Thank you for purchasing your shiitake mushroom grow kit from Folk Fungi! Growing shiitake mushrooms requires a bit of patience but can result in an extended series of harvests. Follow these instructions carefully to set up your kit and create ideal fruiting conditions.
What’s included
- Fully colonized fruiting block
- Humidity tent
- Spray bottle
This kit can yield 3–4 flushes of mushrooms, totaling 1–2.5 pounds.
Step 1: Inspecting your mushroom grow kit
Your shiitake grow kit requires an additional maturation stage after colonization. This process includes:
- Colonization phase: The block turns white as the mycelium grows.
- Maturation phase: The block develops dense, knobby bumps and changes from white to brown, with some patches appearing “charred.” This phase typically takes 2–3 months after inoculation.
Before proceeding, ensure the block has mostly transitioned to brown. If there are still large white patches, wait for further maturation. Place the kit in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight, drafts, or heat.
Step 2: Preparing your mushroom kit
Once your shiitake block is fully matured and mostly brown, remove it from the bag.
- Cut the bag open below the filter patch using clean scissors or a box cutter.
- Carefully slice down the sides of the bag to fully remove it from around the block.
Shiitake mushrooms will grow across the entire surface of the block, so removing the bag is essential for even growth.
Step 3: Fruiting conditions
- Set up the humidity tent: roll the bottom of the tent three times, flatten the gussets, and place it over the block. (View our video demonstration.)
- Place your kit in a room that receives indirect sunlight and maintain temperatures between 15–23°C (room temperature).
- Mist the inside of the tent regularly to maintain 80–99% humidity.
- Ensure good air circulation to avoid CO2 buildup.
Pins (baby mushrooms) should appear within 7–14 days. Keep humidity and airflow consistent to encourage healthy growth.
If mushrooms fail to appear after two weeks, remove the block from the fruiting area. Wrap it in a plastic bag, refrigerate it for 24 hours, then soak it in cold water for several hours. Weigh the block down if necessary to keep it submerged. Afterward, return the block to fruiting conditions.
Step 4: Harvesting your mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms grow quickly once they form. Mushrooms are typically ready to harvest 5–10 days after pins appear.
- Harvest when the caps flatten slightly but before they curl upward or release spores.
- Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base of the stem, avoiding damage to the block.
Shiitake stems are too tough to eat but are great for making broths or stock.
Step 5: Producing subsequent flushes
After harvesting, your block will need to rest for 2 weeks before fruiting again.
- Place the block in a dry, shaded area to allow it to rest.
- After the rest period, soak the block in cold water for several hours, then return it to fruiting conditions.
This process can be repeated 3–4 times, with yields gradually decreasing after each flush.
For additional tips and troubleshooting, feel free to contact us. Thank you for choosing Folk Fungi to explore the exciting world of mushroom cultivation!
