Sarah Brown
The time it takes for mushrooms to fruit depends on a variety of factors, including the species of mushroom, the growing environment, and the method of cultivation. For example, shiitake mushrooms grown on logs can take up to 18 months before they are ready to fruit, whereas oyster mushrooms grown on a high-nutrient substrate can take as little as 3 to 5 weeks. The fruiting process itself can take anywhere from 10 to 20 days, depending on the growth medium and environmental conditions. Overall, the time from spore to mushroom can vary significantly, but with the right conditions and care, mushrooms can be successfully fruited and harvested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for mushrooms to fruit | 10-20 days |
| Factors affecting the time taken to fruit | Species of mushroom, strength and resilience of the strain, growing conditions, temperature, oxygen level, humidity, lighting, etc. |
| Time taken for spawn run | 12-18 months |
| Time taken for colonisation | 3-6 weeks |
| Time taken for incubation | 4 days |
| Time taken for mushrooms to fruit in New England | Between June and September |
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What You'll Learn
The species of mushroom and substrate used affect growth time
The species of mushroom and substrate used have a significant impact on the growth time. Different mushroom species have distinct preferences for substrates, and selecting the right substrate is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation.
Some mushroom species, such as oyster mushrooms, can thrive on a diverse range of substrates, including straw or even cardboard. On the other hand, certain species exhibit specificity and will only produce abundant yields when cultivated on a particular substrate. For instance, shiitake mushrooms respond well to shocking, a technique not typically employed with other mushroom varieties.
The substrate serves as a medium for the mushroom mycelium to develop and obtain the necessary nutrients, moisture, and energy for growth and fruiting. The amount of water in the substrate is crucial for almost all mushroom types, as mushroom bodies are composed of 70-90% water, which is derived entirely from the substrate. Ensuring that the substrate can retain moisture and has optimal water content is essential for mushroom cultivation.
Additionally, the substrate should ideally contain lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which are woody and fibrous components rich in carbon, serving as the primary food supply for the mycelium. Common substrates include straw and hardwood sawdust, but other options, such as coffee grounds, can also be utilised. Coffee grounds are an interesting choice because they are effectively sterilised during the coffee-making process, making them ready for immediate inoculation or freezing for later use.
The environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, also play a role in the growth time. Most mushroom species fruit in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, with some species preferring colder or warmer environments. For example, certain pioppino species thrive in cold temperatures, while others prefer warmer spots.
Furthermore, the growth medium and incubation conditions influence colonisation time, which typically takes about 2-4 weeks. The white threads of mycelium spreading through the substrate indicate successful incubation. After a few weeks, the mycelium forms a thick white mat, marking the completion of the colonisation stage and the readiness for the fruiting stage.
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Spawn run: the mycelium grows out into the log
Spawn run is a critical stage in the cultivation of mushrooms, specifically when growing edible and medicinal mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms and shiitake. It is the phase during which the mycelium from the inoculated spawn starts to colonise the new substrate. The spawn run typically takes place in a controlled environment with specific temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions that are favourable for the growth of the particular mushroom species.
The spawn run is a crucial step in the mushroom cultivation process, where the mycelium, the vegetative part of the mushroom, colonises the substrate before the actual mushroom fruiting bodies develop. The mycelium is the thread-like collection of cells that is to a mushroom what an apple tree is to an apple. The spawn is used to transfer the mycelium onto any material from which mushrooms will grow, called a substrate. There are many different kinds of substrates, with straw, cardboard, logs, and wood chips being a few examples.
The spawn run ensures that the mycelium is well-established in the substrate, making it more likely that the fruiting stage will be successful. The success of the entire mushroom cultivation process, from substrate preparation to harvest, depends on the health and vigour of the mycelium during the spawn run. It is important to maintain a stable temperature during the spawn run to prevent premature fruiting before colonisation is complete. This is especially important for oyster mushrooms and shiitake, as drops in temperature are a natural fruiting trigger. If these are experienced during the spawn run, the mycelium can stop colonisation and move to the fruiting stage, which can lead to lower yields, fruiting within the container, and possible contamination of the substrate.
The spawn run typically takes 12-18 months. During this time, the mycelium grows and forms a network within the substrate, creating a white, web-like structure. This colonisation process can take several weeks, depending on the type of mushroom and environmental conditions. The spawn should be kept in a laying yard under year-round shade (75 to 100%) to prevent the logs from drying out due to sun and wind. A laying yard beneath the canopy of a coniferous forest is best, but a deciduous canopy will also suffice with additional protection for the logs.
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Incubation: the mycelium grows through the substrate
Incubation is a crucial phase in the mushroom cultivation process. It is during this stage that the mycelium, or vegetative part of a fungus, grows and spreads through the substrate, breaking down and digesting nutrients to support its expansion. The mycelium grows in a three-dimensional sphere, fusing together as it encounters new surfaces, until the entire substrate becomes one mycelial organism.
The length of the incubation period can vary depending on several factors, including the type of fungus, the substrate used, and environmental conditions. For example, oyster mushrooms can completely colonise a substrate within 10 to 14 days under ideal conditions, while other types of mushrooms may take several weeks or even months. In general, mycelium can fully colonise a culture medium within a few days to weeks.
To ensure a successful incubation period, it is important to create the right conditions for the mycelium to thrive. Temperature is a critical factor, with most mycelium species thriving at temperatures between 20-25°C. Humidity is also crucial, with high humidity levels (95-100%) being ideal for mycelium growth. Additionally, adequate ventilation is necessary to ensure the mycelium receives enough oxygen.
It is also important to choose a suitable substrate for the specific fungal species being cultivated. Common substrates include straw, sawdust, and coffee grounds. The substrate should be pasteurised or sterilised to eliminate unwanted microorganisms that could slow down or hinder the growth of the mycelium.
During incubation, it is essential to monitor the development of the mushroom block to ensure that the mycelium is growing as expected. If the mycelium is growing slowly, it may indicate issues with the culture or environmental conditions. Contamination by other microorganisms can also impact the growth of the mycelium, so it is important to check for signs of mould and take steps to prevent the spread of contamination.
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Fruiting conditions: light, temperature, oxygen, and humidity
The time it takes for mushrooms to fruit varies depending on the species and the growing process. Mushroom kits can take about 10 days to fruit, while growing mushrooms on logs can take six months or more.
Regardless of the species or growing method, fruiting mushrooms require specific conditions to thrive. These include light, temperature, oxygen, and humidity.
Light
Mushrooms need light to fruit. While mycelium can grow without light, fruiting bodies require some light source to sprout. Many growers believe that indirect sunlight is the best source of light for growing mushrooms. However, too much light can be harmful. Exposing mushrooms to 12 or more hours of artificial light per day may harm the mushrooms and prevent fruiting bodies from sprouting. Lights measuring under 7,000 Kelvin can be left on for extended periods. To avoid overheating or burn damage, it is important to maintain some space between the light source and the mushrooms.
Temperature
Cooler temperatures tend to produce better-quality mushrooms. Warmer temperatures can lead to faster-growing, lower-quality mushrooms, and an increased risk of contamination.
Oxygen
Mushrooms require oxygen to grow. According to experts, CO2 levels should be kept between 10,000 and 20,000 ppm during the spawn run but no more than 1,000 ppm during the fruiting phase, preferably between 500 and 800 ppm. Higher CO2 concentrations during the fruiting phase can decrease yields and cause "legging" or long stems as the developing fruit pushes higher in search of oxygen.
Humidity
Humidity is critical for mushroom growth. Mushrooms require high humidity to initiate the formation of primordia, which develop into mature mushrooms. In most cases, natural humidity is insufficient, and additional humidification methods are necessary. These include misting spray bottles, pond misters, and fans. However, excessive humidity can encourage the growth of mould and harmful microorganisms.
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Harvesting: when to harvest and how to store
The timing of harvesting mushrooms is crucial to maximising future flushes and getting the most out of your efforts. The right time to harvest is just before the veil—a thin membrane on the underside of the mushroom cap that keeps the spores in—tears and the spores are released. If the spores get released onto the mycelium cake, it will produce far fewer mushrooms in the subsequent flushes, if any at all. Therefore, keeping the cakes spore-free is essential for maximising yields.
Another indicator of the right time to harvest is when the veil darkens and begins to sag. Even if some spores drop, it is not a big deal. However, by harvesting before the veil breaks, you can ensure the best potency-per-gram while preventing an unsightly and smothering drop of spores.
After harvesting, it is important to get the mushrooms into refrigerated storage as soon as possible, ideally within one hour of picking. These mushrooms will remain fresh and marketable for several weeks if kept in a cool (41°F), dry, and dark place. Do not seal them in an airtight container. Instead, use a paper bag (not plastic) or a wax-lined cardboard box, which is considered the best way to store mushrooms in the refrigerator.
Make sure not to put too many mushrooms in a box, as overcrowding will prevent proper airflow, causing the mushrooms at the bottom to spoil sooner. If you need to store the mushrooms for a week or more, transfer them to clean pans occasionally and replace the paper towels to ensure good air circulation.
Mushrooms can also be dried in a drying chamber maintained at 100-125°F for 24 hours. After cooling for one hour, the dried mushrooms should be stored in polyethylene bags, sealed, and kept in a dry, cool, dark place.
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Frequently asked questions
The time it takes for mushrooms to fruit varies depending on the species, the substrate, and the environmental conditions. On average, it takes about 10-14 days for mushrooms to fruit.
The three main factors that affect the time it takes for mushrooms to fruit are temperature, oxygen level, and humidity. Lighting is also important, as mushrooms need light to develop properly.
Yes, using a grow kit with a high-nutrient substrate can speed up the process. Oyster mushrooms, for example, can be grown on Masters mix, a mixture of sawdust and soybean hulls, and take about 3-5 weeks to fruit.
Fruiting is the process of forcing the substrate to produce "fruit bodies", which are the actual mushrooms themselves. After inoculation and incubation, the mycelium will start to colonize the substrate. Once the substrate is fully colonized, it can be exposed to fruiting conditions, and tiny mushrooms or "pins" will begin to form.
