John Miller
Fruiting mushrooms is the process of forcing the substrate to produce fruit bodies, or the actual mushrooms themselves. There are seven main stages of mushroom cultivation, and the fruiting stage comes after initiation. The mushrooms can be fruited in a room, outdoors, or in a variety of different structures. The four main parameters to focus on are humidity, lighting, temperature, and oxygen level. Humidity should be maintained between 75% and 90%, and LED lights can be used to provide lighting. The ideal temperature range is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with 62 or 63 degrees being the sweet spot. Oxygen levels can be controlled by opening the fruiting container or bag once a day or every other day. Different techniques for fruiting mushrooms include the PF Tek, the shotgun fruiting chamber, the monotub fruiting chamber, and the Martha tent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Comfortable to read under; LED lights can be enough |
| Fruiting room | Indoors, outdoors, or in a variety of different structures |
| Humidity | 75% to 90%; 90% in the initiation phase |
| Temperature | 55-75°F; 62-63°F is the sweet spot |
| Lighting schedule | 16 hours on and 8 hours off |
| CO2 levels | Below 800 ppm, especially for oysters; 1000-1100 ppm for shiitakes and lion's mane |
| Yield | 1 pound of fresh mushrooms per 5-pound bag |
| Harvesting | Mushrooms double in size every day; harvest when they stop growing |
| Fruiting techniques | Shotgun fruiting chamber, monotub fruiting chamber, Martha tent, plastic tub, plastic bag |
| Substrate | Coffee grounds, agar, grain, sawdust, wood pellets |
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What You'll Learn
Fruiting containers and chambers
Fruiting mushrooms can be done in a variety of containers and chambers, depending on your preferences and resources. Here are some of the most common methods:
Plastic Bags
Using a plastic bag is a simple and cost-effective technique for fruiting mushrooms. Cut open the top of the bag and roll it down, leaving about 1-2 inches exposed. Place water in a foil container and cover it with the mushroom block and plastic bag. Mist the inside of the bag daily so that visible water droplets form. Within 2-3 days, you should see the formation of small pins (baby mushrooms). To promote air exchange, make small holes in the top of the bag. You can also open the bag once a day or every other day to provide fresh air and control humidity levels.
Plastic Storage Containers
A plastic storage container can be purchased inexpensively from hardware or office supply stores. Before placing your mushroom block inside, ensure the container is clean by washing it with hot water and detergent or using a mix of 70% iso-alcohol and 30% water. Open the container once a day to let in some air and mist the block with water. This method works better in warmer weather, as liquid is less likely to pool at the bottom of the container. To maximise fruiting space, you can skewer the blocks on spikes inside the container to keep them off the bottom and prevent them from sliding or toppling over.
Monotub Fruiting Chamber
The monotub fruiting chamber method is suitable for amateur mushroom growers. It involves using a plastic tote or similar container to fruit the mushrooms. This method typically results in a larger yield due to increased surface area and headroom for the mushrooms to grow. However, it requires additional steps, equipment, and a sterile growing environment, so it is recommended for those with some prior experience.
Shotgun Fruiting Chamber
The shotgun fruiting chamber is a simple and cost-effective method that does not require electricity or expensive materials. It utilises a plastic bin with small holes throughout the sides for air exchange. The bin should be aired out at least twice a day to prevent carbon dioxide buildup. This technique maintains high humidity levels by containing moisture within the chamber, which can be further enhanced by routing mist from a reptile fogger or ultrasonic humidifier into the bin.
Martha Tent
The Martha Tent method involves using a plastic tent equipped with a humidifier to maintain the necessary humidity levels for mushroom fruiting. While it may not be the most efficient technique, it can still produce plenty of mushrooms, especially for those just starting with mushroom cultivation.
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Lighting and temperature
While mushrooms do not require light for photosynthesis, light plays a significant role in triggering the formation of fruiting bodies and influencing the direction, colour, and size of their growth. A light source is necessary for the completion of the fruiting process.
There are differing opinions on the type of lighting that works best for mushrooms. Some growers prefer to use specific LED lights, while others rely on natural daylight or ambient light. Blue LED lights, such as the Blue Sun Spectrum, can aid in producing bountiful and high-quality yields by promoting faster colonisation times and higher yields of fruiting bodies. The Blue Sun Spectrum incorporates blue light with a wavelength of 400-500 nm and broad-spectrum white light, mimicking the natural conditions under which mushrooms grow.
LED lights are energy-efficient, produce low heat, and offer a full light spectrum. For mushrooms, cool white LED lights with a colour temperature of 5000K-6500K are recommended to mimic natural daylight without generating excessive heat. Fluorescent tubes are another option, providing diffuse light that mushrooms respond well to.
The amount of light exposure is also important. Mushrooms generally prefer indirect light or low levels of artificial light rather than direct sunlight, which can dry out substrates and overheat the environment. A 12/12 lighting schedule, with 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness, is commonly used to ensure healthy growth. However, some growers provide their mushrooms with less light exposure, as excessive light can be harmful. It is crucial to monitor light intensity and maintain a safe distance between the lights and the growing area to prevent overheating or burning.
Temperature control is crucial for mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms require a steady temperature range of 55-75°F (13-24°C), with the sweet spot being 62-63°F (17-18°C). Temperature fluctuations can negatively impact fruiting mushrooms, so it is essential to maintain a stable environment tailored to the specific needs of different mushroom species. Oyster mushrooms prefer a cooler range of 55-65°F (13-18°C), while Shiitake mushrooms favour slightly warmer conditions of 50-60°F (10-16°C).
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Humidity and CO2 levels
Humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are critical factors in successfully fruiting mushrooms. Humidity levels should be maintained at a range of 75% to 90%, with the higher end being ideal during the initiation phase, especially in the first four days of fruiting. As pinning starts, humidity can be lowered to 80% or 75% without significantly impacting mushroom growth.
To achieve and maintain the desired humidity levels, various methods can be employed. One approach is to use a humidifier, which can be beneficial during winter when natural condensation is insufficient. Additionally, misting the substrate or blocks with clean or distilled water is important, especially if they appear to be drying out. Misting can be done daily during the early stages, and it is recommended to stop once the mushroom pins start to resemble proper mushrooms to prevent reduced shelf life after harvesting.
CO2 levels should be carefully monitored and maintained below 800 parts per million (ppm), especially when growing oyster mushrooms. Shiitake and lion's mane mushrooms are more tolerant, allowing for CO2 levels up to 1000-1100 ppm. To prevent CO2 buildup, it is essential to air out the fruiting chamber or container at least twice a day. This ensures that mushrooms don't stretch for oxygen, maintaining optimal growth conditions.
The use of a plastic storage container or a clear container can help regulate humidity and CO2 levels. The container should be clean and opened periodically to allow fresh air exchange while preventing contamination. The shotgun fruiting chamber is a popular method for maintaining humidity as it doesn't require external power input, relying on the moisture contained within the chamber. Small holes in the container or bag further facilitate air exchange.
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Harvesting techniques
Harvesting mushrooms is fairly easy. Generally, it is recommended to harvest all the mushrooms in a single session unless there are clearly two pin sets at different stages of growth. Once the mushrooms are fully grown, they can be picked by gently twisting them at the base. Care must be taken to not destroy the roots. This will be your first "flush". The mushrooms should be doubling in size every day, and once they stop growing, it's time to pick them.
The mushrooms can be harvested with an X-Acto knife to avoid damaging newly forming mushrooms. The mushrooms can then be eaten or stored for later use.
The mushrooms should be stored in a clean and sterile environment. The substrate should be misted with clean or distilled water if it appears to be drying out. The bag should be folded shut to hold in moisture. This can be done with some clean tape or a paper clip. The substrate should be rehydrated if necessary.
The monotub fruiting chamber method is one of the best techniques for harvesting mushrooms. The shotgun fruiting chamber is another easy method that does not require electricity or expensive materials.
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Substrate preparation
Common substrates for growing mushrooms include straw, hardwood sawdust, composted manure, and coffee grounds. When selecting a substrate, it is important to ensure it contains the necessary nutrients and moisture. The substrate should have 1-2% nitrogen and include a modest amount of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulphur, and phosphorus.
Before inoculation, the substrate needs to be properly hydrated during preparation. For straw, this occurs during the pasteurization process when the straw is soaked in hot water. For supplemented sawdust fruiting blocks, water should be mixed into the sawdust before sterilization. The substrate should not be too dry or too wet, as this can impact mushroom growth.
For coffee grounds, it is important to ensure they are used and fully cooled before use. Slightly drying the coffee grounds can help prevent mold growth. If using sawdust pellets, they should be soaked in water until they expand and break apart.
Once the substrate is prepared, it needs to be pasteurized or sterilized to minimize the risk of mold and bacteria growth. This gives the mycelium a head start in getting established. Home growers can prepare the substrate in mason jars, small containers, or buckets before inoculating with mushroom spawn or spores to initiate the growing process.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature range is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with the sweet spot being 62 or 63 degrees. Humidity should be maintained between 75% and 90%, especially during the initiation phase, with a slight decrease to 75%-80% as the mushrooms start to pin.
You can fruit mushrooms in a variety of ways, including using a plastic tub, a plastic tent, a monotub fruiting chamber, a shotgun fruiting chamber, or a Martha tent. You will also need a hand mister to mist the mushrooms daily and an X-Acto knife for harvesting.
First, prepare your substrate and inoculate it. Then, place the substrate in a fruiting container or bag and maintain the appropriate temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. Mist the substrate daily and provide adequate lighting. Finally, harvest the mushrooms when they are fully grown, typically within 7-10 days or when they double in size daily.
