Mouldy Seed Heads

[JetSetPhil]

Yesterday I collected some seed heads from some cornflower plants. I set them in a cool room on a tray to dry out so I could collect the seed. However I returned today to find grey hairy mould growing on about 10 of the 100 or so seed heads. Is there a way I can remove the mould? Are the infected seeds still able to pollinate?

Im guessing the mould will spread so should I sow all the seed now or can I save it until spring like planned or will I have to throw away all of the seed?

[veggiechicken]

They really need to be dry when you collect the seed heads - difficult this year!
You could try taking out the mouldy ones and spreading the others out as much as possible, preferably so that they don't touch or overlap.
Otherwise, just throw the lot down where you want them to grow next year - that's what Mother Nature would do and it usually works!

[JetSetPhil]

Thanks VC, i like the idea of just throwing them down and I can always go and buy some more seed in the spring if they fail to germinate

[veggiechicken]

Good If you have a run of dry days, look out for more seed heads then. If its just ordinary cornflowers the seeds are very cheap in places like Lidl or Wilko.