How to grow Shiitake

Shiitakes will grow on almost any hardwood; freshly cut logs (with bark intact) are a good environment for the fungus. The logs should be large enough that they will not dry out and kill the fungus’ mycelium filaments within the wood. Maintaining a moist environment is crucial for healthy and consistent mushroom harvests.

Shiitake mushrooms are started using wooden dowels inoculated with the fungal spawn. These dowels are inserted into drilled holes in the wood logs they will be growing in, and sealed in with wax.

Between 4 and 18 months after inoculation, the log should show evidence of shiitake colonization with a white fungal growth appearing on the ends of the logs – the mycelia. The first harvest will occur soon after. Small, button-like brown mushrooms will sprout from the bark; these can be picked right away for their fine taste and texture, or be allowed to open and expand fully for a larger mushroom.¹

Once the log has begun to produce mushrooms, you can force a harvest every two months by soaking it in ice water for 24 hours¹ to simulate the spring/fall rainy season.

These estimates for how long Shiitake takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Xiangu

Misspellings: Shitake

¹ Shiitake Mushroom Log