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Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit Fruiting Block
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| Skill level | Intermediate |
| Grow location | Indoors |
| Grow speed | 1.5 to 2 weeks |
| Kit shelf life | 6 months (refrigerated) |
| Kit dimensions | 6in H x 9in W x 6in D |
| Kit weight | 5 lbs |
| Fruiting temps | 55-70°F |
Our Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) fruiting block features a popular strain that produces light brown, medium-to-large, umbrella-shaped caps. Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious edible fungus from East Asia and their flavor is described as rich, savory, buttery, and umami. This strain tends to produce generous flushes, making them a great mushroom for confident beginners and intermediate growers.
Shiitake are reliable producers as long as the ambient humidity in the growing environment remains consistent. Because the block is removed entirely from the bag once it's ready to fruit, shiitake blocks are prone to drying out. Therefore, we recommend using a humidity tent or humidity-controlled fruiting chamber (like a monotub or martha tent) to help mitigate the moisture issue.
"5 of the Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes"
Upon receiving your kit:
Remove kit 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!
Scroll down for guides on growing, storage, cooking, and more.
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For the majority of mushroom species, all that is needed to initiate fruiting (or begin the growth cycle) is a change in environmental conditions -- specifically humidity, light, temperature, and changes to oxygen and CO2 levels.
For best results:
We recommend growing your shiitake block in a fruiting chamber (like a monotub or martha tent) as a controlled environment will decrease the risk of contamination and increase the chances of success.
Creating optimal conditions:
The environmental parameters for shiitake can be found on this page under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 13 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.
Preparing your block:
Your shiitake block should be given time to brown in its bag at room temperature before fruiting is initiated.
How to initiate fruiting:
- Once the block is mostly brown, place the sealed block in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours.
- Next, remove the block from the bag and soak the block in cold water for approximately 4 hours before placing it directly into your fruiting chamber.
- DO NOT place back into the bag, as shiitake blocks grow without a bag.
Special considerations:
Shiitake can be prone to Trichoderma (green mold). If you see green mold, spray affected areas of block with hydrogen peroxide 3%.
Harvesting your mushrooms:
Harvest your shiitake block just before the caps flatten. Trim flush with the block so no stem remains on the block before subsequent fruitings. Place block back into fruiting chamber between fruitings to prevent it from drying out and to decrease risk of contamination.
Growing different blocks together:
With some compromise, many different species of mushrooms can be grown together in a fruiting chamber. First, consider the temperature range of the mushrooms you desire to grow, and second, the CO2 sensitivity. Humidity ranges overlap for the majority of species. We encourage you to experiment with many different groupings!
Troubleshooting:
Having issues with unusual growth, stunted growth, or no growth at all? Refer to pages 16-18 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.
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Temperature 55-70°F | 13-21°C Humidity (Phase 1: Primordia) 95-100% Humidity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) 85-95% CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 1: Primordia) 500-700 ppm CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 2: Fruitbody) <1,000 ppm - 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.