Bio-Nameko-Pilz-Zuchtset Fruchtungsblock

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!

Fruiting blocks should be used within 1 week of receipt. If you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your block for up to 6 months.

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 nameko 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 nameko mushrooms can be found on this page under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 15 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.

How to initiate fruiting:

• Cut off the top of the bag, leaving plastic bag sidewalls approximately 4” taller than the block.
• Using a clean fork, scratch several 1cm deep cuts into the mycelium coating. Don't cut too deeply, as this will result in the mycelia fracturing easily.
• Place back into the fruiting chamber until ready to harvest.

Pro tips:

• Namekos like it cold, below 65°F, throughout pinning and fruiting. If you try to grow at warmer temperatures, you will get small underdeveloped fruiting bodies. To get temps down in your fruiting chamber, fill the bottom of a small, insulated, uncovered box with ice cubes and sit the nameko fruiting block on top. Then place the box back into the fruiting chamber. Replace ice cubes daily.
• Namekos need high humidity during the pinning phase. To get the high humidity required without creating water accumulation in your fruiting chamber, use a spray bottle twice a day to supplement fruiting chamber humidity. By doing this, you won't have to run the humidifier as high.

Special considerations:

• Nameko are sensitive to moisture loss. Be sure the surface is always kept moist or the primordia (pins) will be at risk of aborting.
• Nameko are sensitive to CO2, especially in the pinning phase.

Harvesting your mushrooms:

Harvest namekos before the caps open. Remove entire cluster with care to minimize breaking and then trim away the substrate.

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 in our fruiting block instruction booklet.

Temperature 45-65°F  |  7-18°C
Humidity (Phase 1: Primordia)98-100%
Humidity (Phase 2: Fruitbody)88-95%
CO2 Sensitivity (Phase 1: Primordia)500-1,000 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.
• 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.

Nameko mushroom kits require extra attention and more time to produce mushrooms. Because they need cooler temperatures and constant humidity when fruiting, they are more difficult to cultivate. They are not ideal for beginners, but can be quite rewarding for experienced growers. Using a humidity tent or humidity-controlled fruiting chamber will help mitigate moisture issues as long as there is proper gas exchange.