Moan, it looks like I have a bad case of powdery mildew on some Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens balsamina) plants. It's very sad to see.

Every year, these beautiful plants quickly create the most wonderful, exploding seed pods. They're in the process of shedding their flowers now and the pods are forming just like they always do. They look healthy and have no signs of mildew on them--only the leaves do.

I'm wondering if the seeds would be okay to collect, or if collecting and planting them would spread the mildew? I'm leaning toward throwing them all out, but it kind of breaks my heart.

I'm also wondering what I can do to prevent the mildew from returning next season.

All advice is welcome.