John Miller
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties of mushrooms to grow at home. They are nutritious, delicious, and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. The most common substrate used to grow oyster mushrooms is straw, but sawdust, cardboard, coffee grounds, and other agricultural byproducts can also be used. Oyster mushrooms require a lot of fresh air to produce normal-looking fruits. They can be grown in a variety of temperatures, with some varieties preferring warmer temperatures of 64-86°F (18°C-30°C) and others preferring cooler temperatures of 45-65°F (12°C-18°C). The colour of the fruiting bodies may vary from white to yellow, brown, grey, blue, tan, or even pink, depending on the species and the ambient environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Easy |
| Mushroom type | Oyster |
| Substrate | Straw, cardboard, sawdust, coffee grounds, wood pellets, sugarcane bagasse, coco coir, cotton waste |
| Substrate preparation | Pasteurise by soaking in hot water (65-80°C) for 1-2 hours or in a cold-water high-pH lime bath for 12-18 hours |
| Mushroom spawn | Grain spawn |
| Mushroom mycelium | White fuzzy stuff near the base of fresh mushrooms |
| Mushroom growth location | Outdoors or indoors |
| Mushroom growth conditions | High humidity, optimal temperature, fresh air |
| Mushroom appearance | White, Yellow, Brown, Grey, Blue, Tan, Pink |
| Mushroom size | Caps range from 2 to 10 inches in diameter |
| Mushroom shape | Oyster shell-shaped with branching lateral stalks |
| Mushroom cap | Convex at the pinhead stage, expands and becomes flatter at maturity |
| Mushroom taste | Mild to strong, sweet with anise or licorice scent |
| Mushroom nutrition | Low-calorie, high in protein, B vitamins, minerals, and fibre |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing a substrate: straw, sawdust, cardboard, or coffee grounds
- Pasteurising the substrate: soaking in hot water or a lime bath
- Selecting a mushroom variety: pearl, blue, golden, pink, or phoenix
- Preparing the spawn: using store-bought mushrooms or a grow kit
- Providing optimal conditions: temperature, humidity, fresh air, and sunlight
Choosing a substrate: straw, sawdust, cardboard, or coffee grounds
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties of mushrooms to grow. The first step in growing oyster mushrooms is to choose a substrate, which is the food source that enables the growth of mushroom mycelium. The most widely used substrate for oyster mushrooms is straw. Straw is usually cheap, contains essential nutrients, and oyster mushrooms thrive on it. To pasteurize straw, it can be soaked in hot water (65-80°C / 149-176°F) for 1-2 hours, or in a cold-water high-pH lime bath for 12-18 hours.
Sawdust is another option for a substrate. Sawdust provides great structural support for the mycelium. It can be used on its own or mixed with other substrates like straw or coffee grounds. Sawdust pellets are already pasteurized by the heat and pressure of the pellet production process. To prepare the substrate, simply add an equal weight of water to the weight of pellets, soak for 30 minutes, and then mix to break up the pellets into hydrated sawdust.
Cardboard can also be used as a substrate for oyster mushrooms. There is no need for a recipe when growing oyster mushrooms on cardboard. Simply gather as much cardboard as needed and soak it in boiling water. After allowing the cardboard to cool and squeezing out any leftover water, it can be colonized with mushroom spawn. Many varieties of fungi feed on dead wood, so cultivating oyster mushrooms on cut logs is a perfect choice.
Coffee grounds can also be used as a substrate for oyster mushrooms. Coffee grounds come pre-pasteurized from the brewing process, which is one of their advantages as a substrate. However, coffee grounds are prone to contamination due to their high nitrogen content, so extra care must be taken when using this substrate. To use coffee grounds as a substrate, collect fresh grounds within 24 hours of brewing and mix with other substrates like straw or sawdust.
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Pasteurising the substrate: soaking in hot water or a lime bath
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties of mushrooms to grow. The most widely used substrate for oyster mushrooms is straw. However, sawdust, cardboard, coffee grounds, and other byproducts of agriculture can also be used.
To pasteurize the substrate, you can either soak it in hot water or use a lime bath. Hot water pasteurization involves submerging the substrate in boiling water above 176°F (80°C) for at least 2 hours. This method is considered more effective but is more energy-intensive and less safe than cold water methods.
Cold water lime bath pasteurization is a low-tech, inexpensive, and effective way to pasteurize the substrate for growing mushrooms. This method is especially suitable for beginners as it does not require any specialized equipment. It involves using hydrated lime to raise the pH of the water, which kills living organisms that may compete with the mushroom mycelium. The high pH level causes the cell walls of these organisms to rupture, resulting in their death. Additionally, the lime bath helps to destroy mold, bacteria, and other potential contaminants while hydrating the substrate.
To prepare a cold water lime bath, you will need a container such as a drum, tote, or bucket, depending on the amount of substrate. A net, mesh bag, old pillowcase, or plastic laundry basket is also required to hold the substrate. The substrate is then submerged in the lime bath for 12-18 hours.
For hot water pasteurization, about 40 liters of fresh water are heated to 80°C for every 30 liters of substrate. This water is then combined with the substrate-filled pillowcases, and the mixture is allowed to pasteurize for at least 2 hours.
Both methods of pasteurization effectively prepare the substrate for growing oyster mushrooms, with the cold water lime bath method being more beginner-friendly and cost-effective.
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Selecting a mushroom variety: pearl, blue, golden, pink, or phoenix
Oyster mushrooms are typically light grey or greyish-brown, but they also come in several other colours, including yellow and pink. There are over 200 species of oyster mushrooms, but only a handful are commonly cultivated. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular varieties:
Pearl Oyster Mushrooms
Pearl oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are the most common variety in North America and are usually white, but can vary from white to grey to brown. They are a common temperate oyster mushroom and can grow on many different substrates, including paper, cardboard, straw, sterilised sawdust, and other agricultural waste. They have a slightly sweet and woody taste and are more mild and tender than shiitake mushrooms. They are also one of the most commonly cultivated mushrooms worldwide and are often found in grocery stores. They grow best in colder temperatures.
Blue Oyster Mushrooms
Blue oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus) are a subspecies of the common oyster mushroom and are commonly found throughout the northern hemisphere. They are not a bright blue hue but are grey with a slight bluish tint. They have dark caps and pale gills, creating a nice contrast. They taste identical to pearl oysters and are one of the fastest colonizers of all oyster mushroom varieties, preferring cooler temperatures of 45-65 F (12-18 C). They require a lot of fresh air to produce normal-looking fruits and are best grown outdoors.
Golden Oyster Mushrooms
Golden oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) are also known as yellow oyster mushrooms and are best known for their bright yellow colour and similarity to the popular chanterelle mushroom. They have a more complex and aromatic flavour than the standard pearl oyster. They prefer warmer temperatures of 64-86 F (18-30 C).
Pink Oyster Mushrooms
Pink oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus djamor) are a tropical variety with a stunning pink colour and a seafood-like flavour, making them a favourite among chefs. They grow quickly, producing fruit in as little as 3-4 weeks, and prefer warmer temperatures of 64-86 F (18-30 C). They should be picked young, as they develop a less desirable fragrance and their colour fades as they mature.
Phoenix Oyster Mushrooms
Phoenix oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus pulmonarius) are a common edible variety that enjoys warmer temperatures. They are sometimes called summer oyster mushrooms, Indian oyster mushrooms, or Italian oyster mushrooms. They are similar in appearance to pearl oyster mushrooms but have paler and smaller caps and longer stems. They are prolific, hardy, and easy to grow, making them an excellent choice for beginner mushroom growers.
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Preparing the spawn: using store-bought mushrooms or a grow kit
Oyster mushrooms are temperamental, and growing them can be technical, but it is possible to grow them at home. You can use store-bought mushrooms or a grow kit.
Using store-bought mushrooms
Firstly, you'll need to find a store that has fresh oyster mushrooms. Look for mushrooms that have the white fuzzy stuff (mycelium) near the base. You won't need many—only about $1 worth. Next, place your fresh oyster mushrooms on a sterilised plate and use a clean blade or knife to cut off the stem butts—a ¼ to ½ an inch will do. These are the fuzzy bases of the mushrooms that have the mycelium.
Now, drop the stem butts into the coffee-ground-filled-mason-jars and ensure the mycelium side is in contact with the coffee grounds. You can warm your coffee grounds by making a cup of coffee first, and then squeezing out the excess water. You can also shred the coffee filter and add it to the grounds, as this will aid the colonisation process.
Use a sterilised butter knife to turn the stem butts if necessary. Place sterilised Tyvek paper on each mason jar and screw on the jar rings. Stash this away for a few days to allow the mycelium to take over the coffee grounds. You can use several small mason jars instead of a large one to grow a mycelium colony sooner and reduce the risk of contamination by mould. To further reduce the risk of contamination and speed up colonisation, mix the coffee grounds with tiny bits of pasteurised straw.
Once the mycelium is ready, it will have a pungent mushroom smell. Scoop the mycelium colonies from the mason jars onto sterilised plates and break them down into small chunks. Pack a plastic bag with a layer of straw and a layer of mycelium, repeating until the bag is half-full. Ensure the straw layers are tightly packed. Once done, remove any air from the bag and compress the straw further by pressing down on the bag. Make a tight knot or ribbon tie and cut away any excess paper. Finally, make random X-cuts on the plastic bag with a sterilised blade to make way for the mushrooms. Make some at the bottom of the bag to help with water drainage.
Using a grow kit
If you are using a grow kit, you will need to slice a 6" gash on the side of the bag and then face the gashed side up. Wrap the excess plastic around the top of the block and tuck it under. The mushrooms will grow out of this. You can expect two to three flushes, with the first flush yielding 2+ pounds. Mushrooms should be stored in a paper bag in the fridge.
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Providing optimal conditions: temperature, humidity, fresh air, and sunlight
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties of mushrooms to grow, and they thrive in a range of conditions. Providing optimal conditions for your oyster mushrooms will depend on the specific variety you are cultivating. For example, the blue oyster mushroom and the pearl oyster mushroom grow best in colder temperatures, while the golden oyster mushroom and pink oyster mushroom prefer warmer temperatures.
To provide the right temperature for your oyster mushrooms, you can either grow them outdoors or in a controlled indoor environment. Growing outdoors is easier and less stressful, as it mimics the conditions that mushrooms experience in the wild. However, growing indoors gives you more control over the temperature and allows you to create the optimal environment for your mushrooms. If you choose to grow your oyster mushrooms outdoors, the temperature will vary depending on the time of day and the season. Lower temperatures at night can produce thicker, meatier mushrooms, while warmer temperatures during the day can promote faster growth.
Regardless of whether you grow your oyster mushrooms indoors or outdoors, they will need plenty of fresh air. Oyster mushrooms, especially blue oyster varieties, require a significant amount of fresh air to produce normal-looking fruits. When grown in an enclosed space with limited fresh air, oyster mushrooms may develop long, chewy stems and small caps. This is because the mushrooms are sensing high CO2 levels and are putting more energy into growing long stems to reach open air and release their spores. To mitigate this, you can provide ample ventilation in your indoor growing space or opt for outdoor cultivation.
While sunlight is not specifically mentioned as a requirement for oyster mushrooms, the ambient environment, including light exposure, influences the colour of the fruiting bodies. Oyster mushrooms can produce white, yellow, brown, grey, blue, tan, or pink fruiting bodies depending on the species and the surrounding conditions. Therefore, the amount of sunlight exposure may be a factor to consider when trying to cultivate specific colours of oyster mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest varieties of mushrooms to grow. The pearl oyster mushroom is one of the most commonly available varieties and thrives in colder temperatures. The blue oyster mushroom is a subspecies of the common oyster and is one of the fastest colonizers. The phoenix oyster mushroom, also known as the summer oyster mushroom, has evolved to grow in warmer climates.
Substrates are the food source that enables the growth of mushroom mycelium. The most widely used substrate for oyster mushrooms is straw. Sawdust, cardboard, coffee grounds, and other byproducts of agriculture such as sugarcane bagasse, coco coir, and cotton waste can also be used.
Straw is usually cheap and contains essential nutrients. To prepare it, pasteurize it by soaking it in hot water (65-80°C / 149-176°F) for 1-2 hours, or in a cold-water high-pH lime bath for 12-18 hours.
Oyster mushrooms require a lot of fresh air to produce normal-looking fruit. If they don't get enough, they will form long chewy stems and small caps. Growing outdoors can produce nicer clusters, but the downside is that bugs may burrow into your mushrooms and lay eggs or eat them before you can pick them.
