Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be grown at home or in a controlled environment. Temperature control is essential during all stages of mushroom growth, from spore germination to colonisation and fruiting. The ideal temperature range for mycelium growth is between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). However, temperatures above 86°F can kill the mycelium, and freezing temperatures can also be fatal to some mushroom varieties. In this article, we will explore the temperature requirements for each stage of mushroom growth and the methods used to control temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature range that kills mushroom mycelium | 74°F and above |
| Temperature at which mycelium will die | 110°F with 100% humidity |
| Temperature at which mycelium recovers from cleaning with hot agar | 140°F |
| Ideal temperature range for mycelium growth | 70°F-85°F |
| Temperature range for the incubation stage | 65°F-75°F |
| Temperature range for the fruiting stage | 60°F-65°F |
| Temperature range for P. cubensis colonisation | 75°F-80°F |
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What You'll Learn
Mycelium dies at 110°F with 100% humidity
Temperature control is essential when growing mushrooms. The mycelium, or vegetative part of the mushroom, is very sensitive to temperature changes. The ideal temperature range for mycelium growth is between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). However, temperatures above this range may kill the mycelium and encourage the growth of contaminants.
Mycelium is particularly vulnerable to high temperatures. While it can withstand temperatures up to 101°F for a short period, as seen in some bacterial decontamination methods, sustained temperatures above 86°F can be fatal. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 110°F, coupled with 100% humidity, will result in mycelium death. This outcome is primarily due to suffocation or a lack of evaporation.
To avoid exposing the mycelium to harmful temperatures, it is recommended to maintain room temperature during the colonization stage. Additionally, a thermostat-controlled heater can help ensure a consistent temperature, preventing fluctuations that hinder mycelium growth. Proper insulation is also crucial, as it maintains a stable temperature and reduces the need for constant adjustments.
During the fruiting stage, the temperature should be lowered to around 60-65°F to encourage the growth of the fruiting bodies. This temperature drop mimics the natural environment where mushrooms typically fruit in cooler conditions. It is also important to monitor and control humidity levels, as mushrooms require high humidity, typically around 85-95% relative humidity, to grow properly.
By understanding the temperature requirements at each stage of the mushroom life cycle and employing appropriate cooling and heating systems, growers can ensure the best possible growth, health, and yield from their mushrooms.
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Temperatures above 86°F for several hours can kill mycelium
Temperature control is essential for cultivating healthy mushrooms. The mycelium, or vegetative part of the mushroom, is highly sensitive to temperature changes. While some mushrooms thrive in warmer temperatures, others prefer cooler climates. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the specific temperature requirements for each mushroom species.
The ideal temperature range for mycelium growth is generally between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). However, certain species, such as P. cubensis, have a narrower optimal range of 75-80°F (24-27°C). Maintaining temperatures within these ranges is crucial, as deviations can hinder mycelium growth or even kill it.
Temperatures above 86°F for several hours can be detrimental to the mycelium. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can lead to intense dehydration in the mushroom's body, affecting its texture and flavor. Additionally, high temperatures can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria and contaminants, further spoiling the mushrooms. Therefore, it is essential to monitor temperatures closely and take corrective actions if they rise above the optimal range.
To prevent overheating, it is recommended to avoid stacking substrate bags or containers too closely, allowing for proper airflow and ventilation. Using cooling systems, such as fans, air conditioners, or evaporative coolers, can also help regulate temperatures during the fruiting stage. Proper insulation is also crucial, as it helps maintain a stable temperature and reduces the need for constant adjustments.
While mycelium can be resilient, with some reports of it recovering after exposure to temperatures above 100°F for brief periods, it is generally advisable to maintain temperatures within the optimal range to ensure the best possible growth, health, and yield of mushrooms.
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Mycelium growth slows or stops at low temperatures
Mycelium growth is highly dependent on temperature. If the temperature is too low, the mycelium will slow down or even stop growing. This can lead to stunted growth and a lower yield of mushrooms. Mycelium requires a certain level of warmth to survive and thrive. If the temperature drops below a certain threshold, the mycelium can die. Therefore, it is essential to maintain an ideal temperature range for mycelium growth.
The ideal temperature range for mycelium growth varies depending on the species of mushroom. For example, P. cubensis colonizes most rapidly between 75-80°F (24-27°C). Other sources suggest that the ideal temperature range for mycelium growth is generally between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). During the incubation stage, which is crucial for the formation of the mycelium, the temperature should be maintained between 65-75 °F.
To maintain a warm environment during the early stages of mushroom cultivation, a thermostat-controlled heater can be used. This helps to prevent temperature fluctuations that can hinder mycelium growth. Proper insulation is also important to maintain a stable temperature and prevent heat loss during colder months. During the fruiting stage, the temperature needs to be lowered to around 60-65 °F to encourage the growth of the fruiting bodies.
It is important to note that high temperatures can also be detrimental to mycelium growth. Temperatures higher than the ideal range may kill the mycelium and encourage the growth of contaminants. Additionally, high temperatures can cause dehydration in the mushroom's body, affecting its texture and flavor. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and control temperature levels throughout the mushroom's life cycle to ensure optimal growth and health.
Overall, mycelium growth is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Maintaining an ideal temperature range is crucial for successful cultivation. By understanding the temperature requirements at each stage of the mushroom's life cycle, growers can optimize the growth, health, and yield of their mushrooms.
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Mycelium can recover from exposure to 140°F for several minutes
Temperature control is essential when growing mushrooms. The mycelium is the vegetative part of the mushroom, and it requires warmth to survive and thrive. While the ideal temperature range for mycelium growth depends on the mushroom species, it is generally between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). During the incubation stage, which lasts about two to three weeks, the temperature should be maintained between 65°F and 75°F to facilitate the formation of the mycelium.
Once the mycelium has formed, the temperature needs to be lowered to around 60°F-65°F to encourage the growth of the fruiting bodies. This temperature drop mimics the natural environment, where mushrooms fruit in cooler conditions. During the fruiting stage, constant temperatures higher than 74°F can prevent mushrooms from growing, and temperatures over 86°F for several hours can kill the mycelium.
However, mycelium can be surprisingly resilient. In one instance, a mycelium grower reported that they routinely pour 140°F hot agar over their cultures to clean them of bacterial contamination. The mycelium is exposed to this heat for several minutes until the agar cools, and while the bacteria are knocked back, the mycelium typically recovers in a day or two. This demonstrates that mycelium can, in some cases, withstand temperatures of 140°F for short periods without being permanently damaged.
While mycelium can recover from brief exposure to high temperatures, it is essential to maintain optimal temperature ranges to ensure the best possible growth, health, and yield from mushrooms. Deviations from these ranges can hinder mycelium growth, and temperatures that are too high can even kill the mycelium and promote the growth of contaminants. Therefore, growers should use tools like thermostats, heating pads, and cooling systems to carefully control the temperature during all stages of mushroom growth.
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Temperatures above the optimal range can kill mycelium
Temperature control is essential for cultivating healthy mushrooms. The mycelium, or vegetative part of the mushroom, is highly sensitive to temperature changes. While the ideal temperature range for mycelium growth varies depending on the mushroom species, in general, it falls between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C).
Temperatures above the optimal range can be detrimental to mycelium health and even lead to its death. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 86°F (30°C) can kill the mycelium. For instance, P. cubensis, a species of mushroom, thrives between 75-80°F (24-27°C), and temperatures exceeding this range may hinder its growth and promote the growth of contaminants.
Mycelium generates its own heat during the colonization stage, which can lead to overheating and subsequent damage if not carefully monitored. High temperatures can cause dehydration in the mushroom's body, affecting its texture and flavour. Additionally, excessive heat can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, compromising the entire crop.
To prevent overheating, it is crucial to maintain proper ventilation and avoid stacking substrate bags or containers too closely, allowing for adequate airflow. Utilizing cooling systems, such as fans, air conditioners, or evaporative coolers, is essential during the fruiting stage to create favourable conditions for mushroom development.
Furthermore, the transition from mycelium to fruiting bodies (mushrooms) often requires a drop in temperature, mimicking the natural environment where mushrooms typically fruit in cooler conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to gradually lower the temperature to initiate primordia formation and subsequent mushroom growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Temperatures exceeding 86°F (30°C) for several hours can kill mushroom mycelium. Mycelium will die at around 110°F (43°C) with 100% humidity.
The ideal temperature range for mycelium growth varies depending on the mushroom species. Generally, it is between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). During the incubation stage, the temperature should be maintained between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C).
If the temperature is too low, the mycelium will slow down or stop growing. This can lead to stunted growth and lower yields.
During the fruiting stage, the temperature should be lowered to around 60-65°F (15-18°C) to encourage the growth of the fruiting bodies. The ideal fruiting temperature range for Portabella and White Button mushrooms is between 63-68°F (17-20°C).
To maintain a warm environment during the early stages of mushroom cultivation, you can use a thermostat-controlled heater to prevent temperature fluctuations. During the fruiting stage, cooling systems such as fans, air conditioners, or evaporative coolers can be used to lower the temperature. Proper insulation also helps maintain a stable temperature by preventing heat loss.
