Sarah Brown
Oyster mushrooms are a great choice for first-time growers because they are highly resilient, fast-growing, and can grow almost anywhere on just about anything. They are also highly nutritious, containing fibre, vitamins, minerals, and key nutrients like potassium, iron, and protein. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to incubate and grow your own oyster mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20-24°C for incubation, 15-18°C for fruit development |
| Light | Dark during incubation, lower light during fruit development |
| Humidity | 85-90% during fruiting, 95-100% during pinning |
| Air exchange | Good air exchange to avoid carbon dioxide buildup |
| Incubation time | 1-3 weeks |
| Fruiting time | 4-8 days |
| Substrate | Straw, wood logs, cottonseed hulls, corn cobs, office paper, cereal straws (wheat and oat straw) |
| Spawn | Grain spawn, mushroom spawn |
| Yield | 1 lb from a 5 lb block on the first flush, multiple flushes possible |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing a mushroom type: pink, pearl, blue, golden, or phoenix
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties of mushrooms to grow, and there are several different types to choose from. Here is a guide to help you choose the right mushroom type for your needs:
Pink Oyster Mushrooms
Pink oyster mushrooms are a warm-weather variety and are the fastest-growing type of oyster mushroom. They have a distinctive shelf-like or fan-shaped cap, with a vibrant pink colour. They are small to medium in size, with a diameter of 2-5 centimetres. They tend to grow in big clusters and can range in texture from delicate and thin to meaty and thick. They are ideal for soups or stir-fries, as they retain their structure. When cooked, they have a mild flavour, similar to other oyster mushrooms, but with a slight seafood taste.
Pearl Oyster Mushrooms
Pearl oyster mushrooms are one of the most popular and iconic oyster mushroom strains. They are a cool-weather variety and are great for simple home cultivation. They get their name from their colour, which ranges from cream to grey, reminiscent of a pearl. They can be used in a wide variety of culinary dishes and also have medicinal properties. They grow on substrates like hardwood sawdust or straw and prefer cooler temperatures of 12-16 degrees Celsius.
Blue Oyster Mushrooms
Blue oyster mushrooms are a fun and forgiving mushroom to grow at home, making them ideal for beginners. They start out with a striking blue colour, which turns grey as they mature. They grow in large clusters and have a typical shelf-like shape. They are very versatile in culinary uses and can be used in soups, pastas, and other dishes. They grow rapidly and are a good choice for growing outdoors.
Golden Oyster Mushrooms
Golden oyster mushrooms are known for their vibrant, striking colour, making them a favourite at farmers' markets. They are also called yellow oyster mushrooms and are similar in appearance to the chanterelle mushroom. They prefer warmer temperatures of 64-86 degrees Fahrenheit and are one of the most striking oyster mushroom varieties.
Phoenix Oyster Mushrooms
Phoenix oyster mushrooms are a common edible variety, also known as the summer oyster mushroom or Italian oyster mushroom. They have evolved to grow in warmer temperatures and are usually white or brown/tan in colour. They are shelf mushrooms with fan-shaped fleshy caps, and they grow well on sugar maple and other soft hardwood species. They have a short incubation period, fruiting 4 to 12 months after inoculating logs, and can provide a steady supply of mushrooms.
Each type of oyster mushroom has unique characteristics, flavours, and growing conditions, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and environmental factors.
Hiroshima's Mushroom Cloud: How High Did It Reach?
You may want to see also
Preparing the substrate: pasteurised straw, sawdust, or wood logs
Oyster mushrooms can be grown on a variety of substrates, including pasteurised straw, sawdust, or wood logs. Here is a detailed guide on preparing these substrates for successful oyster mushroom cultivation:
Pasteurised Straw
One of the most popular substrates for growing oyster mushrooms is pasteurised straw. This method offers a rewarding experience for mushroom growers. To begin, you will need to source straw that has been pasteurised to eliminate any unwanted organisms. Cereal straws, such as wheat and oat straw, are commonly used and tend to work well.
Once you have your pasteurised straw, follow these steps:
- Open the bag of straw and place it in a sterile environment.
- Using a sterile spoon, add a few spoonfuls of oyster mushroom spawn to the straw. The amount of spawn added will determine the colonisation speed; more spawn results in faster colonisation.
- Gently mix the spawn with the straw, breaking up any large chunks.
- Seal the bag using a rubber band or cord, and then plug the opening with a small piece of cotton wool to prevent contamination and insect infestation.
- Leave the bag in a warm, dark place to incubate. The mycelium will spread throughout the straw during this spawn run, which can take 1 to 3 weeks, depending on conditions.
- Check the bag regularly for any signs of mould contamination. Remove any contaminated bags from the growing area.
- Once the straw is completely colonised and turns white, it is ready for the fruiting phase.
Sawdust
Sawdust can also be used as a substrate for growing oyster mushrooms, particularly for certain strains like King Oyster and Black Pearl Oyster. To prepare a sawdust substrate, follow these steps:
- Source or create sterilised sawdust. This can be done by mixing hardwood pellets with lime water until they break down into a moist sawdust mixture.
- Mix the sawdust with grain spawn in a sanitised container.
- Pack the mixture into sanitised buckets or containers.
- Follow the standard incubation and fruiting instructions for oyster mushrooms.
Wood Logs
Oyster mushrooms can also be grown on wood logs. While this method may be less common, it is still a viable option. The process involves preparing the logs by drilling holes and inserting mushroom spawn, then sealing the holes with wax. The logs are then typically left outdoors to incubate and fruit. Specific instructions may vary depending on the source of information.
Mushroom Broth: Superfood or Super-Myth?
You may want to see also
Incubation temperature: 18–24°C, depending on the species
Oyster mushrooms are highly adaptable and can grow in a variety of conditions, making them a great choice for novice growers. They can be grown at home or on a farm, and they thrive in warm, humid environments with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C, depending on the species.
The incubation temperature for oyster mushrooms varies depending on the specific species and strain. The most common species, Pleurotus ostreatus (winter oyster) and Pleurotus pulmonarius (summer oyster), have different temperature requirements. The winter variety prefers temperatures of 10°C to 24°C, while the summer variety thrives in warmer conditions of 16°C to 30°C.
Other oyster mushroom varieties, such as the blue oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus), favour cooler temperatures of 12°C to 18°C. On the other hand, the golden oyster (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) and pink oyster varieties prefer warmer temperatures of 18°C to 30°C.
To achieve the optimal temperature range for incubation, you can use any warm (20°C-24°C) area in your house, such as a cupboard or boiler room. It is recommended to keep the growing environment consistently heated and away from direct light to prevent early pinning or fruiting. Additionally, ensure proper air exchange and ventilation to avoid carbon dioxide buildup and maintain high humidity levels (85-90%) during the incubation process.
The Importance of Rinsing Shitake Mushrooms
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Humidity and light: 90% humidity, and no direct light
Oyster mushrooms are highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity and light conditions. However, for optimal growth, specific requirements must be met.
During the incubation phase, oyster mushrooms should be kept in a dark place to prevent early pinning. A temperature range of 20-24°C is ideal for this phase, and high humidity levels of 80-90% should be maintained. The bags should be left to incubate for two to three weeks, allowing the spawn to "run" and colonize the substrate completely.
Once the incubation phase is complete, the bags will be ready for fruiting. This phase requires lower temperatures of around 20°C (68°F) and the introduction of light. High humidity remains crucial, with levels of 85-90% recommended. Maintaining good air exchange is essential during both phases to avoid carbon dioxide buildup while still preserving high humidity.
While oyster mushrooms are flexible regarding temperature and light conditions, providing the ideal conditions will promote rapid and healthy growth. Regular monitoring for pests and mould contamination is also necessary to ensure a successful crop.
Oyster mushrooms are a great choice for first-time growers due to their adaptability and fast growth. By following these guidelines for humidity and light control, you can create the optimal environment for cultivating a plentiful crop of delicious and healthy oyster mushrooms.
Freezing Mushrooms: Why They Turn Brown
You may want to see also
Maintenance: misting, and checking for mould/pests
Oyster mushrooms are a beginner-friendly variety to cultivate due to their resilience, fast growth, and ability to grow almost anywhere. Once your mushrooms are out of incubation, the only maintenance routine you'll need to follow is a simple misting of your mushrooms and their growing environment. Spraying a few times a day with a water bottle should suffice.
During the incubation period, it is important to monitor the bags for any signs of unwanted moulds and pests. While the straw is still in the bags, insects and mice should not be a problem. However, it is always better to prevent contamination and infestation. Spray some surfaces to deter flies and other insects, mesh windows, and keep doors closed.
Regularly check the bags for any mould contamination and remove any infected bags from the growing area. Black mould within the straw may indicate ineffective sterilisation. You may also notice sprouting straw and the appearance of unwanted mushrooms, such as ink caps. Oyster mushroom mycelium has a sweet, anise-like scent, so if you smell this, it's a good sign.
Fungus gnats, which resemble fruit flies, may buzz around your buckets, but they won't harm your mushrooms. If they become a nuisance or spread contamination, you can get rid of them. Covering the bucket holes with micropore tape can help if the gnats persist. Dig a little beneath the straw to check for the classic white, cobweb-like mycelium of oyster mushrooms.
Mushroom Consumption: Itching and Allergies Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The ideal conditions for incubating oyster mushrooms are warm and humid temperatures between 20-24°C. The area should ideally be dark to prevent early pinning, but light is not required.
Oyster mushrooms can be incubated using buckets, containers, or bags. Common substrates include straw, wood logs, cottonseed hulls, corn cobs, office paper, and cereal straws such as wheat and oat straw.
The incubation period for oyster mushrooms typically lasts between one to three weeks, depending on the mushroom variety, humidity, and temperature.
Common oyster mushroom varieties include the pearl oyster, blue oyster, phoenix oyster, golden oyster, pink oyster, and king oyster. The pearl oyster thrives in colder temperatures, while the blue oyster and golden oyster prefer cooler temperatures of 12-18°C. The phoenix and pink oyster mushrooms grow in warmer climates, with optimal temperatures ranging from 18-30°C.
Yes, it is important to monitor for mould contamination and pests such as flies, mice, and fungus gnats. Black mould within the straw may indicate ineffective sterilisation. Additionally, ensure proper spacing during colonisation, as stacking buckets too close together can kill the growing mycelium due to excessive heat.
