About this strain
Isolated from a Maine apple orchard where morels were fruiting naturally. Morels span a range of feeding strategies, and the yellow morels this strain belongs to sit toward the host-dependent end. They appear to form associations with tree roots and have consistently resisted cultivation without a partner tree.
That is why an orchard planting, rather than a bed, is the approach that makes sense here. This strain's orchard origin makes it our best candidate for establishing that relationship with apple trees. New as of 2025, we'll update this page as results come in.
How to plant it
Give this strain the best chance to establish by planting it near an existing apple tree and keeping the site naturally moist.
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Choose your site
Plant near established apple trees in dappled shade with reasonable drainage.
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Prepare the ground
Loosen the top few inches of soil around the base of the apple tree, focusing on the drip line where roots are most active.
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Distribute the spawn
Break spawn into small pieces and work lightly into the top 1-2 inches of soil. One bag per 4-8 square feet is a reasonable starting point.
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Cover lightly and water if dry
Cover with leaf litter to retain moisture. Water occasionally if dry, but avoid waterlogging.
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Watch for morels each spring
Morels fruit in spring when soil temperatures reach 50-60 degrees F and nights stay above freezing. It may take one season or several.
We don't fully know why they work when they do.
Site selection is our best current hypothesis for what separates successful patches from unsuccessful ones. The rest is observation and patience.
Frequently Asked Questions