FAQ
Oyster - When the caps start to open up, but before they fully flattened out or turn upright. Typically within three days from first appearing.
Shiitake - When the caps start to open up and the gills are visible. Pick while the cap of the mushroom is still a bit round on top, and before they fully flatten out. This is typically 4-5 days after the mushrooms first appear.
Lion’s mane - When the mushrooms start to develop teeth hanging from it and when you notice it is not getting any bigger in size from day to day. Typically 10 days from when the mushrooms first start poking through the slits in the plastic grow bag. If you notice it starting to turn yellow around the edges of the mushroom this is a good indication it is ready to pick.
Oyster - You will usually see signs of growth within one week. Once you see the first signs of mushroom ‘pins’ it takes approximately three days for the mushrooms to be fully mature and ready to pick. If there are no signs of growth after 3 weeks try soaking the block in water for 4 hours with something heavy on it to hold it down. Cold tap water is fine.
Shiitake - After removing the block from the fridge and opening it, you will usually see signs of growth after five days. Once you see the first signs of mushroom ‘pins’ it will take another five days for the mushrooms to fully mature. If there are no signs of growth after 3 weeks try putting the block in the fridge for 24 hours again and soaking in cold water for 8 hours (overnight).
Lion’s mane - You will usually see signs of growth within one week. Once you see the first signs of the mushroom starting to poke out of the plastic it is typically 7-10 days until it is ready to pick. Lion’s mane is ready to pick once the mushroom is no longer getting bigger from day to day. With just the right amount of humidity it will develop hanging teeth. You can pick when these teeth are about 1⁄4” long. If the mushroom starts to turn yellow around the edges this is a sign it will not grow much more and is a good sign to pick.
Oyster / Lion’s mane - Two months. Usually 2-3 weeks for the first flush and 3-4 weeks for each additional flush.
Shiitake - Three months. Two weeks for the first flush and 4 weeks for each additional flush.
Oyster - Soak for 4-8 hours between each flush or whenever the block feels light and dry.
Shiitake - Soak for 12 hours. Will need to be soaked between each flush as it dries out the most due to being removed completely from the grow bag.
Lion’s mane - The least resilient of the three types when it comes to soaking. Do not exceed 4 hours of soaking. It may not need a soak between the first and second flush.