Emma Wilson
Oyster mushrooms are a favourite among beginners for their resilience, fast growth, and ability to grow almost anywhere. They are also a great choice for growing outdoors. The Pink Oyster mushroom, for instance, is one of the fastest-growing oyster mushroom strains and thrives in warmer temperatures. The time it takes from spawning the log to harvesting the first flush of mushrooms can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Grey oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, prefer cooler temperatures (45-65°F/12-18°C) for optimal fruiting and can be grown on numerous substrates, with straw and hardwood being the most common. The entire growing process from inoculation to harvest takes about 3-5 weeks. With the proper setup, equipment, and substrate, you will be able to grow flush after flush for the same cost as a few supermarket portions of oyster mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for first flush | 2-4 weeks |
| Yield | 3 lbs |
| Time taken for subsequent flushes | More than the first |
| Yield for subsequent flushes | Less than the first |
| Grey oyster mushroom yield | 100%+ of the dry weight of the substrate |
| Optimal temperature for grey oyster mushroom | 45-65°F/12-18°C |
| Time taken for the entire grey oyster mushroom growth process | 3-5 weeks |
| Effect of environmental changes | Visible within 24 hours |
| Harvesting technique | Entire cluster at once |
| Cleaning technique | Brushing off debris with a soft brush or paper towel |
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What You'll Learn
Oyster mushrooms grow outside in a few weeks
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties of mushrooms to grow, and they can be grown outside in a few weeks. They are delicate and don't transport well, so it's best to grow them yourself if you want fresh, just-picked mushrooms.
To grow oyster mushrooms outside, you can use straw logs, inoculate old tree stumps or logs with mushroom spores, or simply mix the spawn with straw and spread it over an area of ground, keeping it wet. You can also grow them in a bucket or a growing bag. If you're using straw, it needs to be cleaned, chopped and pasteurized before adding the spawn. The process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the method and the environment.
When growing oyster mushrooms outside, it's important to find a location that is sheltered from the wind and direct sunlight, with some indirect light. Keep the temperature between 50-86˚F (or 45-65˚F for king oysters) and aim for 85-95% humidity. Oyster mushrooms grow very quickly and can sometimes double in size overnight. The time from spawning the log to harvesting the first flush of mushrooms can be anywhere from 2-4 weeks, depending on the variety and the growing conditions.
Some varieties of oyster mushrooms, such as Pink Oyster and Yellow Oyster, are tropical species that thrive in warmer temperatures and can produce fruits in as little as 3-4 weeks. The Blue Oyster mushroom is a fast colonizer that prefers growing in cooler temperatures of 45-65 F (12-18 C). The Pearl Oyster mushroom also grows best in colder temperatures.
With proper care and the right growing conditions, you can produce multiple flushes of oyster mushrooms outside in a few weeks and have more mushrooms than you can eat!
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Tropical species thrive in warmer temperatures
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest mushrooms to cultivate due to their rapid growth, tolerance to different growing conditions, and ability to grow on a diverse range of substrates. They are widely grown worldwide, comprising around 27% of the total global production. Tropical oyster mushroom species, in particular, thrive in warmer temperatures and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
When growing oyster mushrooms, the temperature range for colonisation and fruiting is typically between 30-80°F (10-26°C). However, some tropical species of oyster mushrooms, such as the Pink Oyster and Yellow Oyster, thrive in warmer temperatures above 80°F (26°C). These species can be grown during the warmer months indoors under blue LED lights. The Pink Oyster, also known as Pleurotus djamor, has a stunning pink colour and a seafood-like flavour, making it a favourite among chefs and market buyers. The Phoenix Oyster Mushroom, or Pleurotus pulmonarius, is another tropical species that prefers warmer temperatures and can be identified by its lilac-coloured spore prints and white fruit bodies.
To optimise the growth of oyster mushrooms in warmer temperatures, it is important to consider the growing medium and substrate. The growing medium provides vital nutrients for the development of mycelium, and a nutritionally enriched medium facilitates abundant mycelial growth. Various carbon sources, such as glucose, fructose, starch, and cellulose, support mycelial growth. In terms of the substrate, oyster mushrooms can grow on hardwood tree sawdust and other grains. Tropical oyster mushrooms, specifically, can fruit on pasteurised wheat straw and cotton hulls during the extreme heat of summer when other species go dormant.
While oyster mushrooms can withstand a wide range of temperatures, it is important to note that they still require proper care and maintenance. For example, after harvesting, it is recommended to pick leftover mushroom material from the cut site and keep the area moist to prevent pest infestations and mould growth. Additionally, when growing tropical oyster mushrooms in warmer temperatures, it is crucial to provide adequate lighting, as insufficient light can result in lighter-coloured caps.
Overall, tropical oyster mushroom species, such as the Pink Oyster and Phoenix Oyster, thrive in warmer temperatures and can be successfully cultivated both indoors and outdoors with the right growing conditions and substrate.
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Optimal fruiting temperature for grey oysters is 45-65°F
Oyster mushrooms are popular among cultivators due to their adaptability, rapid growth, and flavour. However, successfully growing oyster mushrooms requires careful temperature management throughout the incubation and fruiting phases. Cultivators must understand the temperature preferences of different oyster mushroom species to optimize conditions for robust mycelial growth and bountiful yields.
The optimal fruiting temperature range for grey oyster mushrooms is 45-65°F. This temperature range fosters the development of fruiting bodies (mushrooms). Grey oyster mushrooms can also withstand temperatures as low as 41°F without suffering cold damage.
Other oyster mushroom species have different optimal temperature ranges during the fruiting phase. For example, the Pearl Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) thrives in a temperature range of 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C). Meanwhile, the Golden Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) prefers a slightly higher temperature range of 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C).
The incubation phase, which precedes the fruiting phase, is crucial for the mycelium to colonize the substrate and establish a robust network. During this phase, different oyster mushroom species also exhibit varying temperature preferences. For instance, the King Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) performs well at a slightly lower temperature range of 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C). In contrast, the Pearl Oyster and Golden Oyster mushrooms favour higher incubation temperatures, with an optimal range of 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C).
To maximize the chances of success in cultivating oyster mushrooms outdoors, it is recommended to grow tropical species such as Pink Oyster or Yellow Oyster, which thrive in warmer temperatures. Additionally, providing shade and ensuring sufficient nutrition and moisture can enhance the yield of oyster mushrooms.
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Misting oyster mushrooms helps them grow flush after flush
Oyster mushrooms are a favourite among beginners for their resilience, fast growth, and ability to grow almost anywhere on just about anything. They are also known for their range of health benefits and compounds.
To create the ideal growing conditions for oyster mushrooms, it is important to maintain optimal moisture and humidity levels. Misting oyster mushrooms and their growing environment is a simple yet crucial maintenance routine that can help achieve this. By misting the room with clean water every two days, you can maintain high humidity levels, which oyster mushrooms thrive in. Additionally, misting the growing environment twice a day with a sterilised spray water bottle helps keep the container moist, preventing the mushrooms from drying out.
Misting is particularly important when growing oyster mushrooms indoors, as it helps regulate humidity levels. High humidity can be achieved without misting by maintaining proper ventilation and a well-insulated room. However, misting becomes necessary when there is significant air circulation or when growing in warmer temperatures, as is the case with tropical oyster varieties.
With proper care and maintenance, oyster mushrooms can produce multiple flushes over a number of weeks. Each subsequent flush may take more time and energy, and the yield may be slightly lower, but misting can help extend the lifespan of your oyster mushroom crop, ensuring flush after flush of delicious and nutritious mushrooms.
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Oyster mushrooms are resilient and fast-growing
Oyster mushrooms are well-known for their resilience and fast-growing capabilities. They are a beginner's favourite for their ability to grow almost anywhere on just about anything. For instance, grey oyster mushrooms are perfect for beginners due to their resilience and fast growth. They can be grown on numerous substrates, with straw and hardwood being the most common. The entire growing process from inoculation to harvest takes about 3-5 weeks.
Some species of oyster mushrooms are incredibly fast-growing, and you could have your first flush just weeks after inoculation. The Pink Oyster mushroom, for example, is one of the fastest-growing strains of oyster mushrooms. The time it takes from spawning the log to harvesting the first flush of mushrooms can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
Oyster mushrooms are also known for their multiple flushes. You can grow multiple flushes from a single spent block. Each subsequent flush takes up more time and energy than the previous one, and you will end up getting slightly fewer mushrooms. However, the first two flushes are usually the biggest, with the third and fourth being much smaller, and the fifth flush onwards only producing a handful of small mushrooms.
To ensure a steady supply of mushrooms, it is recommended to make a new block every 3-4 weeks. This creates a rotation of fresh blocks beginning to fruit and old blocks being retired. It is also important to note that oyster mushrooms are susceptible to pests such as mould during successive grows. Therefore, proper maintenance and care, such as misting the mushrooms and their growing environment, are crucial for successful and healthy flushes.
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Frequently asked questions
Oyster mushrooms are known for their resilience, fast growth and ability to grow almost anywhere. The time it takes from spawning the log to harvesting the first flush of mushrooms takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
Tropical species of oyster mushrooms, such as Pink Oyster and Yellow Oyster, thrive in warmer temperatures. Grey oyster mushrooms are also a good option as they can be grown on numerous substrates, with straw and hardwood being the most common.
You can grow multiple flushes from a single spent block. However, each subsequent flush takes more time and energy than the first, and the yield gets smaller. The first two flushes are usually the biggest, with the third and fourth being much smaller, and the fifth onwards only producing a handful of small mushrooms.
To increase your yield, harvest the entire cluster at once, even if some mushrooms seem less mature. This allows the substrate to focus its energy on producing the next flush. You can also try growing new blocks every 3-4 weeks to form a rotation of fresh blocks fruiting and old blocks being retired.
Oyster mushrooms require very little maintenance. Simply mist the mushrooms and their growing environment with a water spray bottle a few times a day.
