Tropicals & Tender Perennials: cuprea, 0 by LindaSC

LindaSC wrote:
I did the same on the other bloom and used a paint brush to transfer pollen from one bloom to the other. The sap on the flowers seemed to pick up something from the pollen end. I'll do it again tomorrow. If I see any pollen that has fallen onto the collar I'll try to save it for another flower.

Have I messed up by cutting off the cover? Am I on the right track or do I need to do something differently?