After discovering the fungus mycelium in the zip-lock bag containing the achenes from the 2024 season before the second cold stratification (starting December 8, 2025), I was ready to discard it without further action. I didn’t think the seeds had much chance of germinating. But then I thought, what could happen, why not give it a try?
Since February 8, 2026 the nutlets have been kept after the cold stratification at a slightly warmer temperature of approx. 12 °C. Four days ago, I initially saw only one sprout, shown by the arrow. Upon closer examination, I found a total of five sprouts, which I first had to untangle from the mycelium.
During the first germination season, there were 7 germinations without any fungal infestation.
It certainly depends on the cross and of the type of fungus whether germination can still be expected. In any case, it comes as a surprise to me.
Has anyone else observed something similar?