Michael Davis
Oyster mushrooms are a popular variety to grow at home or commercially, and they grow very quickly, especially when the temperature is above 20 degrees. They can be grown in a bucket or block, and the number of flushes you can get from a single block varies. The first flush usually yields the most mushrooms, with the second and third flushes producing fewer. The time between flushes is necessary for the restoration of the mycelium and the germination of hyphae. The most common reason for the absence of a second flush is low humidity, and if the temperature is too low, the mycelium may not have time to recover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common reasons for the absence of a second flush | Low humidity of the substrate, low temperature in the growing chamber |
| First flush productivity | 14-25% |
| Second flush productivity | 3-5% |
| Temperature for optimal growth | Above 20 degrees Celsius |
| Time taken to double in size | 24 hours in ideal conditions |
| Time taken for new growth to emerge | 7-10 days |
| Weight of mushroom blocks | 5.5 lbs |
| Block dimensions | 12"x6"x8" |
| Block cost | $5 |
| Minimum order | 50 blocks |
| Time taken for first flush | 10 days |
| Yield of first flush | 1 lb |
| Time taken for second flush | 2 weeks |
| Yield of second flush | 0.5 lb |
| Yield of third flush | 0.25-0.5 lb |
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What You'll Learn
- Oyster mushrooms grow quickly, especially in temperatures above 20°C
- The first flush is usually the most productive, yielding the most mushrooms
- Low humidity and cold temperatures can prevent a second flush
- Oyster mushrooms require light to develop colour and form properly
- To grow a second flush, create conditions similar to incubation
Oyster mushrooms grow quickly, especially in temperatures above 20°C
Oyster mushrooms are popular among cultivators due to their adaptability, fast growth, and delicious taste. Oyster mushrooms grow very quickly, especially when the temperature is above 20°C. Oyster mushrooms are relatively flexible when it comes to temperature, but they do prefer certain temperature ranges for optimal growth. In general, oyster mushrooms thrive best at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. This temperature range ensures rapid and healthy growth of the mycelium and fruiting bodies.
When growing oyster mushrooms outdoors, seasonal temperature fluctuations must be considered. In summer, it may be necessary to choose shady spots or ventilate the grow room to prevent overheating. In winter, an insulated grow room or heating source may be required to maintain temperatures above 15°C. Oyster mushrooms are one of the largest spore-producing mushrooms of any commonly cultivated variety. They grow off substrate blocks, which are composed of materials such as hardwood tree sawdust and other grains.
The growth process of oyster mushrooms can be divided into a few simple steps. First, the substrate must be pasteurized to eliminate unwanted microorganisms. Then, the substrate is mixed with the oyster mushroom spawn, ensuring even distribution for consistent growth. The inoculated substrate is then placed in a culture container and kept in a dark, warm place (20°C-24°C) for the incubation period. Within a few weeks, the mycelium will colonize the substrate. Once the substrate is fully colonized, the container is moved to a light, moist environment to encourage fruiting.
Oyster mushrooms require a steady supply of fresh air and reading-level light to develop proper colouring and formation. During the incubation period, it is crucial to ensure sufficient air circulation in the growing container. Oyster mushrooms are sensitive to environmental changes, and issues can often be addressed within 24 hours. To maintain a constant supply of fresh mushrooms, cultivators create a rotation of fresh blocks beginning to fruit and old blocks being retired to the garden every 3-4 weeks.
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The first flush is usually the most productive, yielding the most mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are a fast-growing variety of mushrooms that require a steady supply of fresh air and reading-level light to develop normal fruit bodies. They grow off of substrate blocks, also known as mushroom food, which are typically composed of hardwood tree sawdust and other grains.
The first flush of oyster mushrooms is usually the most productive, yielding the most mushrooms. This is because the substrate block is at its most nutritious during the first fruiting, and the mushrooms have the highest amount of nutrients available to them. After the first harvest, the block has less ability to produce as many mushrooms, and each subsequent flush will result in fewer mushrooms.
The first flush of oyster mushrooms typically yields around 22-25% of the total harvest, while the second flush will only yield 3-5%. This is because the substrate block has been depleted of some of its nutrients during the first flush, and the mushrooms have a limited amount of resources to grow from. Additionally, the time between the first and second flushes allows for the restoration of the mycelium and the germination of hyphae, which can impact the yield of the second flush.
To ensure a productive first flush, it is important to create optimal growing conditions for the oyster mushrooms. This includes maintaining a temperature of above 20 degrees Celsius, providing a steady supply of fresh air, and ensuring reading-level light exposure. It is also important to harvest the mushrooms at the right time, as this can impact the taste, texture, and shelf life of the mushrooms.
While the first flush of oyster mushrooms is typically the most productive, it is still possible to get multiple flushes from a single substrate block. However, each subsequent flush will take more time and energy, and the yield will be slightly smaller. Nonetheless, these blocks can still be used to grow additional mushrooms and can also be added to soil, gardens, or compost bins to improve their nutritional content.
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Low humidity and cold temperatures can prevent a second flush
Oyster mushrooms are wood-loving fungi that grow off substrate blocks, which are mainly composed of hardwood tree sawdust and other grains. The first step in growing oyster mushrooms is to create conditions resembling incubation for the restoration of hyphae and their growth to the perforations. The temperature should be raised to 19-20°C for three to four days. If there are no primordia, the lights should be turned off. On the fifth day, the air should be gradually cooled, and humidity lowered, so that in two to three days, the conditions in the room become optimal for growing oyster mushrooms.
The most common reasons for the absence of a second flush are low humidity and low temperatures. If the humidity is low, the first flush is quite productive, but there is not enough moisture to reach the next fruiting. If there is enough moisture, but the calorie content of raw materials is low, then the first flush is weak, and the second flush does not occur. If the temperature is too low, the mycelium does not have time to recover and does not form the next crop. If the temperature in the growing room is above 20°C, the second harvest may not occur due to the slots being clogged with spores during untimely harvesting of oyster mushrooms, and a thick layer of white mycelium, stroma, grows between the film and the substrate.
To avoid this, the humidity during inoculation of grain spawn should be at least 67-68%. It is important to reduce the rest period between harvests. For this, there must be enough moisture in the husk or straw for the formation and growth of future primordia. If the substrate is light after fruiting, it means that almost all available moisture and nutrients have been used up in the formation of the previous harvest. Such a substrate will bear fruit if you compact the contents as much as possible. Press the mixture well with your hands, tamping it down to the bottom of the bag and tie it. Perform this procedure after the second flush. If there is no result, then the block has exhausted its capabilities.
The Cold Blue Oyster is a commercial fruiting strain known to have an extremely low fruiting temperature window. Optimum fruiting occurs when temperatures fall between 35-50°F, which means a cold shock down to a near freeze is needed to produce after a flush has rested.
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Oyster mushrooms require light to develop colour and form properly
Oyster mushrooms are unique fungi that require specific conditions to grow and develop. While they are resilient and can tolerate some environmental fluctuations, light plays a pivotal role in their colouration and formation.
Oyster mushrooms, unlike some other mushrooms, are not fond of the dark. They require light, preferably reading-level or soft, diffused light, to develop their characteristic deep cap colouring and proper formation. This is not a matter of photosynthesis, as with plants, but light acts as a crucial signal for oyster mushrooms to initiate fruiting. Without sufficient light, oyster mushrooms can still grow, but they may exhibit abnormal characteristics, such as elongated stems and diminished cap sizes.
The intensity and duration of light exposure are both influential factors in the growth of oyster mushrooms. Research has shown that light intensity impacts the morphological traits of oyster mushrooms, influencing both cap size and stem length. By manipulating the light intensity and duration, growers can adjust the amount of light needed to promote the development of fruiting bodies. Interestingly, the colour of light may also play a role, with some sources suggesting that oyster mushrooms favour light in the blue spectrum, akin to filtered non-direct sunlight.
To achieve optimal growth, growers can utilise LED or energy-saving light bulbs, providing approximately 100 to 150 lumens per square meter. It is important to ensure that the lighting is moisture-resistant, as oyster mushrooms require a humid environment. By providing the right lighting conditions, growers can promote the development of colourful and well-formed oyster mushrooms.
The growth of oyster mushrooms is not solely dependent on light but is also influenced by other factors. Humidity, for instance, is essential, as oyster mushrooms thrive in high-humidity environments, typically around 80-95% humidity. Temperature also plays a role, with oyster mushrooms favouring temperatures above 20°C, although they can tolerate some temperature variations.
In summary, oyster mushrooms require light to develop colour and form properly. The right lighting conditions, coupled with optimal humidity and temperature levels, contribute to the successful cultivation of these distinctive fungi.
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To grow a second flush, create conditions similar to incubation
Oyster mushrooms grow very quickly, especially when the temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius. They require a steady supply of fresh air and reading-level light (not direct sunlight) to develop proper colour and formation. Oyster mushrooms also produce a lot of CO2 as they grow.
Another reason for the absence of a second flush is that the growing chamber may be too cold. At temperatures of 10-12 degrees Celsius, the mycelium does not have enough time to recover and form the next crop. If the temperature in the growing room is above 20 degrees Celsius, the second harvest may also not occur. This can be due to the slots becoming clogged with spores during untimely harvesting of oyster mushrooms, or a thick layer of white mycelium growing between the film and the substrate.
To create conditions similar to incubation, raise the temperature to 19-20 degrees Celsius for three to four days. If there are no primordia, turn off the lights, as lighting is not needed during this period. On the fifth day, begin to gradually cool the air and lower the humidity so that, in two to three days, the conditions in the room become optimal for growing. If the first flush is productive, the next one will be weaker, yielding no more than 3-5%.
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Frequently asked questions
You can expect at least two flushes of oyster mushrooms, but it is possible to get a third, fourth, or even fifth flush. Each subsequent flush will produce fewer mushrooms than the last.
Oyster mushrooms grow very quickly, especially when the temperature is above 20 degrees. Oyster mushrooms are ready to harvest around 12 hours before they become overripe.
To grow a second flush of oyster mushrooms, you must first clean the slits of white dense pieces of mushroom tissue that stick out of the substrate. You do not need to make new slits for the second harvest, as the mycelium will grow into the same holes. Then, follow the same steps as you did for the first flush.
You should wait about two weeks between the first and second flushes of oyster mushrooms.
The most common reasons for an oyster mushroom block not producing a second flush are low humidity and low temperatures. If the temperature in the growing room is above 20 degrees, the second harvest may not occur because the slots are clogged with spores during untimely harvesting of oyster mushrooms.
