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How To Grow King Oyster at Home

Welcome to the world of home mushroom cultivation, where you can grow your own nutrient-rich king oyster mushrooms with ease. Our comprehensive guide takes you through the entire process, from selecting the perfect substrate to harvesting your bountiful crop. King oyster mushrooms are not only a culinary delight but also offer a plethora of health benefits, including immune-boosting properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects. Join us on this exciting journey and experience the joy of cultivating your own delicious and nutritious fungi right at home.

King Oyster

Natural Habitat

Ecosystem:

On decaying wood of deciduous trees

Locations:

Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Asia

Seasons:

Summer to Fall

Climate:

Temperate to subtropical

Substrate:

Wood

Growing Params

Difficulty:

Moderate

Total Time:

25 - 39 Days

PH Range:

6 - 7.5

Yield Performance

Units:

% Weight of Substrate

Poor:

15

Average:

25

Good:

35

Excellent:

45

Culture Instructions

Agar Cultivation

Supplies Needed

  • Agar Powder: Cellular medium for agar plates.
  • Petri Dishes: Containers for pouring agar medium.
  • Agar Jar: Narrow Mouth Jar with Sealing Lid is optimal.
  • Parafilm: For Sealing the agar after innoculation. Grafting Tape is also sufficient.
  • Scissors: Tool for cutting sealing tape to length.
  • Stir Plate: Optional: Thorough mixing with sagenetic stirrir improves results by distributing nutrients evenly
  • Nutrient Medium: Nutrition can be Light Malt Extract, Honey, Karo ext. For Mycelial Expansion.
  • Suppliments: Suppliments not required, but can sometimes be added to the liquid culture medium to increase growth rates.
  • Clean Environment: Flow Hood is optimal, but a still air box can be used.
  • Pressure Cooker: Equipment for sterilizing agar mixture and Petri dishes.
  • Scalpel or Innoculation Loop: Tool for transferring mycelium to agar plates.
  • Alcohol Lamp or Burner: Sterilization tool for flame sterilizing instruments.

Growing Params

Recipe: MEA

Temperature Range:70 - 75 °F

CO2 Range:5000 - 20000 ppm

Growth Duration:5 - 10 Days

Cultivation Notes: Standard agar conditions

Liquid Culture

Supplies Needed

  • Sterile Jar: Clean container for liquid culture inoculation.
  • Modified Lid: Lid should have a filter port for gas exchange. Syringe Port Optional.
  • Clean Environment: Flow Hood is optimal, but a still air box can be used.
  • Nutrient Medium: Nutrition can be Light Malt Extract, Honey, Karo ext. For Mycelial Expansion.
  • Suppliments: Suppliments not required, but can sometimes be added to the liquid culture medium to increase growth rates.
  • Pressure Cooker: Equipment for sterilizing liquid culture medium.
  • Scalpel or Syringe: Tool for transferring mycelial mass to growth medium.
  • Alcohol Lamp or Burner: Sterilization tool for flame sterilizing instruments.

Growing Params

Recipe: PDBLC

Temperature Range:70 - 75 °F

CO2 Range:5000 - 20000 ppm

Growth Duration:10 - 15 Days

Cultivation Notes: Standard LC conditionsStir Daily

Agar Cultivation

  1. Prepare the agar medium by mixing agar powder with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Autoclave the agar medium to sterilize it and let it cool to around 50°C.
  3. In a sterile environment, pour the agar medium into petri dishes to create a solid surface for the mushroom mycelium to grow on.
  4. Using a sterile technique, transfer a small piece of mushroom tissue or spores onto the agar medium in each petri dish.
  5. Seal the petri dishes with parafilm or tape to prevent contamination and incubate them at the optimal temperature for king-oyster mushroom mycelium growth (around 25-28°C).
  6. Check the petri dishes regularly for signs of contamination or the growth of healthy mycelium.
  7. Once the mycelium has fully colonized the agar medium, you can use it to inoculate your substrate for fruiting the king-oyster mushrooms.

Liquid Culture Cultivation

  1. Prepare a sterile work area by cleaning all surfaces with a disinfectant and using a flow hood or still air box.
  2. Gather all necessary materials including a syringe with mushroom spores, liquid culture medium, and sterilized containers.
  3. Heat the liquid culture medium in a pressure cooker to sterilize it and let it cool to room temperature.
  4. Inject the mushroom spores into the cooled liquid culture medium using the syringe in a sterile environment.
  5. Seal the containers with the liquid culture medium and spores with a breathable lid or filter to allow for gas exchange.
  6. Incubate the containers in a dark, warm area (around 75-80°F) for 1-2 weeks until the mycelium has fully colonized the liquid culture.
  7. Use the liquid culture to inoculate your substrate for growing king oyster mushrooms, following the specific instructions for the substrate phase.

Spawn Instructions

Supplies Needed

  • Mason Jars or Bags: Containers for sterilizing and inoculating grains.
  • Modified Lid: Lid should have a filter port for gas exchange. Syringe Port Optional.
  • Grains: Substrate material for spawn inoculation. (e.g. Rye, Millet)
  • Clean Environment: Flow Hood is optimal, but a still air box can be used.
  • Suppliments: Suppliments not required, but can sometimes be added to the grain medium to increase growth rates.
  • Pressure Cooker: Equipment for sterilizing grain substrate.
  • Inoculation Tool : Tool for transferring colonized spawn to substrate. (e.g. Scalpel, Syringe)
  • Alcohol Lamp or Burner: Sterilization tool for flame sterilizing instruments.

Growing Params

Spawn Material: Whole Oats

Temperature Range:70 - 75 °F

Moisture Content:49 - 55 %

Fresh Air Exchange:0 - 1 / Hour

CO2 Range:5000 - 20000 ppm

Growth Duration:7 - 12 Days

Grain Spawn Prep and Innoculation

  1. Prepare your work area by cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces and tools to prevent contamination.
  2. Gather your materials including sterilized grain spawn bags, a pressure cooker, a glove box or flow hood, and your mushroom culture.
  3. Fill the pressure cooker with water and bring it to a boil to create steam for sterilizing the grain spawn bags.
  4. Once the pressure cooker is ready, place the grain spawn bags inside and sterilize them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  5. Allow the grain spawn bags to cool down before proceeding to the inoculation step.
  6. Set up your glove box or flow hood in a clean area to prevent contamination during inoculation.
  7. Open the grain spawn bags inside the glove box or flow hood and inoculate them with your mushroom culture using a sterile syringe or scalpel.
  8. Seal the grain spawn bags after inoculation and mix the spawn and substrate thoroughly to distribute the culture evenly.
  9. Label the bags with the date of inoculation and the type of mushroom culture used.
  10. Place the inoculated grain spawn bags in a warm, dark area to allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate.
  11. Check the bags regularly for signs of contamination or growth, and adjust the temperature and humidity as needed.
  12. Once the grain spawn is fully colonized, it is ready to be used for inoculating your fruiting substrate to grow king oyster mushrooms.

Substrate Instructions

Supplies Needed

  • Substrate Mix: Substrate material for mushroom growth. (e.g., Sawdust, Wood Chips, Fast Fruiting Mix, Brown Rice)
  • Suppliments: Suppliments not required, but can sometimes be added to the grain medium to increase growth rates.
  • Substrate Container: Polypropylene Bags or Plastic Containers for sterilizing and inoculating substrate.
  • Mycelial Mass: Typically Colonized Grain Jars or Liquid Culture for inoculation.
  • Clean Environment: Flow Hood is optimal, but a still air box can be used.
  • Pressure Cooker or Steam Sterilizer: Equipment for sterilizing substrate.

Growing Params

Substrate: Hardwood Sawdust

Sub to Spawn Ratio: 3:1

Sub to LC Ratio: 4ml/qt

Temperature Range:70 - 75 °F

Humidity Range:90 - 95 RH

Fresh Air Exchange:0 - 1 / Hour

CO2 Range:5000 - 20000 ppm

Growth Duration:12 - 16 Days

Substrate Prep and Innoculation

  1. Prepare the substrate by mixing hardwood sawdust with wheat bran in a ratio of 5:1.
  2. Moisten the substrate mixture until it reaches a field capacity moisture level.
  3. Fill autoclavable bags with the substrate mixture, leaving some room at the top for expansion.
  4. Sterilize the substrate bags in an autoclave at 121°C for 2-3 hours to kill any contaminants.
  5. Allow the substrate bags to cool down to room temperature before inoculation.
  6. Prepare the spawn by breaking up a fully colonized king-oyster mushroom culture into small pieces.
  7. Inoculate the cooled substrate bags by evenly distributing the spawn pieces throughout the substrate.
  8. Seal the inoculated bags with a filter patch or micropore tape to allow for gas exchange.
  9. Incubate the inoculated bags in a dark, warm (around 24-27°C) environment for 2-3 weeks until fully colonized.
  10. Monitor the bags for any signs of contamination and discard any contaminated bags to prevent spread.
  11. Once fully colonized, introduce the bags to a fruiting environment with high humidity and proper air circulation to encourage mushroom formation.

Primordia Instructions

Supplies Needed

  • Fruiting Chamber: Controlled environment chamber for pinning and fruiting.
  • Control Automation: Optional. Controller and sensors for maintaining temperature, humidity, lighting ext.
  • Casing Layer: Optional. Species Dependant. Humidification material for maintaining humidity in the fruiting chamber.
  • Hygrometer: Instrument for measuring humidity levels.
  • Humidifier: Optional. Could be spray bottle or humidifer. Tool for misting and humidifying the fruiting chamber.

Growing Params

Casing Layer: None

Temperature Range:50 - 60 °F

Humidity Range:95 - 100 RH

Light Wave Length:395 - 480 nm

Light Intensity:600 - 1000 Lux

Light Duration: 12 Hours/Day

Fresh Air Exchange:4 - 8 / Hour

CO2 Range:500 - 1000 ppm

Growth Duration:4 - 5 Days

Cultivation Notes: Initial pinning phase

Primordia Initiation

  1. Prepare a clean and sanitized growing area with proper humidity and temperature control.
  2. Inoculate the substrate with king-oyster mushroom spawn, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Cover the inoculated substrate with a layer of casing material, such as peat moss or vermiculite.
  4. Maintain high humidity levels (around 90%) and optimal temperature (around 75-80°F) to encourage primordia formation.
  5. Monitor the substrate for signs of primordia initiation, which typically appear as small pin-like structures.
  6. Continue to provide proper humidity and temperature conditions until primordia develop into mature mushrooms.
  7. Harvest the king-oyster mushrooms once they reach the desired size, typically before the caps fully expand.

Fruiting Instructions

Supplies Needed

  • Fruiting Chamber: Controlled environment chamber for fruiting.
  • Temperature Control System: Equipment for maintaining optimal fruiting temperatures.
  • Fresh Air Exchange System: System to provide adequate fresh air exchange in the fruiting chamber.
  • Light Source: Light source to provide required illumination for fruiting. (e.g., LED Grow Light)
  • Harvesting Tools: Tools for harvesting mushrooms without damaging the mycelium. (e.g., Knife, Scissors)

Growing Params

Temperature Range:60 - 70 °F

Humidity Range:85 - 90 RH

Light Wave Length:395 - 480 nm

Light Intensity:500 - 1000 lux

Light Duration: 12 Hours/Day

Fresh Air Exchange:4 - 8 / Hour

CO2 Range:0 - 2000 ppm

Growth Duration:4 - 8 Days

Flushes:14 - 18

Flushing Schedule:1 - 2 Days

Cultivation Notes: Standard fruiting conditions

Fruiting Preparation and Conditions

  1. Prepare a fruiting chamber by cleaning and sanitizing it thoroughly to prevent contamination.
  2. Fill the bottom of the chamber with a layer of damp perlite or small stones to create a humid environment.
  3. Place a tray or container filled with pasteurized substrate (such as straw or sawdust) in the chamber.
  4. Cover the substrate with a layer of casing material, such as peat moss or vermiculite, to help retain moisture.
  5. Mist the casing layer with water to ensure it is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
  6. Maintain a relative humidity of around 90% in the fruiting chamber by misting regularly and using a humidifier if necessary.
  7. Provide indirect light to the mushrooms by using a grow light or placing the chamber in a well-lit room, but avoid direct sunlight.
  8. Maintain a temperature of around 75-80°F (24-27°C) in the fruiting chamber to promote fruiting.
  9. Monitor the humidity, temperature, and growth of the mushrooms daily, making adjustments as needed to ensure optimal conditions.
  10. Harvest the king oyster mushrooms when they reach the desired size, typically within 1-2 weeks of initiating the fruiting phase.

Comments


  • Z
    @SpirtMushroom 24 days ago

    Hey Josh, just wanted to say thanks for the awesome guide on growing King Oyster mushrooms! I’ve always been intrigued by mycology but never had the confidence to try it myself until I stumbled upon your article. Your step-by-step instructions made it super easy to follow, and I really appreciated the tips on substrate preparation and maintaining the right humidity levels. It’s fascinating how versatile these mushrooms are, not to mention delicious! I tried a stir-fry with them last week and my family couldn’t stop raving about it. I’m still a novice, but with your guidance, I think I’m on the right track. I also loved the little nuggets of info you included about the health benefits of King Oysters. I had no idea they were such a nutrient powerhouse! Looking forward to my next batch, and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for more of your guides. Any chance you could share tips on dealing with pests or common issues I might run into? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge—it's really motivating for beginners like me!

  • S
    @Shroomer 24 days ago

    Hey Josh, I just wanted to say how helpful your guide to growing King Oyster mushrooms at home has been! I’ve always been a little intimidated by the idea of mushroom cultivation, but your step-by-step instructions made it super accessible. I especially appreciated the tips on sterilization and substrate preparation—those are the parts I was really unsure about before. I'm now on my second batch, and the first was a huge success! The flavor of home-grown King Oysters is out of this world compared to the store-bought ones. I even roasted some with garlic and herbs, and my family couldn’t get enough. I’ve been telling my friends about your guide, and I’ll definitely be trying out your other mushroom growing guides, too. Thanks for making this journey enjoyable and for sharing your knowledge. Can't wait to see what I grow next! If anyone’s on the fence about trying it out, just go for it—Josh has laid everything out so well. It really feels rewarding to grow something edible at home. Keep up the great work, and looking forward to more updates from ShroomSpy!

  • R
    @Mower 24 days ago

    I've recently started my journey into home mushroom growing, and I can't express how thrilled I am that I found this guide by Josh! I've always been fascinated by King Oyster mushrooms and their unique texture and flavor. Reading through the growing guide, I really appreciate how detailed and easy to follow it is. The tips about the substrate and humidity levels were especially helpful for me as a beginner. I also learned a lot about the importance of sterile techniques which I didn't consider before. I'm planning to set up my first grow this weekend, and I feel so much more confident thanks to the information shared here. I can’t wait to harvest my own delicious King Oysters and incorporate them into my meals. Plus, I've always appreciated cooking with fresh, homegrown ingredients. This guide has truly inspired me. Looking forward to sharing my progress and hopefully some photos of the fruits of my labor soon. Thanks again, Josh, for sharing your expertise with us! Anyone else here trying their hand at growing these beauties? Let’s cheer each other on!

  • T
    @AmateurMush 24 days ago

    I've been experimenting with growing mushrooms at home for a while, and I just had to chime in about the King Oyster! Josh, your guide really breaks things down in a way that’s easy to follow. I tried your humidity tips, and they made a massive difference in my flush! The meaty texture and unique flavor of these mushrooms are out of this world, especially when sautéed with garlic and butter. I’m not a pro, but I can say that patience is key with these beauties. I initially made some mistakes with the substrate, but after tweaking it according to your recommendations, I finally got it right! I also found that keeping the temperature consistent helped a lot. Would love to hear if anyone else has put their own twist on the growing conditions or recipes. Can't wait to try again and perhaps incorporate more advanced techniques, like using a grow tent. If you’re on the fence about growing King Oysters, just dive in – it’s well worth the effort! Thanks again for such a thorough guide, Josh! Looking forward to sharing more experiences with everyone here. Happy growing!


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A Game Changer for Home Growers!

01/29/2025

Sam Matterson

I recently purchased the ShroomSpy Guide to Growing King Oyster at Home, and I can't express how impressed I am! As someone who's dabbled in growing mushrooms before, I found this guide to be clear, concise, and incredibly user-friendly. The step-by-step instructions were straight to the point, cutting through the jargon often found in other mushroom cultivation guides. The visual aids helped me grasp crucial concepts, especially the different stages of growth. I was amazed at how quickly my first batch of King Oysters came in, and they tasted phenomenal in my pasta dishes! What I appreciate most is the emphasis on sustainability and how to repurpose spent substrates. This guide has taken my homegrown mushroom game to a whole new level; I feel like a true gourmet now. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to dive into mushroom cultivation, whether you're a novice or an experienced grower!

An Easy and Rewarding Introduction to Growing King Oyster Mushrooms!

01/29/2025

Ruth Zota

Growing King Oyster mushrooms at home was a surprisingly rewarding experience! I picked up ShroomSpy's guide and immediately felt confident diving in. The instructions are straightforward, perfect for someone like me who had no prior experience. I particularly appreciated the tips on optimal temperature and humidity—my first batch turned out plump and flavorful! It felt so gratifying to eat something I nurtured myself. The guide has great troubleshooting tips, which really saved my early attempts when my second batch stalled a bit. I can't recommend this enough for anyone interested in mushroom cultivation. Plus, who doesn't want to impress friends with homegrown gourmet fungi? Overall, ShroomSpy's guide made the process accessible and fun, and I can't wait to grow more varieties in the future! Definitely a thumbs up from me!

A Fantastic Journey into Home Mushroom Growing!

01/29/2025

Zaky J

I recently tried out the 'ShroomSpy Guide to Growing King Oyster at Home,' and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations! The guide is straightforward, packed with tips and easy-to-follow instructions. As a newbie to mushroom cultivation, I was concerned about the complexity, but the step-by-step approach made it accessible and fun! The visuals were especially helpful, and the troubleshooting section is a lifesaver. I had my first successful harvest within a couple of weeks, and the taste was incredible—rich, meaty, and perfect for my stir-fry nights! What stood out to me was the thorough discussion on the various substrates and how to optimize conditions, allowing for a more tailored approach. Overall, ShroomSpy has made mushroom growing enjoyable, and I couldn't be happier with my King Oyster mushrooms. Highly recommend this guide to anyone looking to explore home cultivation!

A Game Changer for Home Growers - King Oyster Excellence!

01/29/2025

Victor Romo

As a first-time mushroom grower, I was a bit nervous diving into cultivating King Oysters at home, but the ShroomSpy Guide made everything so straightforward! The step-by-step instructions were clear, and the accompanying visuals were super helpful. I really appreciated the sections on maintaining humidity and temperature, which seemed daunting at first. After just a few weeks, I was amazed to see the robust growth of these beautiful mushrooms. The flavor is absolutely incredible—they're so meaty and versatile in dishes! Plus, learning about their health benefits from the guide has made me even more excited. I’m already planning to try my hand at other varieties. Highly recommend this guide for any aspiring mushroom enthusiast!

A Game Changer for Home Growers!

01/29/2025

Thomas Folbrecht

I recently tried the ShroomSpy Guide to Growing King Oyster at Home, and I couldn't be happier with the results! The layout of the guide made it super easy to follow, even for a novice like me. The detailed instructions on cultivation techniques and environmental controls made all the difference. I started with a small kit, and within weeks, I had gorgeous, plump King Oysters sprouting like crazy! The taste was incredible—each bite burst with that rich umami flavor. Plus, knowing I grew them myself added a special touch. Getting my family involved in the process was a bonus, making it a fun activity all around. If you're considering growing mushrooms, I wholeheartedly recommend this guide. It's informative, user-friendly, and offers great tips to ensure you succeed!