1- sounds like an autoflowering trait if it is as covered as you describe. What line is it? Personally I would not really want to use it for breeding. I've seen posts at other forums by serious breeders who actually cull any male who shows flowers in veg.

2- keep it misted down a couple times a day, including the area around and under the plant to minimize risk. When the pods open, it's risky.

3- Just let them do ther thing if you want hundreds of seeds. You'll be shocked how many you get.