By Helenium
United Kingdom 
I have picked the seed heads from Echinacea, but they were full of powdery mildew and I wondering if the seeds are still viable.
Thank you in advance
30 Sep, 2013
Answers
I have noticed a couple of others are the same. Hope they don't all go that way and I can eventually harvest some more.
Thank you!
30 Sep, 2013
Quick question is it the seed heads themselves that are full of powdery mildew or the actual plant?
30 Sep, 2013
It's good practice to only pick seeds that are fully ripe, dry and devoid of any obvious infections or disease. If you do, then you run the risk of them contaminating all the seeds in the batch and none of them germinating. This is especially important if you intend to keep them for next year.
30 Sep, 2013
Moon grower, it's just the seed heads.
1 Oct, 2013
Thank you! Myron.
1 Oct, 2013
Then, no, discard the seed.
1 Oct, 2013
Thanks! Moon Grower.
2 Oct, 2013
Probably not
30 Sep, 2013