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!

Pioppino mushrooms can thrive outdoors, but they need a bit more patience and care than other species. For successful garden cultivation, the key is to mimic their natural growing conditions: cooler temps, steady moisture, and plenty of fresh air.

How to initiate fruiting outdoors:

• Site selection: Choose a shady, cool spot—such as beneath deciduous trees, beside shrubs, or along a north-facing garden bed.
• Bury the block: Bury the block just below the surface, with 1–2 inches of soil or mulch over top to maintain humidity. You can also add a loose layer of leaf litter or pine needles.
• Moisture & humidity: Water consistently, especially in dry conditions. Pioppino blocks are slow to pin and can dry out easily during this early stage, so keeping humidity up is critical.
• Temperature: Fruiting is most successful when nighttime temperatures drop into the 50s–60s °F. Avoid planting during peak summer heat.
• Airflow: Unlike indoor grows, outdoor gardens usually offer excellent gas exchange naturally—no need to manage CO₂ levels manually.

What to expect:

• Slower pinning: Pioppinos take their time—expect pins in 2–4 weeks depending on weather.
• Harvest timing: Pick mushrooms when the veil beneath the cap just begins to break. For best shelf life, harvest just before full maturity. Twist or cut at the base and brush off any soil or mulch before bringing indoors.

• 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.

Both the cap and stem are firm and develop a crisp and crunchy texture when cooked. They also produce a mild and nutty flavor when cooked. 

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.