Michael Davis
Oyster mushrooms are a popular choice for home growers due to their rapid growth rate and ability to produce multiple flushes. However, understanding the triggers for oyster mushroom flushes is crucial for successful cultivation. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and air circulation play a significant role in triggering oyster mushroom flushes. Optimal conditions are necessary for healthy mycelial growth and fruiting. Additionally, proper substrate preparation, including incubation and moisture management, influences the frequency and abundance of oyster mushroom flushes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | The ideal temperature for growing oyster mushrooms is between 19-20°C. Temperatures below 13°C can delay the appearance of mushrooms. |
| Humidity | Oyster mushrooms require sufficient humidity to fruit. Submerging the substrate bag in cold water for 8 hours can help to increase humidity. |
| Light | Oyster mushrooms require reading-level light (not direct sunlight) for proper formation and deep cap colouring. Inadequate light can lead to deformities. |
| Air circulation | Fresh air circulation is necessary for adequate fruit formation. Placing the mushrooms in a draughty spot may cause them to dry out. |
| Substrate | The oyster mushroom substrate should be fully colonised before transitioning to the fruiting stage. The outer layer of the substrate should not be allowed to dry out. |
| Mycelium | The mycelium must be allowed to recover between flushes. Cleaning the slits after harvesting can help the mycelium grow faster. |
| Primordia | Primordia usually appear after a week. They may not appear if the temperature is too low or if the humidity is insufficient. |
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What You'll Learn
Substrate moisture and humidity
Oyster mushrooms, in particular, require a steady supply of fresh air and a controlled environment to develop properly. A lack of fresh air can cause deformities in the mushroom's fruit bodies, resulting in long stems and small caps. On the other hand, excessive air circulation can lead to the mushrooms or the substrate drying out, emphasising the need for a balanced environment.
The substrate's moisture content plays a crucial role in the growth of oyster mushrooms. If the substrate is too dry, the mushrooms may struggle to fruit, and subsequent flushes may be compromised. This is a common issue with oyster mushrooms, as their substrate structure does not readily absorb liquid, making it challenging to maintain optimal moisture levels.
To address substrate dryness, growers can employ techniques such as the soak method. This involves submerging the substrate bag in cold water for an extended period, typically around eight hours, and then returning it to the fruiting space once the excess water has drained. This technique effectively rehydrates the substrate, triggering a stronger flush by simulating the mushroom's natural environment.
Additionally, the temperature of the growing environment influences the substrate's moisture levels and the overall success of the flushes. If the temperature is too high, above 20 degrees Celsius, the substrate may dry out, and a thick layer of white mycelium may form between the film and the substrate, hindering subsequent flushes. Therefore, maintaining a suitable temperature range is essential for optimising substrate moisture and overall mushroom growth.
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Temperature control
To ensure optimal temperature conditions, it is essential to maintain the growing environment within the specific temperature range suitable for oyster mushrooms. The ideal temperature range for oyster mushroom cultivation is between 13°C and 20°C. If the temperature drops below 13°C, the mushroom growth may be delayed indefinitely. On the other hand, if the temperature rises above 20°C, the second harvest may not occur due to clogged slots and the growth of a thick layer of white mycelium between the film and the substrate.
To create favourable conditions for oyster mushroom flushes, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 19-20°C for three to four days during the incubation phase. This helps restore the hyphae and promote their growth towards the perforations. After this initial period, gradually cool the air and lower the humidity over the next two to three days to create optimal conditions for the next flush.
Additionally, it is important to note that oyster mushrooms require reading-level light, similar to the lighting in an indoor space used for reading. Direct or intense light can cause drying and shrivelling of the mushrooms, while inadequate light can lead to deformities. Therefore, it is best to opt for an indirect and bright fruiting spot to achieve desirable results.
By carefully monitoring and adjusting the temperature, along with providing appropriate lighting conditions, you can create an optimal environment for oyster mushroom flushes and improve the chances of successful and healthy mushroom growth.
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Air circulation
Oyster mushrooms require a steady supply of fresh air to develop normal fruit bodies. As mycelium develops, it releases carbon dioxide, and it is important to prevent this from pooling in the growing environment as it can lead to deformities. Oyster mushrooms also produce a lot of CO2 as they grow, so a steady supply of fresh air is needed to prevent this buildup. If there is insufficient air circulation, mushroom fruit bodies will develop long stems and small caps. If there is too much air circulation, the mushrooms or the substrate can dry out. Therefore, a happy medium is required.
To achieve this balance, it is important to monitor the mushrooms' growth and adjust the air circulation accordingly. If the mushrooms are showing signs of insufficient air circulation, such as long stems and small caps, try moving them to a more ventilated area. If the mushrooms or the substrate are drying out, try reducing the air circulation by partially covering the ventilation holes or moving them to a less draughty spot.
It is also important to note that oyster mushrooms require reading-level light to develop properly and achieve a nice deep-cap colouring. Direct or intense light can cause drying and shrivelling, so an indirect and bright fruiting spot is recommended.
In addition to air circulation and light, other factors that can impact the growth of oyster mushrooms include temperature, humidity, and substrate incubation. Oyster mushrooms grow rapidly, doubling in size every 24 hours under ideal conditions. Therefore, it is important to act quickly if any issues are identified. If the mushrooms are not developing properly, it may be necessary to start over with a new flush.
To ensure a steady supply of oyster mushrooms, it is recommended to create a rotation of fresh and old blocks. This involves making a new block every 3-4 weeks, with the older blocks being retired after the first 2-4 flushes. The first two flushes are typically the biggest, with subsequent flushes producing smaller mushrooms.
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Light exposure
Oyster mushrooms require light exposure to trigger flushes. Mushrooms are light-sensitive, and their appearance and growth are influenced by the amount of light available. While inadequate lighting can lead to deformities in oyster mushrooms, direct or intense light can cause the mushrooms to dry out and shrivel up. Therefore, it is essential to provide indirect bright light for optimal growth and colouring.
Oyster mushrooms, unlike button mushrooms that thrive in darkness, require reading-level light exposure, similar to the lighting required for reading a book. This lighting condition ensures the mushrooms develop a nice deep-cap-colouring and proper formation. When oyster mushrooms are deprived of adequate light, they may produce long stems with tiny caps or, in some cases, no caps at all.
To address lighting issues, it is recommended to reposition the mushrooms to a brighter location. If the mushrooms have already developed long and stringy stems, it is advisable to remove the entire mushroom cluster by twisting it at the base. Subsequently, the block can be transferred to a brighter environment to encourage the next flush.
In addition to light exposure, other factors that influence oyster mushroom flushes include temperature, humidity, and air circulation. Oyster mushrooms are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and both excessively cold and warm temperatures can impact their fruiting time and quality. Maintaining the right humidity levels is crucial, as insufficient humidity can lead to substrate dryness, hindering the mushroom's growth.
To optimize humidity, a technique called "the soak method" can be employed by submerging the substrate bag in cold water for about 8 hours and then returning it to the fruiting space once the dripping stops. Additionally, fresh air circulation is vital for adequate fruit formation. As the mycelium develops, it releases CO2, and it is important to prevent the buildup of CO2 in the growing environment as it can lead to deformities in the mushrooms.
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Incubation and growth time
Oyster mushrooms are known for their rapid growth, doubling in size every 24 hours under ideal conditions. However, the incubation and growth time can vary depending on various factors, including temperature, humidity, light, and air circulation.
Incubation is a critical stage in the growth of oyster mushrooms. Proper substrate incubation is necessary for healthy mycelial growth and subsequent flushes. The substrate should be fully colonised by the mycelium before transitioning to the fruiting stage. This colonisation can be identified by visible, dense white mycelium formation through the cut crosses of the bag. If the mycelium is not adequately developed, it may result in small harvests or bacterial contamination.
Temperature plays a crucial role in the incubation and growth of oyster mushrooms. Both excessively cold and warm temperatures can impact fruiting time and quality. For optimal growth, it is essential to maintain the specific temperature range suitable for oyster mushrooms. In general, temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius can delay mushroom appearance indefinitely. Similarly, temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius can hinder the second harvest due to clogged slots and the growth of a thick layer of white mycelium.
Humidity is another critical factor during incubation. Oyster mushrooms require sufficient moisture for successive flushes. If the humidity is too low, the substrate may dry out, impacting the fruiting process. To address low humidity, the "soak method" can be employed by submerging the substrate bag in cold water for around eight hours before returning it to the fruiting space. On the other hand, excessive humidity can lead to mould growth, particularly on the remains of the mushroom butt.
Light conditions also influence the incubation and growth of oyster mushrooms. Unlike button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms require reading-level light (not direct sunlight) to develop their deep cap colouring and proper formation. Inadequate light can result in deformities, while intense or direct light can cause drying and shrivelling. Therefore, an indirect and bright fruiting spot is recommended.
Finally, fresh air circulation is vital for adequate fruit formation. Oyster mushrooms produce a significant amount of CO2 during their growth, and a steady supply of fresh air is necessary to prevent deformities. However, excessive air exchange can lead to drying out the mushrooms or the substrate. Therefore, finding a balance in air circulation is crucial for successful incubation and growth.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature for oyster mushrooms to grow is between 13 and 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius will delay the appearance of mushrooms, and temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius will result in a weak second flush.
Oyster mushrooms require sufficient humidity to flush. Low humidity can lead to substrate dryness, and the mushrooms may not fruit. If you notice signs of low humidity, you can try the 'soak method' by submerging the substrate bag in cold water for 8 hours, then draining it and returning it to the fruiting space.
Oyster mushrooms require reading-level light (not direct sunlight) to develop their deep cap colouring and proper formation. Inadequate light can lead to deformities, while direct or intense light can cause drying and shrivelling.
