Hi Vance,

It will be soon if it hasn't done so already.  You can look closely at the plants--the seed capsules look like little green pumpkins as they ripen; when they're ready to distribute the seeds the dry out and rupture.  See here for a photo of ripe fruits: https://www.ipmimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=5376451

Cordially,

John

Hi Vance,

It depends on how developed the seeds are.  Flowering stage (including early fruit development) can be a great time to apply herbicides; if they are applied too late in the development, though, the plant may be able to mature and distribute seeds before the herbicide takes effect.  If the fruits are beginning to dry out, it's too late, at least for those fruits.  Fruits that are still small/growing, and plants that are still flowering, are vulnerable.

This fact sheet covers some different herbicides that can be effective, plus the best time for application: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/leafy-spurge-3-107/

Cordially,

John

You bet; good luck!