inside would not be mature. Try opening a few, and if the seeds are turning brown, it may work. You will need to expose them to the air, otherwise, they will just rot. You can cut the plant back quite a bit, leave a few leaves and pods and bring it in. I do that with peppers and they ripen indoors. I know it's annoying, so many pods, but I have to buy seeds each year. Next year, you may try cutting off all the pods, save just a few. That way the plant will use all its energy to ripen just a few. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. No frost in sight yet, 70's-50's, but will try brown bag method if the seed is not mature by frost.

Thanks for the advice. No frost in sight yet, 70's-50's, but will try brown bag method if the seed is not mature by frost.

My native datura has the spiky, round seed balls forming now; I just let the seeds drop where ever for next year's crop. The datura here has huge white, lily-like flowers in the evening, fragrant & the bees seem to know when they are in flower at night as the bees stay out at night to get into the huge flowers. I get some nice photos at night of the bees down in the throat of the huge white lilies! This datura though has drug-like symptoms when ingested I believe: 'sacred datura'.