Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows all year long, but they show more significant growth during the winter months. Mushrooms use fibres called hyphae, which can remain dormant below ground for several months, to take in food. Mushrooms emerge when growing conditions are right, which may not be for another year. They can also withstand freezing temperatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hibernation | Mushrooms do not hibernate but they can "hibernate" below ground for several months, to take in food |
| Growth | Mushrooms grow all year long, but show significantly more growth during the winter months |
| Growth triggers | Mushrooms trigger at temperature drops and retard at low temperatures, waiting for the next warm day to grow |
| Survival | Mushrooms can be frozen and stored safely down to -150°F |
| Spores | Spores can survive 110°F if properly dried |
| Growth conditions | Mushrooms grow in dark, humid, and damp places |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are a type of fungus
Mushrooms emerge when growing conditions are right, which may not be for another year. They grow in dark, humid, and damp conditions, and this is maintained in climate-controlled buildings throughout the year. They grow on trees and stumps, and in mulch, garden boxes, or even plastic totes on balconies.
Mushrooms can be cultivated at home. The ideal depth of a mushroom bed is about 4-8 inches, and the area should not receive too much direct sunlight, which can dry out the mycelium. Mushroom plug spawn, also known as dowel spawn or simply “mushroom plugs,” are hardwood dowels that have been inoculated and colonized with mushroom mycelium.
The mycelium is the thread-like structure that grows, spreads, and consumes plant matter. It weakens as the temperature drops, and its ability to carry out chemical processes is halved for every 10-degree drop. In extremely cold temperatures, it should be all but dead. Mushrooms will trigger growth at temperature drops, but growth slows at low temperatures, waiting for the next warm day to grow.
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Mushrooms grow underground
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows underground. They do not contain chlorophyll, the green substance that helps plants produce energy through photosynthesis. Instead, they use fibres called hyphae to absorb food. Mushrooms can ""hibernate"" underground for several months, waiting for the right conditions to emerge. They are known to grow all year long, but they show significantly more growth during the winter months.
The ideal growing conditions for mushrooms are dark, humid, and damp environments. In nature, mushrooms often grow underground in caves, limestone quarries, and other subterranean locations. Mushroom farming has also taken advantage of these ideal underground conditions. For example, in Paris, France, there is a history of cultivating mushrooms in the city's underground tunnels and quarries, known as "les Champignons de Paris." This practice has spread to other parts of the world, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and other countries.
Creating mushroom beds, or "meules" in French, is a classic way of growing mushrooms underground. Compost is laid in long rows, packed down, and then shaped into long, round beds. This method has been used for centuries and is featured in a 1926 publication, "Les Merveilles des Sciences et de l'Industrie" by Eugene-Henri Weiss. Another technique involves using round bags filled with mushroom fertiliser and mycelium, which are more resistant to humid climates than wooden beds.
Mushroom farming underground has several benefits. The constant temperature and humidity in these environments create a richer, more concentrated taste in the mushrooms. Additionally, the slow growth rate of around 50% results in less water loss during cooking. Underground mushroom farms can be found in various locations, from natural caves to abandoned urban spaces, each utilising the unique benefits of growing mushrooms below the surface.
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Mushrooms can survive freezing temperatures
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows differently from plants. Instead of using chlorophyll to obtain energy through photosynthesis, they use fibres called hyphae to take in food. Mushrooms can survive freezing temperatures, and in some cases, freezing is used to store them.
Mushroom cultivation practices take advantage of this ability to survive freezing temperatures. Mushroom bags can be left to freeze in winter, preserving them until they are ready to grow in warmer weather. This technique mimics the natural process of freezing and thawing that occurs in nature, allowing cultivators to prepare for the upcoming growing season.
Additionally, certain species of mushrooms are particularly well-adapted to freezing temperatures. For example, Velvet Shank mushrooms have been observed withstanding freezing weather conditions, with their caps completely frozen yet somehow appearing to relish the cold. This ability to survive in cold environments contributes to the diversity and resilience of mushroom species.
While mushrooms can survive freezing temperatures, extreme cold can still be detrimental. A significant drop in temperature can hinder the chemical processes necessary for their growth and survival. In record-breaking freezes, the mycelium, the thread-like structures that form the main body of the fungus, can weaken and struggle to function optimally. Therefore, while mushrooms are resilient, extreme cold can impact their survival.
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Mushrooms grow in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Mushrooms are a versatile fungus, growing in a range of climates and conditions. While some mushrooms prefer the spring and fall seasons, others thrive in summer and winter.
Spring Mushrooms
As the weather warms, mushrooms begin to sprout, with some varieties favouring the milder spring temperatures. Spring Kings (Boletus rex-veris), for instance, are found in Western North America from May to June. These mushrooms, also known as Spring Porcini, are a chef's favourite due to their subtle taste, meaty texture, and excellent nutritional profile. They are typically found near fir or pine trees in areas with moderate moisture, such as the Cascade Mountain Range or the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Other mushrooms that flourish in spring include morels, oysters, and boletes. Morels (Morchella spp.) are highly prized in North America for their delicious flavour and are typically foraged in the wild under hardwoods and conifer trees, or near garden edges, wood chips, or compost. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are another spring favourite, known for their mild texture and fan-shaped caps with gills on the underside. They grow naturally on and near trees in temperate and subtropical forests worldwide.
Summer Mushrooms
Some mushroom varieties can withstand higher temperatures and produce fruit during the summer months. Shiitake logs and Garden Giant mushroom patches are known to fruit throughout the summer, providing a bountiful harvest for mushroom enthusiasts. By creating microclimates, even in hotter or drier locations, it is possible to cultivate mushrooms that thrive in these conditions.
Fall Mushrooms
The cool, wet conditions of fall create an ideal environment for mycelial growth. The temperature drop triggers fruiting, mimicking natural cycles. For growers, fall is an excellent time to start logs, as the extended incubation period can lead to earlier fruiting in the subsequent growing season. By protecting logs from freezing, either through insulation or storage in basements or greenhouses, it is possible to support mushroom growth throughout the winter as well.
Winter Mushrooms
While many vegetables slow down or stop growing in winter, certain mushroom varieties continue to thrive. The Grey Oyster mushroom, for instance, performs well in low temperatures, and the Shiitake variety can tolerate freezing conditions during incubation. NZ Mushrooms also grow well in winter, triggered by cooler temperatures and high rainfall. They can often be found on old tree stumps or branches of healthy trees, particularly after heavy rain.
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Mushrooms grow in dark, humid, damp conditions
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows in dark, humid, and damp conditions. They do not contain chlorophyll, the substance that helps plants get energy through photosynthesis. Instead, mushrooms use fibres called hyphae to take in food. Mushrooms can "hibernate" in this state for several months below ground, waiting for the right conditions to grow.
Creating the right conditions for mushroom growth is crucial for successful cultivation. Mushrooms can grow in various locations, from a shady spot in your backyard to a high-tech climate-controlled grow room. The ideal environment is a sheltered, damp, and fresh nook, similar to what you might find in a forest. Humidity, fresh air exchange, and temperature are key factors in creating this environment.
Maintaining high humidity levels is essential for mushroom growth. Mushrooms are composed of 90% water, so they require a humid environment to prevent excessive water loss. Low humidity can cause mushrooms to stall, form cracks, and discolour, while too much humidity can lead to browning or yellowing of the caps. The ideal humidity level for most mushroom species is between 85% and 95%.
To achieve the desired humidity levels, growers can use methods such as misting, watering, or placing a humidifier in the growing area. It is important to monitor humidity levels regularly and make adjustments to ensure optimal conditions. Additionally, wind and direct sunlight can be drying, so mushrooms benefit from shelter.
While mushrooms grow in dark and damp conditions, they also require fresh air exchange. Growers should avoid creating an enclosed, musty, dark space, as this is not ideal for mushroom growth. Instead, the goal is to replicate the fresh, moist air found in a forest.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms do not exactly hibernate, but they can remain dormant for several months.
Mushrooms grow in dark, humid, and damp conditions.
Mushrooms are perennial in temperate climates, meaning they continue to grow despite snowfall. They show more significant growth in winter.
Mushrooms use fibers called hyphae to take in food.
In freezing temperatures, the mycelium weakens and may die. However, some mushrooms can withstand freezing weather conditions.
