When determining the length of time it takes to cultivate mushrooms, it is important to consider a variety of factors. This article will thoroughly examine each of these factors.
The growth time of mushrooms depends on a few different factors such as substrate, species, and air quality. Most mushrooms will take anywhere from one week to a couple of months to be fully harvested.
This article discusses mushroom growing times for many different mushrooms species as well as factors affecting mushroom growth. New mushroom growers as well as the more advanced will learn valuable tips in this article.
How Long it Takes to Grow Mushrooms
The environments in which mushrooms grow best as well factors affecting growth times will be discussed further.
Timeframe for Growing Mushrooms Indoors
Using a mushroom grow kit is the most effective way to grow mushrooms indoors. They provide a substrate that is ready to grow immediately after purchase. Mushroom kits allow you to skip the most difficult parts of the growing process.
The indoor mushroom growing process does require proper humidity levels, temperature between 55-75F, and adequate lighting. Cut a hole in the bag and spray some water on the kit each day.
By doing so, you can expect the mushrooms to slowly emerge. Your mushroom growing kit will instruct you when your mushroom will be fully grown and ready for harvest.
Timeframe for Growing Mushrooms Outside
The first step in growing mushrooms is to plant mushroom spores in the dirt. The spores will then grow into hyphae which combine and produce mycelium. Mycelium is similar to the roots of a plant and will begin to branch out.
The mushroom then turns into a hyphal knot where the mushroom head forms. A pinhead is the next process where the mushroom is visible and almost ready for harvest.
Small fresh mushrooms can be fully grown after a day. Larger mushrooms grow slower and may take up to 3 or 4 months. This is dependent on the type of mushroom, as shiitake mushrooms can take up to 3 months.
Factors That Affect Mushroom Growing Times
Here are some of the most prevalent factors affecting the growth cycle.
Species
The species of mushrooms will determine how quickly it grows. The chart below gives details into exactly how long it takes certain species of mushroom to be ready for harvest.
Substrate
The substrate used plays an important role in how fast the mushroom grows. Each species will favor a different substrate. Substrates containing 100% corncob and sugarcane bagasse are the best for the cultivation of oyster mushrooms.
Nutrients
Mushrooms require certain nutrients to grow properly. These include sugar, starch, lignin, fats, protein, and nitrogen. Compost made up of straw and manure contains most of these nutrients.
Temperature & Air Quality
Higher temperatures increase the mycelium growth phase of mushrooms. If the temperature is too low, no pinhead formation will take place.
Mushrooms contain up to 90% water and need proper humidity levels to avoid damage to the fungi. Lower transpiration levels lead to the highest growth amounts. Higher humidity levels provide lower transpiration.
Every species is slightly different. However, the 80-90% humidity range provides the best growth for the majority of mushroom species.
CO2 Level
The aerobic growth of mushrooms is affected by CO2 levels present in the air. Mushrooms release CO2 as they grow. The excess must be removed or it can lead to deformation.
Carbon dioxide monitoring is very important during pinning as its the most important part of the growth cycle. Some mushrooms require CO2 concentrations to be 1200-1500ppm for proper fruit body development.
Average Grow Times for Commonly Homegrown Mushrooms
How Long it Takes to Grow Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are ready to harvest seven days after starting to grow. A crop can be harvested three times with a new crop blooming every one to two weeks. So, it takes five to eight weeks to grow three crops of Oyster mushrooms.
How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms
Growing oyster mushrooms is an easy process and can be done in a few steps. They can also grow on a wide range of substrate materials, making them a great choice for anyone.
The first step is inoculation which refers to mixing the mushroom with the substrate. It is then placed into bags with small holes to provide air exchange.
Straw can also be used. Place 5-10cm lengths of straw in water-tight containers. You will then do the inoculation stage.
The bags become incubated by placing them in a warm, dark room to begin their growth. After about 10-14 days roots will start to grow out of the mushrooms.
The last step is fruiting, where the bags are exposed to high humidity and cooler temperatures. This allows the mycelin to produce delicious mushrooms as small pins emerge. 5-7 days after this process, the tiny pins will develop into full-size mature mushrooms.
They can then be harvested, cleaned, and eaten. Keep the mushrooms in a refrigerator for 5-7 days of freshness.
Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are full of many vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Niacin is one that cells in the body use to function. Iron is also prevalent which red blood cells require. They also provide antioxidants that reduce cellular damage in the body.
Oyster mushrooms have immune system benefits such as boosting antiviral and antibacterial effects. They have been shown to lower blood pressure and help regulate cholesterol levels.
Is Growing Mushrooms at Home Cost-Effective?
Many cost-effective mushroom grows can be easily done at home. These include oysters, shiitake, and wine cup mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms are the easiest as they can grow in a variety of substrates.
Purchasing a growing kit is the cheapest and easiest way to grow mushrooms. They provide directions, proper mushroom substrate, and a container.
How Many Fresh Mushrooms Do You Get From a Kit?
If you purchase a kit with 2 lbs of mushroom spawn, then 2 lbs of mushrooms will grow followed by smaller crops. 4 lbs of spawn yields about 4 lbs of mushrooms.
After harvesting the second crop of mushrooms, continue watering and wait for crop three.
Conclusion
The length of time it takes to produce mushrooms rely on many different factors. All of these factors are broken down to allow you to discover how long it will take to grow each type of mushroom.
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