🍄 Shiitake Fruiting Guide (Lentinula edodes)
For 10 lb Supplemented Hardwood Substrate Blocks
Phases, Environmental Control & Harvesting
Shiitake mushrooms fruit in distinct biological phases that require specific changes to temperature, humidity, light, and fresh air exchange (FAE). Managing these phases properly ensures strong flushes, dense fruit bodies, and multiple successful harvests.
🌱 PHASE 1: Browning & Consolidation (Pre-Fruiting)
Duration: ~4–6 weeks after full colonization
Environment: 70–75°F (21–24°C), dark or low light
What's happening:
- Mycelium finishes internal colonization
- Surface transforms from white to golden-brown (“skin” forms)
- Block densifies and builds fruiting potential
✅ Key Signs to Wait For Before Fruiting:
- Surface fully browned and hardened
- No white mycelial regrowth or exposed substrate
- Block has a firm, leathery feel
- Colonization period complete (minimum 40–45 days)
⏳ Patience is key — premature fruiting = weak or aborted mushrooms.
❄️ PHASE 2: Cold Shock & Soaking (Initiation Trigger)
Timing: After browning is fully complete
Trigger Method: Cold water soak
Procedure:
- Remove block from the bag (or cut large slits if bag-fruiting)
- Submerge in cold clean water (36–45°F / 2–7°C) for 4–12 hours
- Weigh down if necessary to ensure full contact
- Drain thoroughly and allow excess moisture to drip off for 15–30 min
Purpose:
- Simulates rainfall and seasonal drop in temperature
- Triggers primordial (pin) formation
💧 Do not soak early — it may lead to rot or contaminate the block.
🍄 PHASE 3: Pinning & Fruiting
Duration: ~5–10 days
Environment:
- Temp: 55–70°F (ideal: 60–65°F / 16–18°C)
- Humidity: 85–95% RH
- Light: 12 hours/day of indirect light, 6500K (avoid total darkness or direct sun)
- FAE: High — shiitake needs clean, moving air to fruit properly
What to watch for:
- Dark brown bumps appearing across the block (primordia)
- Rapid development into button-sized caps
- Mushrooms double in size every 24–48 hours during peak growth
✅ Keep the block moist, but not soaked. Mist walls or air above the block as needed.
✂️ PHASE 4: Harvesting
Ideal Harvest Time:
- Cap is expanded and slightly convex, not fully flat
- Veil under the cap is torn, but spore drop hasn’t started
- Mushroom feels firm and heavy
- Color is rich brown (strain-dependent)
Harvesting technique:
- Twist and pull gently from the base
- OR cut cleanly with a sanitized knife or scissors
- Avoid damaging nearby pins — harvest in clusters where possible
⛔ Overmature shiitake become spongy, release spores, and are prone to rot.
🔁 PHASE 5: Rest & Re-soak for Future Flushes
After harvest:
- Remove stem stubs and surface debris
- Let the block rest in fresh air for 7–10 days (no soak)
- Re-soak in cold water for another 4–12 hours
- Resume fruiting conditions
📦 A healthy shiitake block can produce 2–4 flushes, with second and third flushes often larger and more attractive than the first.
🧪 Common Issues & Fixes
Issue | Cause / Fix |
---|
No pins after soaking | Block not mature enough – wait longer before next soak |
Mushrooms abort or are misshapen | Insufficient FAE or excess CO₂ — increase airflow |
White fuzz on caps | High humidity and low airflow — adjust FAE |
Mushrooms too pale | Not enough light — ensure indirect 6500K exposure |
Mushrooms drying out early | Low RH — mist more or use humidity tent |
Comments
Hey Josh! Just wanted to say a huge thanks for this Portobello growing guide! I've been wanting to dive into growing mushrooms at home, and your step-by-step instructions made it feel so approachable. I especially appreciate how you broke down the different stages of growth and gave tips on maintaining moisture levels — I've had trouble with that in the past. Can't wait to try out the recommended substrates too! Your advice on harvesting at the right time is super helpful; I always thought it was more of a guessing game. I’m excited to see how the flavor of home-grown Portobellos compares to store-bought ones. Also, I love how you included some fun facts about the health benefits of mushrooms at the end; it's nice to know I’ll be treating myself while indulging in a delicious hobby. I’ll definitely keep you posted on my progress and let you know how my first batch turns out! Cheers to more mushroom adventures ahead! 🍄
Hi Josh! I just wanted to say thank you for the fantastic guide on growing Portobello mushrooms at home. As a novice mushroom cultivator, I found your step-by-step instructions super helpful. I particularly appreciated the section on moisture control—it’s something I was worried about, but your tips made it clear and manageable. I’ve finally built my grow setup in my garage, and it looks like the spores are kicking in nicely! I’m already dreaming about the first harvest and the delicious meals I can whip up. Your enthusiasm for mushrooms really comes through, and it’s inspired me to dive deeper into the world of fungi. I also loved the little nuggets about the health benefits of Portobellos; who knew they were such a superfood? I’m excited to not only grow these beauties but also share them with friends and family. Do you have any recipe recommendations to make the most of it? Can’t wait to see what else ShroomSpy has in store. Thanks again for your awesome work—it’s making mushroom growing not just possible, but fun too! Cheers, Victor Romo
Hey everyone, Josh Shearer here! I recently tried my hand at growing Portobello mushrooms at home using the guide from ShroomSpy, and I just had to share my experience. Honestly, I was a bit intimidated at first, but the steps were super straightforward and easy to follow. The tips about maintaining the right humidity and temperature were game-changers for me! After a couple of weeks of patience (which isn’t my strong suit), I was so thrilled to see those beautiful, large Portobellos popping up. They tasted incredible, especially sautéed with some garlic and olive oil. Not only was it a fun project, but it also felt rewarding to grow my own food. If you're considering giving it a go, I say just dive in! Don’t stress too much about making it perfect—experiment and enjoy the process. Plus, fresh Portobellos are a fantastic addition to any dish. I’ll definitely be doing this again soon, and I’m looking forward to trying other mushrooms as well. Big thanks to ShroomSpy for the awesome guide! Happy growing, everyone!