Laura Smith
Shiitake mushrooms are a popular variety of gourmet mushrooms that can be grown in a variety of conditions. While they do not require light to grow, as they do not contain chlorophyll and do not rely on photosynthesis, a dim light source is necessary for the formation of fruit bodies. This can be provided by indirect sunlight or a fluorescent lamp placed up to 15 feet away. When growing shiitake mushrooms, it is important to maintain a high humidity level of 75-85% and a temperature range of 45-70°F (7-21°C). They are known to tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can even fruit in snowy conditions or temperatures above 30°C.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Light requirement | Mushrooms do not require light to grow but need dim light to form fruit bodies. |
| Type of light | Indirect sunlight or fluorescent lamp light. |
| Distance from light source | Fluorescent lamp can be placed up to 15 feet away. |
| Duration of light exposure | A few hours of light exposure per day is sufficient for fruiting. |
| Temperature | Tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from snow conditions to above 30°C. Ideal temperature range is between 72-78°F (40-90°F). |
| Humidity | Requires high humidity (75-85% relative humidity). |
| Moisture | Logs should be kept at a moisture level of 35-45%. |
| Growing medium | Requires a wood-based growing medium, such as logs or sawdust. |
| Incubation time | Longer incubation time compared to other mushrooms, typically 6-12 months. |
| Fruiting time | Mushrooms typically fruit 2-3 months after inoculation. |
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What You'll Learn
Shiitake mushrooms require dim light, but no direct sunlight
Shiitake mushrooms do not require light to grow as they do not contain chlorophyll and do not photosynthesize. However, they do need dim light to form fruit bodies, and only a few hours a day is sufficient for successful fruiting. When growing shiitake mushrooms, it is best to keep them away from direct sunlight, as it can be too strong. Instead, indirect light or artificial light sources, such as fluorescent lamps, can be used.
To grow shiitake mushrooms successfully, it is recommended to provide indirect light through “skylight” or by placing a fluorescent lamp about 15 feet away. This simulates daylight without generating excessive heat. Additionally, maintaining a high humidity level of 75% to 85% relative humidity is crucial for shiitake mushrooms. They also prefer cool temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 21 degrees Celsius).
When preparing the growing environment, it is advisable to place the shiitake logs in a shaded outdoor area or under trees to maintain the desired temperature and moisture levels. The logs should be kept off the ground to prevent competing fungi from growing on them. Covering the logs with a shade cloth or breathable fabric can protect them from direct sunlight while allowing moisture to penetrate.
Although shiitake mushrooms can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, constant temperatures above 74 degrees Fahrenheit can hinder their growth. Temperatures exceeding 86 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours can be detrimental and may kill the mushroom mycelium. Therefore, it is essential to monitor temperature conditions when cultivating shiitake mushrooms.
In summary, shiitake mushrooms require dim light to form fruit bodies, but direct sunlight should be avoided. By providing indirect light, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels, and shading the growing area, successful cultivation of shiitake mushrooms can be achieved.
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They grow best under a fluorescent lamp
Shiitake mushrooms do not require light to grow, as they do not contain chlorophyll and do not photosynthesise. However, they do need a dim light source to form fruit bodies. When growing shiitake mushrooms indoors, indirect sunlight or a fluorescent lamp can provide the necessary light. A 100-watt fluorescent light bulb can simulate daylight, providing the ideal light conditions for mushroom growth without generating excessive heat.
Fluorescent lamps are a suitable light source for shiitake mushrooms because they provide indirect light, which is less intense than direct sunlight. Direct UV light from the sun can be harmful to shiitake mushrooms, so it is important to avoid direct exposure. By using a fluorescent lamp, you can control the amount of light the mushrooms receive and maintain the optimal lighting conditions for their growth.
The fluorescent lamp should be placed at a distance from the mushrooms to provide indirect light. A recommended distance is about 15 feet, which provides a gentle light similar to skylight. This distance ensures that the mushrooms receive adequate illumination without being exposed to excessive light intensity.
In addition to light considerations, it is important to maintain the preferred temperature and humidity levels for shiitake mushrooms. They thrive in cool temperatures, typically between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 21 degrees Celsius). Regarding humidity, shiitake mushrooms prefer high humidity levels, ideally between 75% and 85% relative humidity.
By providing the right lighting conditions with a fluorescent lamp, along with the optimal temperature and humidity levels, you can create an ideal environment for shiitake mushrooms to grow and flourish.
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Mushrooms don't need light to grow, but they do need light to form fruit bodies
Shiitake mushrooms do not need light to grow, but they do require light to form fruit bodies. This is because mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and therefore do not require light or photosynthesis to grow. However, a dim light source, such as indirect sunlight or a fluorescent lamp, is necessary for the formation of fruit bodies.
When growing shiitake mushrooms, it is important to provide the right conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and moisture. Shiitake mushrooms prefer cool temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (7-21 degrees Celsius) and high humidity levels between 75 and 85% relative humidity. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can even be fruited successfully in cold or hot weather. However, constant temperatures above 74 degrees can prevent mushroom growth, and temperatures above 86 degrees for several hours can kill the mushroom mycelium.
Shiitake mushrooms also require a moist environment for growth. The logs or growing medium should be kept at a moisture level between 35 and 45 percent. If the logs become dry, they should be soaked in water for 48 hours to restore the desired moisture level. It is also important to ensure that the growing area is shaded and well-ventilated to prevent competing fungi from taking over.
In terms of the growing medium, shiitake mushrooms require a wood-based substrate, such as logs or blocks of sawdust, to thrive and obtain the nutrients they need. Oak is the preferred wood type for shiitake mushrooms, but maple, beech, and ironwood are also suitable. Fresh logs are ideal, as they have a lower risk of being contaminated by other types of fungi.
Once the shiitake mushrooms have been harvested, it is important to properly dry and store the blocks to prevent mould. The blocks should be left in a well-ventilated area to dry for 3-4 weeks before being submerged in water for about 12 hours to rehydrate. After this process, the blocks can be placed back in the fruiting container to prepare for the next harvest.
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They grow more during the dark period
Shiitake mushrooms do not require light to grow, as they do not contain chlorophyll and do not rely on photosynthesis. However, they do need a dim light source to develop fruit bodies, and they grow more during the dark period.
Shiitake mushrooms are typically grown on logs or blocks of sawdust, and they prefer cool temperatures (45-70° F or 7-21° C) and high humidity (75-85% relative humidity). While they do not require light to grow, a few hours of indirect light per day are necessary for successful fruiting. This can be provided by indirect sunlight or a fluorescent lamp placed up to 15 feet away.
During the incubation period, which can last up to 12 months, shiitake mushrooms should be kept in a shady location off the ground to prevent competing fungi from taking over. The logs or blocks should be covered with a shade cloth or breathable fabric to protect them from direct sunlight while still allowing moisture to penetrate.
While shiitake mushrooms grow more during the dark period, it is important to note that they should not be kept in complete darkness. They utilise the energy from the light during their growth spurts in the dark. This balance between light and dark periods is crucial for optimal mushroom growth.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that significant exposure to direct UV light from the sun can be detrimental to shiitake mushrooms. Therefore, it is essential to provide shade and avoid strong direct sunlight when growing these mushrooms. Overall, shiitake mushrooms thrive in shaded, moist environments with indirect light sources, demonstrating their preference for growth during the dark period.
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Direct UV light can be detrimental to shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms do not require light to grow, as they do not contain chlorophyll and do not rely on photosynthesis. However, they do need dim light to form fruit bodies, and a few hours a day of indirect light is sufficient for successful fruiting. Direct sunlight is too strong for shiitake mushrooms, but light from a skylight or a fluorescent lamp placed up to 15 feet away is suitable.
When growing shiitake mushrooms, it is important to provide indirect light, as direct UV light from the sun can be detrimental to their growth. While shiitake mushrooms can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, they prefer cooler temperatures of 45 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 21 degrees Celsius). Maintaining the ideal temperature range is crucial for optimal growth.
To ensure the shiitake mushrooms receive adequate indirect light while avoiding direct UV exposure, it is recommended to place them in a shaded outdoor area or under trees. This natural shade helps preserve moisture and maintain the desired temperature range. Additionally, covering the logs with a shade cloth or breathable fabric allows for moisture penetration while keeping the mushrooms out of direct sunlight.
It is worth noting that mushrooms, including shiitake, grow more during the dark period. However, this does not imply that they should be kept in complete darkness during fruiting. Instead, they utilise the energy from the light during the dark period for their growth. Therefore, a balanced approach to light exposure is essential for cultivating healthy shiitake mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Shiitake mushrooms do not require light to grow, but they do need a dim light to form fruit bodies. Direct sunlight is too strong, but skylight or light from a fluorescent lamp is fine.
When growing indoors, indirect sunlight or a fluorescent lamp can be used to provide the necessary light. Only a few hours a day of dim light are required for successful fruiting.
The ideal temperature for growing shiitake mushrooms is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can grow in temperatures ranging from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer cool temperatures (45-70 degrees Fahrenheit, 7-21 degrees Celsius) and high humidity (75-85% relative humidity).
