John Miller
The time between flushes of mushrooms varies depending on the type of mushroom and the growing method. Oyster mushrooms, for example, can produce 3-4 flushes over a period of 6-8 weeks, with a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 8 days between flushes. Shiitake mushrooms can produce up to 3 flushes in the same time period. For those growing mushrooms at home, it is recommended to allow 2-3 weeks between flushes. The time between flushes also depends on various variables, such as temperature and hydration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time between first and second flushes | 3-10 days |
| Time between second and third flushes | 5-6 days |
| Time between first, second and third flushes | 30 days |
| Time for mushrooms to double in size | 1 day |
| Time for first flush in substrates containing winery wastes | 17 days |
| Time for first flush in substrates containing hors-chic | 21 days |
| Time for first flush after dunking | 8 days |
| Temperature range for growing | 70-72 F |
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What You'll Learn
The time between flushes depends on the type of mushroom
The time between mushroom flushes varies depending on the type of mushroom and the growing conditions. For instance, the interval between the second and third flushes of white button mushrooms ranges from 5 to 6 days. In contrast, the first flush of this mushroom type appears earliest in substrates containing winery wastes, averaging around 17 days after spawning, while the latest occurrence of the first flush is in hors-chic substrates, taking around 21 days.
Oyster mushrooms produce 3-4 flushes over 6-8 weeks, while Shiitake logs can yield up to 700g of mushrooms in the same time frame with three flushes. King Stropharia mushrooms, known for their earthy taste and meaty texture, are best harvested when young, around 15 cm across the cap.
The time between flushes can also depend on the growing conditions and techniques employed. For instance, the temperature range of 70-72°F is ideal for mushroom growth. Additionally, the use of grow kits and specialised substrates can influence the time between flushes. Grow kits offer an easy setup for cultivating mushrooms, with some kits producing mushrooms in as little as 2-3 weeks.
On average, the time between flushes can range from 3 to 10 days, with some growers reporting intervals of 4-5 days and others mentioning a range of 7-10 days. The Z strain of mushrooms is known for its aggressive growth, with flushes occurring in as little as 3 days. Overall, the time between flushes is influenced by a combination of mushroom type and optimal growing conditions.
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Temperature and hydration impact the flush cycle
The time between flushes of mushrooms varies depending on the strain, with Z strains being the fastest at 3-5 days, while others can take up to 10 days. The number of flushes and the yield can be influenced by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
Temperature and hydration play a crucial role in the flush cycle of mushrooms. Cultivators can manipulate these factors to induce and optimize flushes. The ideal temperature range for mushroom growth is 70-72°F (21-22°C). At lower temperatures, mushrooms may take longer to flush, and their quality may be compromised. For example, sun-dried mushrooms can have an unpleasant appearance, aroma, and flavor due to the low temperatures involved. On the other hand, higher temperatures used in methods like hot air drying can lead to increased hardness and lower rehydration ratios.
Hydration is essential for maintaining moisture levels conducive to fruiting. Between flushes, the substrate may need rehydration (dunking) to prevent under-hydration, which can delay the next flush. Water loss or transpiration is a critical physiological process that affects the quality characteristics of fresh mushrooms, such as weight, appearance, and texture. A weight loss of just 5% can cause mushrooms to appear wilted and lose their freshness.
Relative humidity is another critical factor influencing the flush cycle. Humidity levels impact the transpiration rate of mushrooms, with higher humidity reducing water loss. Additionally, humidity plays a role in the development of pathogens. Under certain conditions influenced by temperature and humidity, the bacterium Pseudomonas tolaasii can become pathogenic, causing brown spots on mushroom caps, known as brown blotch disease. Therefore, managing humidity levels is crucial for both the quality and health of the mushrooms.
By understanding and managing the flush cycle, cultivators can significantly impact the quantity and quality of their mushroom harvests. Optimizing conditions for each flush and ensuring proper hydration can enhance the productivity of the substrate throughout its lifecycle. Additionally, timely harvesting at peak maturity encourages healthier subsequent flushes.
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Using a grow kit can speed up the process
The time between mushroom flushes varies depending on the strain, growing conditions, and other factors. On average, it takes around 4 to 10 days for the second and subsequent flushes to appear, with some growers reporting shorter or longer intervals.
Simplified Process and Optimal Conditions:
Mushroom grow kits provide a simplified and optimized setup for cultivating mushrooms. They come with clear and concise instructions, making them accessible even for beginners. The kits include all the necessary components, eliminating the need for sourcing or preparing materials. This saves time and effort, as growers can focus on maintaining a suitable environment.
Pre-sterilized and Pre-pasteurized Substrates:
Preparing substrates can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Grow kits often include pre-sterilized and pre-pasteurized substrates, which are ready to use and enriched with the right balance of moisture and nutrients. This not only saves time but also reduces contamination risks, creating an ideal environment for rapid colonization and growth.
Automation and Monitoring:
Some grow kits, like the Gro Magik Complete Mushroom Grow Kit, offer automation features. They allow you to monitor and adjust conditions effortlessly, ensuring that your mushrooms receive the optimal environment for growth. This includes maintaining the right temperature, humidity, and airflow, which are crucial for speeding up cultivation.
Specialized Spawn Kits:
Grow kits often provide specialized spawn kits tailored to specific mushroom varieties. These kits ensure optimal growth conditions for each type of mushroom. By using the right spawn-to-substrate ratio and spreading the spawn evenly, you can achieve quicker and more uniform colonization, leading to faster fruiting.
Multiple Flushes and Harvests:
Grow kits are designed to produce multiple flushes and harvests from a single kit. While the first harvest can take a few weeks, subsequent flushes can occur within days. With proper care and maintenance, such as misting your mushrooms regularly, you can expect to yield multiple harvests, making the overall process faster and more efficient.
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The second and third flushes can take longer
The time between the first and second flushes of mushrooms can vary depending on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the growing conditions, and the specific care provided. While some sources suggest that the second flush can occur within a few days of the first, others recommend allowing for a longer period of time for optimal results.
For example, some growers report seeing the pins of the second flush forming within 3 to 5 days after the first flush, especially with certain strains like the Z strain. However, it is important to note that this timeframe can vary and may take longer, especially for subsequent flushes.
The second and third flushes of mushrooms can indeed take longer to appear compared to the initial flush. This is because the mushrooms are transitioning from the fruiting stage to the colonizing stage, which can slow down the growth process. Additionally, the second and third flushes may have smaller yields and may take more time to mature.
To promote healthy and abundant second and third flushes, it is essential to provide proper care and maintain optimal growing conditions. This includes ensuring adequate humidity, temperature, and moisture levels. Some growers recommend techniques such as "soaking" or "dunking," where the substrate is soaked in water for a period of time before restarting the growing process. This can help trigger additional flushes and increase yields.
The time between the second and third flushes can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the specific growing conditions. On average, it may take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for the second and third flushes to appear. For example, Oyster mushrooms can produce 3-4 flushes over a period of 6-8 weeks, with each flush taking about 2-3 weeks to grow.
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The growing cycle is similar to the first
The growing cycle of mushrooms is similar to the first, and it is important to be patient between flushes. The time between flushes can vary depending on the strain and growing conditions, but on average, it takes around 5-8 days for the second flush to start. Some growers have reported a quicker turnaround of 3-5 days, while others have mentioned a longer wait of up to 10 days.
To encourage a second flush, you can soak the grow block in water for 12 hours or leave it outside in the rain. You should then repeat the same growing process as the first time, and new growth will typically emerge in 7-10 days. It is recommended to keep the temperature between 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
For subsequent flushes, you may need to make a new cut in the grow block if the mushrooms are not emerging from the initial gash. Continue to mist the block multiple times a day. You can also try flipping the block over and misting the underside to encourage new growth.
With each flush, the yield is likely to decrease, and the time between flushes may increase. However, with optimum growing conditions, you can maintain a quick turnaround and increase yields. Using a grow kit can make the process easier and more accessible for beginners. These kits provide the perfect setup for raising mushrooms and often come with instructions to guide you through the process.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of mushroom and the substrate used. Oyster mushrooms grown on wheat straw, for example, have an average of 5.17 days between flushes, while those grown on corncobs have an average of 4.95 days.
It usually takes around two weeks for mushrooms to start "pinning" (forming tiny mushroom caps). After that, they should double in size every day.
On average, you can get around three good flushes from one grow kit.
The second flush usually starts 3-5 days after the mushrooms are placed back into the fruiting chamber.
You can try "dunking" or "soaking" your substrate in water for 12 hours, or placing it under a running faucet and allowing it to fill with water.
