Remove the block from the shipping box as soon as possible. Then, unfold the top of the bag, making room for air space. It's also important to check and confirm that the filter patch is not obstructed. This will help the organism breathe and continue to thrive until you are ready to grow your fruiting block!

Black King mushrooms are a regal, slow-growing variety of oyster mushroom that reward patience with thick, meaty caps and a rich, savory flavor. This variety thrives in cooler, stable conditions and is best suited for shaded, protected outdoor spaces.

How to initiate fruiting outdoors:

• Chill to trigger pinning: Place the sealed block in your refrigerator for 6–12 hours before planting. This cold shock helps initiate pinning.
• Burying the block: Choose a cool, shaded area—under a tree line or beside a north-facing fence is ideal. Remove the plastic bag entirely and bury the block just beneath the soil surface.

Temperature & humidity:

• Black Kings prefer temps below 65°F, with stable humidity.
• In dry conditions, mist around the grow site daily to avoid drying out the substrate.
• Avoid direct watering of the mushrooms to prevent blotch or soft spots. Use mulch or pine needles to help moderate moisture without saturating the surface.

What to watch for:

• Pins may take longer to appear than with other oyster varieties—this is normal.
• Blotch (dark spotting) may occur if mushrooms are kept too wet or exposed to pooling water. Maintain good airflow and avoid direct misting on the fruiting bodies.

Harvesting:

• Pick when the cap edges are still slightly curved down and before they fully flatten.
• Use a knife or your hands to carefully remove clusters. These mushrooms have a longer shelf life than most oysters and store well in the fridge.

With the right conditions and a bit of patience, Black King mushrooms deliver gourmet-quality harvests right from your garden bed.

• Primordia -  The earliest recognizable stage of fruitbody development. Also known as “baby mushrooms” or “mushroom pins.”
• Fruitbody - A fully grown mushroom, the reproductive structure of the organism in which the spores are produced.
• CO2 sensitivity - When CO2 levels are too high, yields will decrease, stems will become long and stringy, caps will be small, and/or growth will halt.

If you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your block for up to 6 months.

Black kings have a neutral and savory flavor that lends itself well to many different cuisines and recipes. When thinly sliced, they will sear nicely in a pan. With some grated Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh thyme, they make a great topping for pasta dishes.

If you’re going to consume home-grown mushrooms, make sure to cook your fresh mushrooms thoroughly with heat. If it is your first time eating this species, it is best to start with a small amount to check for allergies, even if cooked.

Mushrooms grow spores as they develop. This is a natural means of reproduction. This is when people with allergies or compromised immune systems may want to consider putting fruiting mushroom kits outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Spores in mushrooms sometimes cause respiratory irritation. In rare cases, spores may also cause irritation for some non-allergic or non-immunocompromised mushroom growers. If you are one of them, it is recommended to reduce the overall spore load by harvesting mushrooms while they are still in their younger growth stages.