Laura Smith
Mushrooms are typically associated with warm, damp environments, but some species thrive in cold weather. While some mushrooms enter a dormant phase in winter, others are triggered by cooler temperatures and high rainfall. In fact, certain varieties are specifically referred to as winter mushrooms, such as the Enoki, which grows wild in New Zealand during the colder months. The Shiitake mushroom also responds well to cold temperatures and can even survive below freezing during incubation. Foraging for mushrooms in winter is possible in many regions, and some species are better harvested during this time when the trees are dormant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms that grow in cold weather | Shiitake, Enoki, Winter chanterelle, Snowy and meadow waxcaps, Wild Enoki, Chaga fungus |
| Mushrooms that may be killed by cold weather | Mycelium |
| Conditions that affect mushroom growth | Temperature variations, humidity, dry air |
| Mushroom growth in different climates | Warmer climates with snow, such as the Pacific Northwest, South, and West, have more mushrooms to forage in winter |
| Mushroom growth timing | Late winter to mid-spring is the best time to start outdoor mushroom projects in certain regions |
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What You'll Learn
Some mushrooms thrive in cold weather
While mushroom foraging is typically a warm-weather hobby, some mushrooms thrive in cold weather. Certain varieties of mushrooms grow in winter, particularly in the northeast and other cold climates. In warmer regions, such as the Pacific Northwest, late winter to mid-spring is the ideal time to begin outdoor mushroom cultivation.
Some mushrooms, such as morels, require specific soil temperatures to emerge, while others prefer the cold temperatures of winter and early spring. These cold-weather mushrooms won't sprout until temperatures drop. Perennial mushrooms, for example, can be harvested year-round, but it is better to do so in the winter when the trees are dormant.
The Shiitake mushroom variety responds well to cold temperatures and can tolerate freezing conditions during incubation. A temperature increase to around 10°C is sufficient to initiate pinning in Shiitake mushrooms. Enoki mushrooms, known as the "winter mushroom," are becoming increasingly popular for home cultivation in New Zealand. They thrive in winter conditions but may struggle during mid-summer due to their warmer heat requirements.
In addition to cultivated varieties, there are several wild mushrooms that grow well in cold weather. For instance, wild Enoki mushrooms have amber-brown caps and sprout during cold weather. They can often be found growing on old deciduous trees, including fruit trees, in older parks or play areas. Wood ear mushrooms can also be found on native New Zealand tree species, such as Lemonwood, particularly on dead branches of otherwise healthy trees.
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Cold shock stimulates the fruiting phase
Cold shock, or cold shock tek, is a valuable technique used in mushroom cultivation to stimulate the fruiting phase of certain mushroom species. This technique involves exposing the mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus, to a sudden drop in temperature for a short period, typically between 2°C to 10°C (35°F to 50°F) for 12 to 24 hours. The primary goal is to mimic the natural conditions that signal to mushrooms that it is time to fruit. Many mushrooms in the wild initiate their fruiting phase following a sudden drop in temperature, often after seasonal changes.
By replicating these conditions, cultivators can trigger the mycelium to produce mushrooms. Cold shock is particularly effective for species that naturally experience temperature fluctuations in their native environments. It helps break the dormancy of the mycelium, leading to the initiation of the fruiting phase. This technique can result in a more abundant and faster harvest, improving both the quantity and synchronization of the crop.
However, it is crucial to apply cold shock judiciously, as it may not be suitable for all mushroom types. For warm-weather, tropical, and subtropical psilocybin mushroom species, such as Psilocybe Cubensis, cold shock can be destructive and even provoke abortions, where mushrooms stop their growth and never reach maturity. Therefore, a deep understanding of the specific requirements and responses of the mushroom species in cultivation is essential before employing this technique.
The process of cold shocking involves reducing the temperature of the mycelium and its substrate by placing the cultivation container in a refrigerator or a cold room. After the cold shock treatment, it is important to return the mushrooms to their optimal fruiting conditions, including temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange, to encourage fruiting. Cold shock can be a valuable tool in the cultivator's arsenal, especially when combined with other techniques like rehydration and light exposure.
While cold shock can be beneficial for stimulating the fruiting phase of certain mushroom species, it is important to note that temperature is just one of several factors influencing mushroom growth. Other factors, such as light exposure, substrate colonization, and air exchange, also play a significant role in triggering mushroom fruiting. Additionally, the effectiveness of cold shock can vary depending on the specific mushroom strain and environmental conditions. Therefore, experimentation and a thorough understanding of the mushrooms' requirements are crucial for successful cultivation.
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Cold weather can be detrimental to some mushrooms
While some mushrooms can survive and even thrive in cold weather, the same cannot be said for all mushrooms. Cold weather can be detrimental to some mushrooms, and they may not survive freezing temperatures.
Some mushrooms, like morels, need specific soil temperatures to appear, and a wide temperature fluctuation is often required to trigger their growth. In regions with warmer winter temperatures, such as the Pacific Northwest, South, and West, there may be more mushrooms to forage during the colder months. However, in places with colder winters, such as Vermont, most mushrooms are typically found in the spring or late fall.
The Shiitake mushroom, for example, can tolerate freezing temperatures and even benefit from cold shock, which increases the number of pinheads and overall yield. On the other hand, cold shock can be destructive to warm-weather psilocybin mushroom species, such as Psilocybe Cubensis, causing abortions or overlay, which prevents the formation of pinheads and primordia. Temperatures below 5°C may even kill the mycelium, the actual body of the mushroom.
While some mushrooms can be foraged all year round, and others prefer the cold temperatures of winter and early spring, there are also those that are dormant during the winter months. These mushrooms may be triggered by warmer temperatures, and central heating can create small temperature variations that cause prolonged dormancy.
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Mushrooms can be grown in winter
Varieties for Winter Growth
- Shiitake Mushrooms: This variety responds well to cold temperatures and can tolerate freezing conditions during incubation. An increase to around 10°C can stimulate pinning.
- Enoki Mushrooms: Enoki mushrooms are often associated with winter and are becoming popular for home cultivation. They require temperatures above 15°C and can struggle in mid-summer heat.
- Wood Ear Mushrooms: Wood ear mushrooms thrive in winter, growing on trees from September to March. They have a reddish-brown, jelly-like texture and are edible, commonly used in soups, salads, and sauces.
- Lion's Mane Mushrooms: Lion's mane mushrooms can be found in cold environments and are known for their textured, hair-like "mane" and stark white colour. They are edible and can be consumed raw, cooked, dried, or steeped as tea.
- Oyster Mushrooms: Certain species of oyster mushrooms appear throughout winter, even in far northern regions. They are often found growing on downed trees during the cold season.
Tips for Successful Winter Cultivation
- Temperature Fluctuations: Mushrooms typically require temperature variations to trigger growth. In centrally heated homes, small temperature variations can cause prolonged dormancy in grow kits. To address this, move the kit outdoors for a few days and then bring it back inside to a warm, humid environment.
- Humidity Management: Maintaining humidity is crucial, especially with indoor heating. Inadequate humidity will impact pinning. Aim for comfortable room temperatures between 15°C and 24°C.
- Outdoor Sources: Mushrooms can be foraged from nature during winter. Look for old tree stumps and deciduous trees, including fruit trees, in parks or play areas. Heavy rainfall can stimulate mushroom growth on these natural substrates.
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Mushrooms can be foraged in winter
In regions with warmer winter temperatures, such as the Pacific Northwest, South, and West, there are even more mushrooms to forage in winter. For example, the medicinal chaga fungus, which grows on birch trees, and the wild Enoki mushroom, which has amber-brown caps and grows during cold weather.
Some mushrooms grow year-round, and for these varieties, it is better to harvest them in the winter when the trees are dormant. Additionally, a wide temperature fluctuation is often required to trigger mushrooms to grow. In winter, central heating can keep temperatures constant, so it may be helpful to move your mushroom kit outside for a few days to trigger growth.
Mushroom foraging in winter is a great reason to get outdoors and enjoy the cooler seasons. In addition to mushrooms, there are many other things to forage, such as lichen, pine needles, bark, berries, winter greens, and edible roots and tubers.
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Frequently asked questions
While some mushrooms go dormant in cold weather, others thrive in it. Temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F) may kill the mycelium, the root-like body of the mushroom.
Some mushrooms that survive in cold weather include winter chanterelle, shiitake, enoki, and velvet shank.
Many prized edible mushrooms grow in warmer weather, such as morels, which need specific soil temperatures to appear.
Mushrooms generally grow well between 15 and 24 °C, but can tolerate a few degrees above or below that. They are triggered by wide temperature fluctuations, so if you are growing mushrooms indoors during winter, you can trigger growth by putting the mushroom kit outdoors for a few days and then bringing it back inside.
