John Miller
Growing mushrooms is a complex process that requires specific conditions, including temperature, moisture, and light. While some mushroom species can grow in complete darkness, others require at least some degree of light exposure. This is because mushrooms lack chlorophyll and do not depend on light or photosynthesis to grow. However, light plays a role in the fruiting process, and some mushrooms require light to develop mature fruiting bodies. The amount and type of light needed vary among mushroom species, with some preferring natural daylight and others requiring artificial light. Growers must also consider factors such as humidity and temperature to create an optimal environment for mushroom growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do mushrooms need complete darkness to grow? | Mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions. However, some light is thought to be necessary to complete the fruiting process and guide the growing direction of the fruiting body. |
| Lighting recommendations | Light in the blue spectrum is generally effective for mushroom growth. Moderate light intensity (500 to 1000 lux) for about 8 to 12 hours per day is sufficient for most fungi. |
| Benefits of growing in the dark | Growing mushrooms in the dark allows for their development in a richer and better flavour. Mushrooms grown in the dark have higher levels of profitable nutrients, including vitamin D and antioxidants. They are also less attractive to pests and insects. |
| Benefits of growing with light | Adequate exposure to light can improve the colour, texture, and nutrient content of some mushrooms. Mushrooms grown with light can be more aesthetically pleasing and have better yields. |
| Species that grow in the dark | Button and enoki mushrooms are commonly grown in the dark. |
| Species that require light | Oyster mushrooms require 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields. Shiitake mushrooms also require moderate light to initiate fruiting. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms can grow in the dark
During the incubation phase, light is generally not necessary for the majority of fungal species. In fact, darkness or very low light promotes rapid and efficient colonisation of the substrate by the mycelium, as the fungus can avoid spending unnecessary energy reacting to light. Once the primordia (pins) begin to form, light plays a part in stimulating fruiting and directing upward growth.
Some commonly cultivated mushrooms, such as button and enoki mushrooms, are usually grown in the dark, contributing to the misconception that all mushrooms grow in the dark. However, most other mushroom varieties need some light during the fruiting phase for their fruit bodies to develop properly. For example, oyster mushrooms will not grow well in the dark and require 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields.
That being said, mushrooms grown in the dark can develop a richer flavour and possess higher levels of profitable nutrients, including vitamin D and antioxidants. They are also less attractive to pests and insect attacks, ensuring better production.
While mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions, exposure to blue light (around 430-470 nm) has been shown to enhance growth, especially in the cap, and can improve shape and yield. Blue light upregulates genes involved in essential pathways for generating energy in non-photosynthetic organisms like mushrooms. Therefore, while mushrooms can grow in the dark, they often grow better with light.
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Some mushrooms prefer darkness
While mushrooms don't need light to grow, some light is thought to be necessary to complete the fruiting process and guide the growing direction of the fruiting body. However, some mushrooms prefer darkness or very low light to grow.
For example, button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) grow mainly in darkness or under very low light. Intense light can even inhibit fruiting in this species. Enoki and store-bought button mushrooms are also grown in the dark to produce pale mushrooms with smaller caps. Enoki mushrooms are also grown with high levels of CO2 to encourage the production of long, thin stems.
Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) require moderate light to initiate fruiting, but too much intense light can cause burns or defects on the mushroom caps. Oyster mushrooms also need light to grow well. They require 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields.
During the incubation phase, light is generally not necessary for the majority of fungal species. Darkness or low light promotes rapid and efficient colonisation of the substrate by the mycelium, avoiding any unnecessary energy spent reacting to light.
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Light affects mushroom growth
Secondly, light can influence the colour, texture, and nutrient content of mushrooms. Mushrooms grown in complete darkness may be pale or less visually appealing, while controlled light can result in more robust and aesthetically pleasing mushrooms. For example, exposure to blue light has been shown to enhance growth, particularly in the cap or pileus, and can improve shape and yield. In contrast, red light has been found to inhibit fruiting body growth in some species.
Thirdly, light intensity and type of lighting can impact cap size and stem length. Moderate light intensity, ranging from 500 to 1000 lux, for about 8 to 12 hours per day is generally sufficient for most fungi. However, the specific light requirements vary across different mushroom species. For instance, oyster mushrooms require diffused light to initiate fruiting, while button mushrooms thrive in darkness or under very low light conditions.
Lastly, light conditions can impact pest and insect attraction. Growing mushrooms in the dark makes them less susceptible to pest and insect attacks, leading to better production. Additionally, light considerations during the incubation phase focus on creating an optimal environment in terms of temperature and humidity, which are crucial factors in mushroom growth.
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Blue light enhances growth
While mushrooms can grow in complete darkness, light is a crucial factor in triggering the fruiting process. Mushrooms grown in complete darkness may be pale and less visually appealing. Light in the blue spectrum is generally effective for mushroom fruiting, and blue light with a wavelength of 320 to 400 nm stimulates mushroom formation. Blue LED light, such as the Blue Sun Spectrum offered by Active Grow, can aid in producing bountiful and high-quality yields for a range of mushroom species.
Blue light influences the growth and development of mushrooms by activating a series of biochemical reactions. For example, exposure to blue light increases the production of shikimic acid and antioxidant polyphenols, benefiting the mushroom's development and health-promoting attributes. Tyrosinase enzyme activity leads to melanization, impacting the pigmentation and potentially the robustness of the mushrooms. Additionally, the inhibition of certain enzymatic pathways plays a crucial role in the synthesis of psilocin, psilocybin, and other tryptamines.
Research has shown that blue light can enhance specific qualities in mushrooms. For instance, blue light can improve the flavour profile, nutritional content, and natural appearance of mushrooms. A study on Hypsizygus marmoreus found that blue LEDs produced fruit bodies with better features than other treatments, including longer stipes and an increase in yield.
When growing mushrooms, it is important to understand the unique reactions of different mushroom species to various light spectrums and intensities. While blue light is generally beneficial, some mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms, may grow better in red light, while shiitake mushrooms prefer green light. Additionally, during the incubation phase, most fungal species do not require light, and intense light can inhibit fruiting in certain species like Agaricus bisporus. Therefore, darkness or very low light is recommended during this phase to promote rapid and efficient colonisation of the substrate by the mycelium.
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Darkness reduces pest attacks
While mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions, darkness plays a crucial role in reducing pest attacks. Mushrooms grown in the dark are less attractive to pests and insects, leading to better overall production. This knowledge can be leveraged to improve mushroom cultivation and minimize potential losses due to pest infestations.
The preference for darkness in mushroom cultivation is further supported by the fact that many commonly cultivated mushrooms, such as button and enoki mushrooms, are typically grown in the dark. This practice has contributed to the misconception that all mushrooms require darkness for growth. However, it is important to recognize that specific lighting conditions can indeed influence the growth and quality of mushrooms.
During the incubation phase, when the mycelium is spreading, darkness or very low light is generally preferred. This is because mushrooms in the incubation phase are sensitive to light, and exposure to excessive light can cause early fruiting. By keeping them in a dark environment, mushrooms can focus their energy on rapid and efficient colonization of the substrate, resulting in optimal growth.
Additionally, the type and intensity of light can significantly impact the growth and quality of mushrooms. For example, blue light has been found to enhance the growth of oyster mushrooms, resulting in larger caps and stems compared to red light or dark conditions. On the other hand, intense light can inhibit the fruiting of button mushrooms, while shiitake mushrooms may suffer from burns or defects on their caps under similar lighting conditions. Therefore, controlled lighting conditions are essential to optimizing the quality and appearance of the mushrooms.
In summary, growing mushrooms in darkness offers the advantage of reduced pest attacks, contributing to improved production. However, it is important to acknowledge that lighting does play a role in influencing the growth, quality, and appearance of mushrooms. Therefore, a balanced approach that considers the specific lighting requirements of different mushroom varieties is ideal for successful cultivation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms do not need complete darkness to grow. While mushrooms do not rely on light for their nutritional needs, light plays a crucial role in their development and growth.
Light is involved in several vital processes in mushrooms, including the regulation of certain aspects of their development, such as fruiting and growth orientation. Adequate exposure to light can improve the colour, texture, shape, and even nutrient content of some mushrooms.
Mushrooms grown in the dark are believed to have a richer flavour and higher levels of nutrients, including vitamin D and antioxidants. Darkness also makes mushrooms less attractive to pests and insects.
Mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions. However, exposure to blue light (around 430-470 nm) has been shown to enhance growth, especially in the cap, and can improve shape and yield. LED lights are ideal for growing mushrooms indoors as they are energy-efficient and provide the blue light spectrum that benefits mushroom development.
