when are rose hips ripe?

I have noticed that one of my roses, Parkinson's Passion, has large swellings at the base of each spent flower (and there are very many of these). I'm assuming these will form hips and so I'm thinking of growing from the seeds. Now I know very little about this whole propagating thing but I'm a bit excited about having a go. I have gathered info about what I should do.
What I'm unsure about is:
1. How do you know when the hips are ripe?
2. Do you need to to dry out the hips before splitting them open? If so, how long?

Or am I wasting my time and these are not necessarily viable hips, just the way this rose's flowers are formed? Any assistance appreciated, thanks.

Google "growing roses from seeds" and you will find a comprehensive article written by American rosarian Kitty Belendez that will give you an insight into growing seeds.

Hi Silky, are the hips yellow/orange yet ?
Here is a link to read
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Thank you Ausrose and Roseman. No, the hips are still green so it looks like I just need to be patient and wait.... and in the meantime do some more reading.