John Miller
Mushrooms are a member of the fungi kingdom, which is incredibly biodiverse, containing up to 12 million species. Unlike flowering plants, mushrooms do not grow from seeds. Instead, they grow from spores or tissue culture. Each mushroom releases thousands of spores into its environment, and each spore carries unique genetics. When spores land in the right environment, they germinate and send out a small filamentous thread called a hypha. Mushrooms can be grown indoors, in places like basements, or even under the sink. They require different conditions to plants, favouring dark, cool, and humid environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do mushrooms come from seeds? | Mushrooms do not come from seeds. They are fungi and grow from spores or tissue culture. |
| How do mushrooms grow? | Mushrooms grow from spores or tissue culture. Each mushroom releases thousands of spores into its environment, each carrying unique genetics. When spores land in the right environment, they germinate and send out a small filamentous thread called a hypha. These fungi grow from the tip of the hypha, extending forward in response to outside stimuli. |
| What conditions do mushrooms need to grow? | Mushrooms require different conditions to grow than plants. They need dark, cool, and humid environments with no direct sunlight. Most mushrooms grow best between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, away from drafts and direct heat. Some mushrooms, like Enoki, grow better in cooler temperatures, around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| What materials do mushrooms grow on? | Mushrooms can grow on various materials, including compost, manure, logs, wood chips, straw, cardboard, or a blend of materials like straw, corncobs, and cocoa seed hulls. |
| How long does it take for mushrooms to grow? | The growth time depends on the type of mushroom. For example, inoculated bolts can start fruiting after 8 months, but this process can be sped up through "shocking," a technique used by some farmers to force fruiting earlier. Button mushrooms can be grown indoors in about three to four weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms grow from spores or tissue culture
Unlike flowering plants, mushrooms do not grow from seeds. Instead, they grow from spores or tissue culture. Each mushroom releases thousands of microscopic spores into its environment, each carrying unique genetics. Growing mushrooms from spores can be unpredictable, and none will be identical to its "parent".
The spores of some mushrooms, such as jelly fungi, puffballs, and porcini, are produced outside of club-like cells called basidia. Other mushrooms, such as morels, corals, and cups, produce their spores internally, within sac-like cells called asci. When spores land in the right environment, they germinate and send out a small filamentous thread called a hypha. The hyphae then begin branching, forming a network called mycelium, which grows and gathers nutrients and water from its surroundings. When it encounters another mycelium sprouted from a compatible spore, the two fuse and swap nuclei, forming a dikaryotic mycelium.
This secondary mycelium continues to grow until it runs out of food or space, or there is a signal like heavy rainfall or a temperature change, prompting it to start fruiting. The mycelium then condenses into the earliest stage of mushrooms, called primordia or "pins". With the right conditions, the primordia develop into fully formed mushrooms, which then produce spores and restart the growth cycle.
When cultivating mushrooms, tissue culture is often used instead of spores. Growing from spores can be challenging and time-consuming, requiring multiple steps and equipment to be successful. Tissue cloning, on the other hand, yields more reliable results and is less susceptible to contamination. However, it still requires some equipment and technique.
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Mushrooms are fungi, not plants
Mushrooms are a member of the kingdom Fungi, which is incredibly biodiverse, containing up to 12 million species. They are not plants and, as such, have different requirements for growth. Fungi can appear in many forms, from microscopic yeasts to the filamentous macrofungi that reproduce by forming mushrooms. While all flowering plants grow from seeds, mushrooms grow from spores or tissue culture. Each mushroom releases thousands of spores, each carrying unique genetics. Growing mushrooms from spores is similar to planting apple seeds—it can be unpredictable, and none will be identical to its "parent".
The mushrooms most people are familiar with, the classic cap and stem varieties, are members of the phylum Basidiomycota. All mushrooms in this group, including jelly fungi, puffballs, and porcini, produce their spores outside of club-like cells called basidia. Some stranger-looking mushrooms are in the phylum Ascomycota, which includes morels, corals, and cups. Ascomycetes produce their spores internally, within sac-like cells called asci. When one of these spores lands in the right environment, it will germinate and send out a small filamentous thread called a hypha. These fungi grow from the tip of the hypha, extending forward in response to outside stimuli.
Mushrooms grow best in dark, cool, and humid environments, making basements an ideal location for growing them at home. They can also tolerate some light, but the spot chosen for growing should stay mostly dark or in low light. Mushrooms also require different equipment to grow commercially than plants. They do not require sunlight and can be grown indoors on shelves, making them popular with urban farmers. The most common method for growing mushrooms commercially is inside large plastic bags filled with sterilized sawdust and wood chips. However, this method produces a lot of plastic waste.
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Mushrooms can be grown at home
Unlike plants, mushrooms do not grow from seeds. Instead, they grow from spores or tissue culture. Each mushroom releases thousands of spores into its environment, each carrying unique genetics. Growing mushrooms from spores is unpredictable, and none will be identical to its "parent".
Despite this unpredictability, growing mushrooms at home can be easy, and a natural extension of vegetable and fruit gardening. There are several ways to grow mushrooms at home, and it can even be done using household waste.
One way to grow mushrooms at home is to use a mushroom growing kit. These kits are the easiest way to get started, and they can be ordered online. They come with a mushroom block filled with a substrate material that has been coated with mushroom spores. The block should be misted three or four times a day with spring or well water, or rainwater. The block can be reused by letting it dry out for a week, then soaking it in water for 24 hours, and then placing it back under the humidity tent.
Another way to grow mushrooms at home is to use a container. This could be a bucket, a box, or a clear plastic container. The container should be filled with a growing medium such as straw, cardboard, logs, wood chips, or compost with a blend of materials like straw, corncobs, and cocoa seed hulls. Mushroom spawn, which is living fungal culture (also called mycelium) that has been specially grown for mushroom cultivation, is then applied to the growing medium. Spawn can be sourced online or from a local mushroom farm. The container should be kept in a cool, moist, and humid environment, with minimal indirect light.
Oyster mushrooms are a popular variety to grow at home, as they are easy to cultivate and come in a wide variety of colours. They can be grown year-round, as different species thrive in different temperatures. Lion's Mane is another good variety for beginners, as it grows fairly easily and offers medicinal benefits.
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Mushrooms grow best in dark, cool, humid environments
Unlike plants, mushrooms do not grow from seeds. Instead, they grow from either spores or tissue culture. Each mushroom releases thousands of spores into its environment, each carrying unique genetics. Growing from spores is similar to planting apple seeds—it can be unpredictable, and none will be identical to its "parent".
Mushrooms grow best in dark, cool, and humid environments. While the specific requirements vary depending on the mushroom type, most mushrooms thrive in temperatures ranging from 45 to 65°F (about 7-18°C) and humidity levels of around 80-95%consistent temperature and humidity levels is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation.
When growing mushrooms at home, a basement or a spot under the sink can provide the ideal environment. Before starting, it is important to test the temperature and humidity of the chosen location. Additionally, the growing area should be regularly sanitized to create a sterile environment and minimize the risk of contamination.
To maintain the necessary humidity levels, tools such as humidifiers, misting systems, and humidity domes can be utilized. Proper ventilation is also essential to prevent stagnant air and the associated issues, such as poor mushroom formation and increased contamination risk. Incorporating fans or vents can facilitate adequate airflow and promote healthy mushroom development.
While mushrooms do not require sunlight for photosynthesis, they can tolerate some light. However, they prefer indirect or low-intensity light, as intense, direct light can hinder their growth. It is important to understand the specific needs of the mushroom species being cultivated to create the optimal environment for their growth and development.
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Some mushrooms are best foraged
While mushrooms can be grown at home, some varieties are best left to the experts and are best foraged. Mushrooms are fungi, and while they don't grow from seeds, they are nutritious and delicious. They require different conditions to plants, and different types of mushrooms require different temperatures and substrates.
Morels and truffles, for example, are mushrooms that are best foraged. They are strange-looking mushrooms, in the phylum Ascomycota, along with corals and cups. They produce their spores internally, within sac-like cells called asci. These spores, when landing in the right environment, will germinate and send out a filamentous thread called a hypha. This grows in response to outside stimuli, and the dominant theory is that an organelle, the Spitzenkorper, organises and directs the growth patterns in pulses.
Mushrooms like these are best left to experts to find, as they require very specific conditions to grow. They are also unpredictable, as they are formed from spores, and none will be identical to its "parent". Foraging for mushrooms is common in cultures across the world, and many people are unfamiliar with the diversity of fungi.
If you are interested in growing mushrooms at home, the most common method is to use large plastic bags filled with sterilized sawdust and wood chips. This method helps to replicate the natural conditions that mushrooms require. Mushrooms can also be grown on logs, or in compost bins, and they grow well in cool, dark, humid environments.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms are fungi and do not grow from seeds. They grow from spores or tissue culture.
Every mushroom releases thousands of spores into its environment, each carrying unique genetics. Growing mushrooms from spores is unpredictable, and none will be identical to its "parent".
Mushrooms grow best in dark, cool, and humid environments. They can be grown indoors in trays of compost material with spawn sprinkled on top. Keep the temperature around 70 degrees for about three weeks or until you see the mycelium (white, threadlike growths). Then, drop the temperature to 55 to 60 degrees and cover the spawn with potting soil. Keep the soil moist and your mushrooms should appear within three to four weeks.
