
Growing mushrooms in Stardew Valley is a rewarding but time-consuming process that requires patience and attention to detail. Players must first acquire mushroom spores, which can be found in the caves or purchased from the Traveling Cart, and then plant them in a mushroom box placed in a dark, humid environment like the cave or a shed with a heater. Once planted, mushrooms typically take between 10 to 12 in-game days to fully mature, depending on the type of mushroom and the conditions provided. Proper care, such as ensuring the area remains dark and occasionally watering the mushrooms, can help optimize growth time. Understanding this timeline is crucial for players looking to efficiently cultivate mushrooms as part of their farming strategy in Stardew Valley.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Growth Time | 10 days (in-game time) |
| Season Availability | Year-round in the Mushroom Box or Cave; Fall in the Secret Woods |
| Required Conditions | Mushroom Box: None; Cave/Secret Woods: Natural mushroom patches |
| Harvest Yield | 1-3 mushrooms per harvest (varies by luck and farming level) |
| Regrowth Time | Does not regrow; must replant or find new patches |
| Farming Level Bonus | Level 5: +1 harvest; Level 9: +1 additional harvest (total 2 bonuses) |
| Speed-Gro Effect | Reduces growth time by 25% (from 10 days to 7.5 days) |
| Deluxe Speed-Gro | Reduces growth time by 33% (from 10 days to 6.67 days) |
| Special Notes | Mushrooms can be foraged or grown; quality affects sell price |
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What You'll Learn

Spawn to Fruiting Stage
In Stardew Valley, growing mushrooms involves a unique process compared to other crops, and understanding the timeline from spawn to fruiting stage is crucial for efficient farming. The first step is acquiring mushroom spawn, which can be purchased from the Mushroom Log in The Cave or found in the wild. Once you have the spawn, you’ll need a Mushroom Box, which can be crafted using 85 wood and 1 copper bar. The Mushroom Box serves as the container for the spawn and provides the ideal environment for mushroom growth. After placing the spawn in the Mushroom Box, the waiting game begins, but the process is relatively quick compared to traditional crops.
The spawn-to-fruiting stage typically takes 4 days in-game. During this time, the spawn colonizes the substrate within the Mushroom Box, developing a network of mycelium. This stage is crucial as it lays the foundation for mushroom growth. Unlike regular crops that require tilling soil and planting seeds, mushrooms grow in a more contained and controlled environment. It’s important to place the Mushroom Box in a dark area, such as the cave or a shed without windows, as mushrooms thrive in low-light conditions. Proper placement ensures optimal growth and speeds up the process.
Once the spawn has fully colonized the substrate, the fruiting stage begins. This is when the mushrooms start to appear and grow visibly. The fruiting stage lasts approximately 3 to 5 days, depending on the in-game conditions. During this period, it’s essential to monitor the humidity and temperature, though in Stardew Valley, these factors are abstracted, and the game handles them automatically. The mushrooms will continue to grow until they reach maturity, at which point they can be harvested. Common mushrooms take about 7 days total from spawn to harvest, while rarer varieties like red mushrooms may take slightly longer.
To maximize efficiency, players can place multiple Mushroom Boxes in a designated area, ensuring they are all in a dark environment. This setup allows for continuous harvesting as different boxes progress through the spawn-to-fruiting stages. Additionally, using a tapper on a mushroom log can provide a steady supply of mushroom spawn, reducing the need to purchase it. By understanding the timeline and optimizing the environment, players can maintain a steady production of mushrooms, which are valuable for cooking, crafting, and selling.
In summary, the spawn-to-fruiting stage in Stardew Valley mushroom cultivation is a straightforward process that takes about 4 days for colonization and 3 to 5 days for fruiting, totaling around 7 days for the first harvest. Proper placement in a dark area and using multiple Mushroom Boxes can enhance productivity. With this knowledge, players can efficiently grow mushrooms and integrate them into their farming strategies for greater profitability and resource utilization.
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Optimal Growing Conditions
In Stardew Valley, growing mushrooms in the Cave requires specific conditions to optimize their growth and yield. The primary factor influencing growth time is the type of mushroom: Common Mushrooms take 6 days to mature, while Red Mushrooms and Purple Mushrooms take 12 days. However, achieving these times consistently depends on creating the ideal environment. The Cave’s natural darkness is already beneficial, as mushrooms thrive without light, but other factors must be carefully managed.
Temperature and humidity play a crucial role in mushroom cultivation. The Cave’s temperature is naturally cool, which is suitable for mushrooms, but ensuring consistent humidity is essential. Mushrooms require a damp environment, and the Cave’s inherent moisture levels are typically sufficient. Avoid placing heaters or allowing the Cave to become too dry, as this can stunt growth or kill the mushrooms. Additionally, ensure the area is free from debris or obstacles that could block growth.
Fertilization is another key aspect of optimal growing conditions. Using Deluxe Fertilizer or Speed-Gro can significantly reduce growth time. Deluxe Fertilizer eliminates the need for replanting after harvest and ensures maximum yield, while Speed-Gro reduces the total growth time by 10%. For example, applying Speed-Gro to Common Mushrooms reduces their growth time from 6 days to 5.4 days, though the game rounds this to 5 days. Proper fertilization not only speeds up growth but also ensures a bountiful harvest.
Spacing and placement are often overlooked but critical for efficient mushroom farming. Mushrooms should be planted in a grid pattern, leaving no gaps, to maximize space utilization. Unlike crops in the outdoor farm, mushrooms do not require specific spacing to grow, but organizing them in rows or sections makes harvesting easier. Ensure the Cave is well-lit with torches or other light sources for player convenience, though the mushrooms themselves do not benefit from light.
Finally, monitoring and maintenance are essential for optimal growth. Regularly check the Cave for fully grown mushrooms to harvest them promptly, as leaving them unharvested does not impact growth but can clutter the space. Keep the Cave organized and clean to prevent pests or mold, which can occasionally spawn and damage crops. By maintaining these conditions, players can ensure mushrooms grow within their shortest possible timeframes, maximizing productivity in the Cave.
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Time by Mushroom Type
In Stardew Valley, the time it takes for mushrooms to grow varies depending on the type of mushroom you're cultivating. Understanding these growth times is crucial for planning your farming activities and maximizing your yields. Mushrooms are grown in the Mushroom Box, which can be placed indoors, making them a great crop for year-round farming. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the growth times for different mushroom types.
Common Mushrooms are the most basic type and take the least amount of time to grow. They require 10 in-game days to reach full maturity. This makes them a quick and reliable option for players who need a steady supply of mushrooms for cooking, crafting, or selling. Common Mushrooms are also the easiest to obtain, as they can be foraged in the wild or purchased from the Seed Shop in Pierre’s General Store.
Wild Mushrooms take slightly longer to grow, requiring 12 in-game days to mature. While this is only two days more than Common Mushrooms, it’s important to factor this into your farming schedule, especially if you’re growing multiple types of mushrooms. Wild Mushrooms are more valuable than Common Mushrooms, making them a better choice for profit-focused players. They can be foraged in the fall or purchased from Pierre’s General Store.
Red Mushrooms and Purple Mushrooms are the slowest-growing types, each taking 14 in-game days to reach maturity. These mushrooms are more rare and valuable, making them worth the extra wait. Red Mushrooms can be foraged in the mines or purchased from the Desert Trader, while Purple Mushrooms are found in the Skull Cavern or can be bought from the Desert Trader as well. Their longer growth time means you’ll need to plan ahead if you intend to include them in your mushroom farming operations.
Truffles are a special case, as they are produced by pigs rather than grown in a Mushroom Box. However, it’s worth mentioning that pigs have a chance to produce truffles every day, provided they are happy and well-fed. Truffles are highly valuable and can be a significant source of income, but their production is less predictable compared to the consistent growth times of other mushrooms.
In summary, the growth times for mushrooms in Stardew Valley range from 10 days for Common Mushrooms to 14 days for Red and Purple Mushrooms. Planning your farming schedule around these times will help you maintain a steady supply of mushrooms for various purposes. Whether you’re focusing on quick yields or high-value crops, understanding these growth times is key to successful mushroom farming.
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Impact of In-Game Season
In Stardew Valley, the in-game season plays a significant role in determining how long it takes for mushrooms to grow, as well as their overall yield and quality. The game's seasonal mechanics directly impact the growth rate of mushrooms, with each season offering unique advantages and challenges for mushroom cultivation. For instance, mushrooms grow fastest during the fall season, taking only 10 days to reach full maturity in the cave or 12 days in the Mushroom Box. This accelerated growth rate makes fall the ideal season for players looking to maximize their mushroom harvest.
During the spring season, mushrooms take slightly longer to grow, requiring 12 days in the cave and 14 days in the Mushroom Box. While spring is not the most efficient season for mushroom cultivation, it still offers a viable option for players who want to start growing mushrooms early in the game. However, players should be aware that the slower growth rate in spring may impact their overall profitability, especially when compared to the faster growth rates of fall. It's essential to plan accordingly and consider the seasonal growth rates when deciding when to plant mushrooms.
Summer is another season that affects mushroom growth, albeit in a less favorable way. In summer, mushrooms take 14 days to grow in the cave and 16 days in the Mushroom Box. The increased temperature and humidity during summer can also attract pests and diseases, which may further impact the growth and quality of mushrooms. Players should take extra precautions during summer, such as using sprinklers and monitoring their mushroom crops regularly, to mitigate these risks and ensure a successful harvest.
Winter, on the other hand, is the least ideal season for growing mushrooms in Stardew Valley. Mushrooms cannot be grown outdoors during winter, and even in the cave or Mushroom Box, they take 16 days to reach full maturity. The cold temperature and lack of natural light during winter significantly slow down the growth rate, making it a challenging season for mushroom cultivation. Players are advised to avoid planting mushrooms during winter and instead focus on other seasonal crops or activities that are more suited to the cold weather.
The impact of in-game season on mushroom growth also extends to the quality and profitability of the harvest. Mushrooms grown during fall, for example, are more likely to produce high-quality crops, which can be sold for a higher price or used to craft valuable items. In contrast, mushrooms grown during summer or winter may be more susceptible to quality degradation, resulting in lower profits. Players should take the seasonal growth rates and quality factors into account when planning their mushroom cultivation strategy, balancing the potential rewards with the risks and challenges of each season.
Ultimately, understanding the impact of in-game season on mushroom growth is crucial for maximizing profitability and efficiency in Stardew Valley. By planning their mushroom cultivation around the seasonal growth rates and taking steps to mitigate risks, players can optimize their harvests and achieve greater success in the game. Whether it's taking advantage of the fast growth rates in fall or adapting to the challenges of summer and winter, a well-informed approach to seasonal mushroom cultivation can make a significant difference in the overall gameplay experience.
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Farming Efficiency Tips
In Stardew Valley, growing mushrooms efficiently is a unique aspect of farming due to their specific requirements and growth patterns. Mushrooms take 7 days to grow in the regular growing season (spring and fall) and cannot grow outdoors in other seasons without a Greenhouse or Mushroom Box. Understanding their growth cycle and optimizing conditions can significantly boost your farming efficiency. Here are detailed tips to maximize mushroom production.
First, location matters. Mushrooms thrive in shaded areas, so planting them in the cave or a Greenhouse is ideal. In the cave, ensure they are placed on tilled soil and not exposed to light. For Greenhouse farming, mushrooms can be grown year-round, making it a highly efficient setup. If using a Mushroom Box, place it indoors to simulate the cave environment. Avoid planting mushrooms outdoors unless it’s spring or fall, as they won’t grow in other seasons without protection.
Second, fertilization is key. Using standard fertilizer or quality fertilizer can speed up growth and increase yields. Speed-Gro is particularly useful for mushrooms since it reduces growth time by 10%, allowing you to harvest slightly earlier. However, avoid using retaining soil, as mushrooms do not require watering and retaining soil is unnecessary. Proper fertilization ensures consistent and faster growth cycles, maximizing your efficiency.
Third, plan your planting schedule. Since mushrooms take 7 days to grow, stagger your planting to ensure a continuous harvest. Plant a few mushrooms every day or every other day to maintain a steady supply. This prevents overwhelming yourself with a large harvest all at once and ensures a consistent income. Pairing mushroom farming with other crops can also balance your farming routine and resource usage.
Lastly, utilize the cave space effectively. If you’re growing mushrooms in the cave, maximize the available space by planting in rows or sections. The cave can hold a significant number of mushroom plants, so organize them neatly to avoid wasting space. Additionally, consider using the cave for other purposes, like storing chests or placing kegs for mushroom processing, to further enhance efficiency.
By focusing on optimal location, proper fertilization, strategic planting, and efficient use of space, you can significantly improve your mushroom farming efficiency in Stardew Valley. These tips ensure a steady and productive mushroom harvest, contributing to a successful farming operation.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms take 10 days to grow from planting to harvest in Stardew Valley, regardless of the season or type of mushroom.
Yes, mushrooms grow faster in the Mushroom Box, taking only 7 days to produce a harvest instead of the usual 10 days in the ground.
Yes, using Deluxe Fertilizer or Speed-Gro can reduce the growth time of mushrooms. With Deluxe Fertilizer, mushrooms grow in 7 days, and Speed-Gro reduces the time by 10%.
No, mushrooms only grow naturally in fall, but you can grow them year-round in caves, greenhouses, or using a Mushroom Box.

























