Michael Davis
Shiitake mushrooms are a little more difficult to grow and require a longer incubation time than other types of mushrooms. However, the extra work can be well worth it, as shiitake mushrooms are highly productive and can fruit for up to eight years. The process of growing shiitake mushrooms can be broken down into three phases: fruiting, harvesting, and storage. Fruiting shiitake mushrooms involves creating the right conditions for the mushrooms to develop, including temperature, moisture, and humidity control. This can be done using various methods, such as log shocking or soaking, and the use of fruiting containers or growing bags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal log diameter | 3-8 inches |
| Ideal log length | 3-4 feet |
| Ideal temperature for pinning | 55-65 F |
| Minimum humidity for pinning | 85% |
| Ideal temperature for fruiting | 60-68 F |
| Ideal humidity for fruiting | 80-90% |
| Minimum light conditions | Enough to read a newspaper at arm's length |
| Soaking time in summer | 6-24 hours |
| Soaking time in spring or fall | 2-3 days |
| Time for shiitake blocks to fully mature | 7-8 weeks |
| Time for shiitake blocks to turn brown | 4-8 weeks |
| Time for shiitake blocks to fruit after turning brown | 8-12 weeks |
| Time for shiitake logs to fruit | 6-12 months |
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What You'll Learn
Initiating shiitake logs
Once you have prepared your logs, you can begin the initiation process. The ideal time to initiate your shiitake logs is after 9 to 12 months, to ensure that your mycelium colony is strong. However, some sources suggest that logs can be ready to fruit after 6 to 24 months. Before initiating, growers often notice elastic and spongy bark, logs that no longer make a ringing sound when struck, and the appearance of white mycelium on log ends. To initiate fruiting, submerge the logs in cold water for 24 hours. If you have access to a natural body of water, such as a pond, this can be a good choice, as long as the water is fairly clean.
After shocking the logs, they should be stacked for fruiting, using a configuration that allows easy access to all sides of each log for harvesting, such as the high A-frame or lean-to method. Logs stacked outdoors can be covered with burlap or plastic to protect them from wind and rain, stabilize temperatures, and localize humidity, but these materials should be used with care and are recommended only for experienced growers. Instead, fruiting (humidity) blankets are a better option as they are porous, allow air movement, and provide some insulation while maintaining moisture.
Once the logs have been shocked and stacked, pinning, or early mushroom development, will occur as the logs dry out. This usually happens three to five days after shocking but can also occur naturally after a week. During this stage, the logs are highly vulnerable to cold and windy conditions, which may inhibit growth. Therefore, it is important to maintain a log moisture content of 35% to 60% and an optimum temperature of 55–65 °F with a relative humidity of at least 85%.
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Stacking arrangements
The stacking arrangement should make it easy to access all sides of each log for harvest. Logs stacked outdoors can use a protective covering to minimize wind and rain, stabilize temperatures, and localize humidity around the logs. Burlap and plastic should be used with care and are recommended only for experienced growers. Fruiting (humidity) blankets are a better choice as they are porous, white, synthetic, felted materials that hold water, allow air movement, and provide some insulation.
High A-frame stacking requires some form of support for the logs to remain upright. Growers should use a base—gravel, a tarp, timber, etc.—that prevents the log ends from coming into contact with the ground. Cribbing is probably best suited to airy locations in consistently humid climates with ample, regular rains. It is implemented frequently in shiitake production in the Northeastern United States. Cribbing can provide good space efficiency, and it is simple and convenient. However, it has the potential for problems. Rain shadow effects (areas in the stack that are sheltered from rain) can be pronounced.
An upright stacking arrangement facilitates mushroom harvesting. During cooler months, when natural fruiting occurs, forced fruiting requires the logs to be submerged for 36–48 hours to stimulate the development of fruiting bodies. When conditions are favourable for fruiting, arrange logs in rows (against a fence, for example) in an upright position on well-drained, shaded ground.
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Humidity and temperature
Shiitake mushrooms require a high humidity environment to fruit. Humidity should be kept between 70% and 90% during the fruiting process. Humidity can be maintained by spraying the blocks with water 2-3 times a day for the first 3-4 days of fruiting, or until the pins are the size of a thumbnail. Fruiting (humidity) blankets are also an option for growers. These are porous, white, synthetic, felted materials that hold water, allow air movement, and provide some insulation.
Temperature is also important for the fruiting of shiitake mushrooms. Optimum temperatures for pinning are between 55–65 °F, with a relative humidity of at least 85%. The ideal temperature range for the growing space is 60-68 °F. Shiitake mushrooms are sensitive to temperature swings, so it is important to maintain a consistent temperature. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can be fruited in both cold and hot weather. However, in very hot temperatures, mushrooms may grow quickly, but there is a higher risk of contamination.
To initiate the fruiting process, shiitake logs are often shocked or soaked in cold water for 24 hours. The length of the soak depends on the air and water temperatures, the log's age, and the thickness of its bark. For example, soak time in the summer is usually 6 to 24 hours, while in spring or fall, it can be up to two to three days. After shocking, the logs are stacked for fruiting, usually in a high A-frame or lean-to configuration. The stacking arrangement should make it easy to access all sides of each log for harvest.
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Lighting requirements
Unlike plants, fungi are heterotrophic organisms, meaning they do not carry out photosynthesis and do not rely on light as an energy source. However, light plays an important role in the life cycle of mushrooms, including shiitake mushrooms, by regulating certain aspects of their development, such as fruiting and growth orientation.
Shiitake mushrooms require moderate light to initiate fruiting. Intense light can cause burns or defects on the mushroom caps. It is recommended to have enough light to read a newspaper at arm's length. During the incubation phase, light is generally not necessary for most fungal species, and darkness or low light is preferred.
For indoor cultivation, shiitake mushrooms require at least 8 hours of supplemental lighting per day. Blue light (450 nm) is effective in growing shiitake mushrooms. Blue LED grow lights can increase yields, improve market value, and shorten cultivation time. A temperature range of 12°C to 23°C is ideal for shiitake mushrooms.
When growing shiitake mushrooms in containers, it is important to avoid direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight is preferable, especially in the morning, as it helps the mushrooms develop a nice brown colour and contain more vitamin D.
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Harvesting and storage
Harvesting shiitake mushrooms requires patience and careful attention to environmental conditions. The process begins with "pinning," the early stage of mushroom development, which occurs about three to five days after shocking the logs. During this stage, it is crucial to maintain optimal conditions, including a log moisture content of 35% to 60% and temperatures between 55°F and 65°F, with relative humidity above 85%. Protect the logs from rain as shiitake mushrooms can absorb water, impacting their quality. Once the pins emerge, remove any protective covering to expose the logs, allowing them to produce dry, firm mushrooms. This process typically takes seven to ten days following the initial shock. The fruiting period generally lasts one to two weeks, depending on temperature and strain.
When the mushrooms have reached their desired size, it is time for harvesting. The mushrooms can be plucked by hand, twisting them at the base to remove them from the log. It is important to harvest them at the right time, as leaving them too long can cause them to rot and damage the log. Harvesting should be done carefully to avoid damaging the mycelium, ensuring future growth.
After harvesting, it is essential to properly store the mushrooms to maintain their freshness and quality. Freshly harvested shiitake mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator, placed in a paper bag, or wrapped loosely in a paper towel inside a container. They can last for about a week when stored this way. Another option is to dry the mushrooms, which can be done using a food dehydrator, an oven on low heat, or air-drying in a well-ventilated area. Dried shiitake mushrooms can be stored in airtight containers and will last for several months.
For long-term storage, shiitake mushrooms can be frozen. To prepare them for freezing, they should be cooked first, either by sautéing or boiling, and then cooled and placed in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen shiitake mushrooms can be stored for several months and can be thawed and added directly to dishes when needed.
Overall, harvesting and storing shiitake mushrooms requires a careful eye and attention to detail. By providing the right conditions and promptly harvesting and storing the mushrooms, you can enjoy fresh, high-quality shiitake mushrooms and extend their shelf life.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal conditions for fruiting shiitake mushrooms are a temperature of 60-68°F, humidity between 80-90%, regular fresh air exchange, and at least 8-12 hours of indirect sunlight or supplemental lighting per day.
The process of fruiting shiitake mushrooms involves first preparing the growing space with the ideal conditions mentioned above. Then, if using logs, shocking them by submerging in cold water for 24 hours to initiate fruiting. Finally, placing the shocked logs in the growing space and maintaining the ideal conditions until mushrooms form, which typically takes one to two weeks.
Shiitake mushrooms typically take 6-12 months to fruit after inoculating the logs or blocks. However, it is recommended to wait 9 to 12 months to ensure a strong mycelium colony. Once the conditions for fruiting are met, it usually takes one to two weeks for mushrooms to form.
There are several signs that indicate shiitake mushrooms are ready to fruit. The logs or blocks will be fully colonized by the mycelium, which will turn from white to brown. The logs will also have elastic and spongy bark, and white mycelium may be visible on the log ends. Additionally, the logs will no longer produce a ringing sound when struck.
Shiitake mushrooms can be grown with minimal equipment. If using logs, you will need good quality logs with diameters of 3-8 inches and lengths of 36-40 inches. If using blocks, you will need a substrate composed of sawdust, bran, and water. A plastic storage container or growing bags may also be used to hold the blocks or substrate. For more controlled fruiting, a growing room with temperature and humidity controls is ideal.
