Laura Smith
The time it takes to grow mushrooms varies depending on the species and the growing method. For example, oyster mushrooms can be grown in as little as 20 days, while truffles may take over 10 years before they fruit. When growing mushrooms, it is important to balance letting them grow in size to get a good yield without letting them become too mature. Signs of maturity in mushrooms include caps flattening or becoming convex and gills enlarging and dropping spores. For indoor growers, it is possible to plant year-round, while outdoor growers are more dependent on the seasons.
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What You'll Learn
- Harvesting magic mushrooms: Wait for mycelium to colonise grain, then harvest gently to avoid contamination
- Blue oyster mushrooms: Harvest when the edges of the largest caps in the cluster start to uncurl and flatten out
- Pink oyster mushrooms: Harvest when caps are flat or concave, and edges curl up, to avoid pink dust
- Shiitake mushrooms: Harvest when 80% of gills are exposed, or when caps are flat and gills are white or speckled
- Outdoor vs indoor growing: Outdoor growing depends on the seasons, while indoor growing can be done year-round
Harvesting magic mushrooms: Wait for mycelium to colonise grain, then harvest gently to avoid contamination
Harvesting Magic Mushrooms: Timing is Everything
Harvesting magic mushrooms is a straightforward process, but it requires precision to avoid contamination and maximise future yields. The ideal harvest time for magic mushrooms is when the veil—a thin membrane on the underside of the cap that holds the spores—is about to break. If you wait too long, spores will be released, which can reduce psilocybin content and future yields. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully observe the veil and harvest just before or as it breaks.
Signs of Maturity:
The veil darkens and sags when it is close to tearing. Additionally, as mushrooms mature, their caps flatten or become convex, and the gills enlarge and release spores. These signs vary slightly between mushroom varieties, so it is essential to familiarise yourself with the specific characteristics of the mushrooms you are growing.
Harvesting Techniques:
When harvesting magic mushrooms, it is important to handle them gently to avoid damaging the fungus and exposing the substrate to contamination. Here are some specific techniques to ensure a successful harvest:
- Prepare your workspace by cleaning the area and minimising air movement to prevent dirt and germs from affecting your mushrooms.
- Wear gloves or thoroughly clean your hands to avoid transferring oils and germs to the mushrooms.
- Sterilise all tools, such as scissors, knives, or tweezers, with rubbing alcohol (70% or stronger) to prevent the introduction of contaminants.
- Hold the mushroom gently near the bottom without squeezing, as the stem can break easily.
- To remove the mushroom, slowly twist it in one direction and then pull it up with a gentle motion. Alternatively, you can use a clean blade to cut it at the very bottom of the stem.
Post-Harvest Care:
Freshly harvested magic mushrooms can be consumed immediately, but they can also be dried and stored for later use. Proper drying and storage techniques are essential to prevent decay and maintain the quality of your mushrooms. Rehydrating the substrate after harvesting can stimulate additional flushes, but over time, the mycelium becomes more susceptible to contamination. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the condition of your substrate and mushrooms closely.
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Blue oyster mushrooms: Harvest when the edges of the largest caps in the cluster start to uncurl and flatten out
Blue oyster mushrooms are cultivated in totem-style formations and are one of the most popular varieties of gourmet edible mushrooms. They have a unique mild flavour and texture profile that is sweet and meaty with hints of liquorice. They are versatile in cultivation and cuisine, and can be braised, sautéed, roasted, fried, grilled, and stir-fried. They are richer and more flavourful than store-bought mushrooms.
Blue oyster mushrooms should be harvested when the edges of the largest caps in the cluster start to uncurl and flatten out. This is usually about 6 to 10 days after pinning, which is when tiny blue oyster mushrooms first appear. Blue oyster mushrooms grow very fast, so the difference between harvesting too late or too early is often only a matter of a few hours. Therefore, as your blue oysters get closer to maturity, it is a good idea to check on them regularly. If you are unsure, it is better to harvest them a little early to avoid having to clean up mushroom spores.
To harvest your blue oyster mushrooms, you can gently twist and pull the cluster of mushrooms off with your hands or carefully cut it off with a knife. If you are using a knife, cut the cluster off as close to the substrate block as possible without damaging the substrate or grow bag.
It is important to note that oyster mushrooms can spore quite heavily. Therefore, it is recommended to harvest them before they drop spores.
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Pink oyster mushrooms: Harvest when caps are flat or concave, and edges curl up, to avoid pink dust
Pink Oyster Mushrooms: Harvest Time
Pink oyster mushrooms are the fastest-growing of all oyster mushrooms and have a short shelf life, so it's important to know when to harvest them. The best time to harvest is when the caps are flat or slightly concave, and the edges are just beginning to curl up—this is usually 4 to 5 days after pinning. If you wait too long, the mushrooms will start to drop their spores, covering everything in pink dust and causing an unnecessary cleanup.
Harvesting Techniques
When harvesting pink oyster mushrooms, it's important to be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate fruiting bodies or the mycelium below. You can harvest by gently twisting and pulling the cluster of mushrooms off with your hands or carefully cutting it off with a knife. If using a knife, cut the cluster off as close to the substrate block as possible. Avoid twisting and pulling individual mushrooms, as this can damage the mycelium and create an opening for contamination.
Storage
Freshly harvested pink oyster mushrooms should be used within a day or two, as they will quickly start to deteriorate in texture and taste. If you need to store them, place them unwashed in a paper bag in the main compartment of your fridge, avoiding strong-smelling foods. They will last in the fridge for a couple of days at most. For longer storage, separate the caps and seal them in a plastic freezer bag; they will last in the freezer for up to a month.
Growing Conditions
When growing pink oyster mushrooms, it's important to maintain high humidity and avoid direct sunlight to mimic their preferred conditions. They can be grown outdoors, but this is more dependent on the seasons and weather conditions. For a longer growing season, it's best to start in the spring or early summer.
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Shiitake mushrooms: Harvest when 80% of gills are exposed, or when caps are flat and gills are white or speckled
The ideal time to harvest shiitake mushrooms is when 80% of their gills are exposed, or when their caps are flat and gills are white or speckled. This is usually between 5 and 18 months after planting, depending on the strain and temperature. The length of time it takes for shiitake mushrooms to grow varies, but on average, it takes about 6 to 24 months for the mycelium to store enough nutrients to form mushrooms.
Shiitake mushrooms are typically ready to harvest when the edges of the caps are still curled under, and 80% of the gills are exposed. This is the ideal stage to harvest if you want to sell or transport your shiitake mushrooms. However, you can also harvest them at any time during their growth, regardless of size. If you're unsure whether your shiitake mushrooms are ready for harvest, check if the partial veil has broken, exposing the gills. If the veil is still intact, leave the young shiitakes to continue growing and only harvest them once you can see their gills.
Mature shiitake mushrooms, with flat caps and white or slightly speckled gills, are not ideal for transportation or sales. However, they are still delicious and perfect for grilling. To harvest mature shiitake mushrooms, wait until the caps are flat or slightly convex, and the gills are enlarging and dropping spores. This is a sign of mushroom maturity, and while it may not be ideal for selling or transporting, it will result in a delicious harvest.
The timing of your harvest will depend on the specific conditions of your shiitake mushroom logs, including temperature and strain. Soaking the logs in water can also impact the timing of your harvest. In the summer, soak the logs for 6 to 24 hours, while in the spring or fall, soak them for 2 to 3 days. After shocking, it typically takes 7 to 10 days for the mushrooms to develop. The fruiting period usually lasts from one to two weeks, depending on the temperature and shiitake strain.
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Outdoor vs indoor growing: Outdoor growing depends on the seasons, while indoor growing can be done year-round
Outdoor vs indoor growing:
Outdoor growing
Outdoor mushroom cultivation depends on the seasons and the climate. The ideal time to plant mushrooms outdoors is when the daytime temperature reaches 40°F or higher. In warmer climates, this may mean planting throughout most of the year, while in cooler climates, it is best to plant in the spring or early summer to speed up the time from planting to harvest. Most mushrooms go dormant during winter and begin growing again in spring.
Outdoor growing requires less energy than indoor systems, except during spawn production and inoculation. It also supports sustainable forest management practices by using logs, stumps, woodchips, and sawdust. However, it has limitations, such as the demand to grow multiple species and the challenges of accessing logs in urban areas. Climate change also makes outdoor production unpredictable.
Indoor growing
Indoor mushroom cultivation offers a controlled environment, free from the unpredictability of weather and climate conditions. Growers can produce mushrooms year-round in a climate-controlled room, often on a scheduled cycle to ensure continuous production.
Growing mushrooms indoors is generally easier as they require less space, are easier to care for, and are less susceptible to pests and diseases. However, it can be challenging to maintain adequate humidity, ventilation, and light levels, especially in smaller living spaces. Additionally, indoor growing may result in elevated CO2 levels if not enough fresh air is circulated, leading to longer stems and smaller caps in some mushroom varieties.
Harvesting mushrooms
Harvesting mushrooms at the ideal time is crucial for getting the best yield, flavour, and texture. The timing varies depending on the mushroom variety, and growers often learn through experience. Generally, mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps flatten or become convex, and the gills enlarge and release spores.
For blue oyster mushrooms, harvest when the edges of the caps of the largest mushrooms in the cluster start to uncurl and flatten out, about 6 to 10 days after pinning. For pink oyster mushrooms, harvest before the caps flatten or when they are still slightly concave, usually 4 to 5 days after pinning. For shiitake mushrooms, harvest when the edges of the caps are curled under, exposing 80% of the gills, but these can be harvested at any time during their growth.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the variety of mushroom being grown. Oyster mushrooms can be harvested within 4-10 days of pinning, whereas Shiitake mushrooms can take 5-18 months to be ready for harvest.
The ideal time to harvest mushrooms is when they are mature but not too old. Signs of maturity include the caps flattening or becoming convex and the gills enlarging and dropping spores.
The ideal time to harvest blue oyster mushrooms is when the edges of the caps of the largest mushrooms in the cluster start to uncurl and flatten out. This is usually 6-10 days after pinning.
The ideal stage to harvest shiitake mushrooms is when the edges of the caps are still curled under and 80% of the gills are exposed.
Pink oyster mushrooms could be ready to harvest in as little as 4-5 days from when the mushroom pins started to form. The ideal time to harvest is when the cap is flat or slightly concave, and the edges are just beginning to curl up.
