Emma Wilson
Growing mushrooms is a tricky process, and one of the biggest challenges is maintaining the ideal temperature. Temperature control is essential during all stages of mushroom growth. As a general rule of thumb, mushrooms produced under cooler conditions grow more slowly but are better quality. A warm fruiting room can result in over-mature lower-quality mushrooms, dry conditions, and increased risks of contamination. The ideal temperature range is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. During the incubation stage, which typically lasts two to three weeks, the temperature needs to be maintained between 65 and 75 °F. During the fruiting stage, the temperature needs to be lowered to around 60-65 °F to encourage the growth of the fruiting bodies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature range | 55-75°F (13-24°C) |
| 62-90°F | |
| 10-28°C | |
| 50-90°F | |
| 55-65°F (13-18°C) | |
| 50-60°F (10-16°C) | |
| Temperature consistency | Consistent temperature is important |
| Lighting | 16 hours on, 8 hours off |
| 14-16 hours on | |
| 12 hours on, 12 hours off | |
| Humidity | 75-90% |
| 90-95% | |
| CO2 levels | Below 800 ppm |
| 1000-1100 ppm | |
| Air exchange | Constant air movement |
| Ventilation | |
| Fresh air supply |
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What You'll Learn
- The ideal temperature range for fruiting mushrooms is 55-75°F (13-24°C)
- Cooler temperatures produce better quality, meatier mushrooms
- Warmer temperatures lead to faster growth but lower quality
- Different species have different temperature requirements
- Humidity, light, and CO2 levels also impact mushroom growth
The ideal temperature range for fruiting mushrooms is 55-75°F (13-24°C)
Growing mushrooms is a delicate process that requires precision and an understanding of the mushroom life cycle. The temperature, humidity, light exposure, and air circulation must all be carefully controlled to create the ideal fruiting environment.
While this temperature range is generally ideal, it is important to note that each mushroom species has unique temperature requirements. For example, oyster mushrooms flourish in a cooler temperature range of 55-65°F (13-18°C), while shiitake mushrooms prefer slightly warmer conditions of 50-60°F (10-16°C).
Additionally, the temperature preferences of mushrooms can vary depending on the local environmental conditions and the specific strain being cultivated. Other factors, such as humidity, light, and air exchange, also play a crucial role in creating the perfect fruiting environment for mushrooms.
By understanding the specific requirements of the mushroom variety being grown and carefully controlling the growing conditions, cultivators can enhance the potential for a successful and robust harvest.
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Cooler temperatures produce better quality, meatier mushrooms
Growing mushrooms is a delicate process that requires precision and an understanding of the mushroom life cycle. While the specific temperature requirements vary depending on the type of mushroom, it is generally true that cooler temperatures produce better quality, meatier mushrooms.
Mushrooms are small, supple fruit bodies that require a humid environment to grow in. However, it is important to avoid over-saturation. The ideal humidity level is similar to that of fresh, moist air in a forest. This can be achieved through the use of humidifiers, misting systems, and humidity domes, as well as regular misting. Maintaining constant humidity is crucial, as mushrooms are sensitive to changes in their environment.
Temperature plays a significant role in the quality and growth rate of mushrooms. Cooler temperatures tend to produce meatier and higher-quality mushrooms, although they grow more slowly. Warmer temperatures can result in faster growth, but the mushrooms may be more hollow and of lower quality. The ideal temperature range for most mushrooms during the fruiting stage is between 55-75°F (13-24°C). However, some mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms, prefer cooler temperatures of 55-65°F (13-18°C), while shiitake mushrooms thrive in slightly warmer conditions of 50-60°F (10-16°C).
To create the optimal environment for mushroom growth, it is essential to monitor and adjust humidity, air exchange, and temperature. Fresh air exchange is crucial, as stagnant air can lead to poor mushroom formation and an increased risk of contamination. Proper ventilation systems or regular airing out of the growing space are necessary to maintain a steady flow of air, which supports healthy mycelium expansion and prepares for the fruiting stage.
While temperature control may be necessary in certain settings, such as a warehouse, it may not be required in other locations. For example, growing mushrooms in a basement typically does not need much temperature control. Additionally, certain spots around your property may already provide suitable environments for growing mushrooms, especially in mild temperatures during spring or autumn when humidity is generally high. These locations could include a glasshouse, shed, garage, or laundry room with misting.
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Warmer temperatures lead to faster growth but lower quality
Temperature is a critical factor in the successful cultivation of mushrooms. While warmer temperatures may lead to faster growth, they can also result in lower-quality mushrooms.
Mushrooms are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and maintaining a constant temperature is essential for optimal growth and yield. Small deviations from the ideal temperature range can negatively impact the growth and quality of mushrooms. For example, during the incubation stage, the temperature should be maintained between 65-75 °F (20-24 °C) to facilitate the formation of the mycelium, the vegetative part of the mushroom. Once the mycelium has formed, the temperature needs to be lowered to around 60-65 °F (13-18 °C) to initiate the fruiting stage and encourage the growth of mature mushrooms.
Warm temperatures can cause the substrate to dry out quickly, leading to poor mushroom yield. Higher temperatures also encourage the growth of unwanted microorganisms, which compete with the mycelium for nutrients. Additionally, too much heat can inhibit growth or lead to contamination. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the temperature and adjust it if it rises above the optimal range. This can be done by increasing ventilation, using cooling systems, or moving the setup to a cooler area.
While warmer temperatures may lead to faster growth, mushrooms grown at lower temperatures tend to be meatier and of higher quality, albeit with a slower growth rate. Maintaining the ideal temperature range for each stage of mushroom growth is essential for successful cultivation and optimal fruit quality.
Furthermore, temperature control is not the only factor that influences mushroom growth and quality. Humidity, light exposure, and air circulation also play vital roles in creating an optimal environment for mushroom cultivation. Relative humidity levels between 85-95% are necessary to stimulate the formation of primordia and ensure quality fruiting bodies. Proper ventilation systems and fresh air exchange help regulate carbon dioxide levels and prevent the buildup of humidity and contaminants. Additionally, providing adequate lighting, such as 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness, is essential for mushroom development.
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Different species have different temperature requirements
Mushrooms are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and different species have different temperature requirements for optimal growth. Precise control of temperature is essential for successful mushroom cultivation, as it directly influences each stage of the mushroom life cycle, from colonisation of the mycelium to fruiting. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and maintain the optimal temperature range for the specific species being cultivated.
For example, oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) can fruit at a relatively wide range of temperatures, from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). However, their optimal temperature range is between 15°C and 21°C (59°F to 70°F). Other species, like shiitake mushrooms, have slightly different requirements, with an ideal range of 13°C to 18°C (55°F to 65°F). These small deviations in temperature can mean the difference between a successful crop and a failed one.
Button mushrooms, for instance, thrive at temperatures between 70°F and 75°F (21°C and 24°C) during colonisation. Growers must carefully monitor and control the temperature, ensuring it remains steady throughout the growing area. Fresh air exchange is crucial in this regard, as it helps regulate carbon dioxide levels, which, if too high, can stifle mycelium growth and fruit development.
The incubation phase, during which the spores or mycelium develop in the substrate, typically requires warmer temperatures than the fruiting phase. The ideal temperature for incubation is generally between 20°C and 24°C, with a maximum tolerated temperature of around 28°C. However, exceeding 25°C increases the risk of contamination by undesirable mould and bacteria. During the fruiting phase, a drop in temperature is often necessary to trigger the formation of fruiting bodies, with most mushrooms requiring temperatures below 23°C.
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Humidity, light, and CO2 levels also impact mushroom growth
While temperature plays a significant role in the successful cultivation of mushrooms, other factors such as humidity, light, and CO2 levels also impact mushroom growth.
Humidity
Humidity is an essential factor in mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms require high humidity levels to initiate the formation of primordia, the small bumps that develop into mature mushrooms. Inadequate humidity levels can cause mushrooms to stop growing, discolour, or form cracks. Ideally, the humidity level for growing mushrooms should be maintained between 80% and 90%. Humidity levels below this range can lead to mushroom dehydration and stunted growth. While high humidity is necessary for mushroom growth, excessive humidity can promote the growth of mould and harmful microorganisms. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain optimal humidity levels to ensure healthy mushroom development.
Light
Although mushrooms do not rely on light as a direct energy source, light plays a crucial role in their growth and development. Light is involved in regulating certain aspects of their life cycle, such as triggering fruiting and growth orientation. Mushrooms exhibit positive phototropism, where they grow towards a light source to find optimal conditions for spore dispersal. Adequate light exposure can enhance the colour, texture, and nutrient content of some mushrooms. Additionally, controlled light conditions can result in more robust and aesthetically pleasing mushrooms. However, a lack of light during specific growth stages can negatively impact mushroom development, affecting their size, colour, and yield.
CO2 Levels
Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are critical factors in mushroom farming. CO2 concentrations must be carefully monitored and controlled during the spawn run and fruiting phase to ensure successful mushroom growth and optimal yields. Most experts recommend CO2 levels between 10,000 and 20,000 ppm during the spawn run and below 1,000 ppm during fruiting, ideally within the range of 500 to 800 ppm. High CO2 levels during the fruiting phase can lead to "legging," where the developing mushrooms produce long stems in search of oxygen. Therefore, growers often shock" the mushrooms by lowering CO2 levels and increasing evaporation to encourage the growth of pins, which develop into fully formed mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
The temperature of the fruiting chamber should be kept between 55 and 75 °F (13-24 °C). Warmer temperatures will cause mushrooms to grow faster, but they will be lower quality. Cooler temperatures will produce meatier, higher-quality mushrooms, but they will grow more slowly.
Yes, different types of mushrooms have different temperature requirements. For example, oyster mushrooms flourish in a cooler range of 55-65 °F (13-18 °C), while shiitake mushrooms prefer a slightly warmer range of 50-60 °F (10-16 °C).
Relative humidity should be between 75% and 95% to help mushrooms retain their moisture. During the initiation phase, the first four days of fruiting, humidity should be closer to 90%. Mushrooms also require constant air movement to prevent the buildup of humidity.
Mushrooms do not require as much light as plants, but they do need some indirect light to guide their growth. The light helps orient their growth direction and signal that it is time to fruit.
