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How To Grow Wine Cap at Home

Welcome to the fascinating world of wine-cap mushroom cultivation! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, our step-by-step guide will empower you to grow your own delicious and nutritious fungi right at home. From preparing the perfect growing environment to caring for your mushroom patch, we provide expert tips and tricks to ensure a successful harvest. Dive into the rich history and health benefits of wine-cap mushrooms, and embark on a rewarding journey of self-sufficiency and culinary delight. Join us in celebrating the wonders of nature and the incredible potential of these versatile fungi. Let's grow together!

Stropharia Rugosoannulata

Natural Habitat

Ecosystem:

Not specified

Locations:

Europe, North America

Seasons:

Summer to Fall

Climate:

Not specified

Substrate:

Not specified

Growing Parameters

Difficulty:

Easy

Total Time:

51 - 90 Days

pH Range:

6 - 7.5

Yield Performance

Units:

% Weight of Substrate

Poor:

15

Average:

30

Good:

45

Excellent:

60

Culture 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 Parameters

Temperature Range:60 - 70 °F

Humidity Range:90 - 95 RH

Light Wave Length:395 - 480 nm

Light Intensity:100 - 500 lux

Light Duration: 12 Hours/Day

Fresh Air Exchange:4 - 8 per Hour

CO2 Range:0 - 1500 ppm

Growth Duration:7 - 14 Days

Flushes:1 - 2

Flushing Schedule:21 - 28 Days

Cultivation Notes: None

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. Pour the agar medium into sterile petri dishes, filling them about halfway full.
  4. Allow the agar to solidify in the petri dishes in a sterile environment, such as a laminar flow hood.
  5. Inoculate the agar plates with a small piece of mycelium from a pure culture of wine-cap mushrooms using a sterile inoculation loop.
  6. Seal the petri dishes with parafilm or tape to prevent contamination.
  7. Incubate the agar plates at the optimal temperature for wine-cap mushroom mycelium growth, typically around 25-30°C.
  8. Monitor the agar plates for signs of contamination or growth of the wine-cap mushroom mycelium.
  9. Once the mycelium has fully colonized the agar plates, you can use them to inoculate your substrate for fruiting.

Liquid Culture Cultivation

  1. Prepare the liquid culture medium by mixing 1 liter of water with 20 grams of malt extract and 10 grams of dextrose in a sterilized container.
  2. Add a small amount of gypsum to the mixture to provide essential nutrients for the mycelium.
  3. Sterilize the liquid culture medium by autoclaving it at 15 psi for 30 minutes.
  4. Allow the medium to cool to room temperature before proceeding.
  5. In a sterile environment, transfer a small piece of mycelium from a fully colonized agar plate into the liquid culture medium using a sterile syringe.
  6. Seal the container with a breathable lid or cover to allow for gas exchange.
  7. Incubate the liquid culture at around 75-80°F (24-27°C) in a dark place for 7-14 days, or until the mycelium has fully colonized the liquid medium.
  8. Once the liquid culture is fully colonized, it is ready to be used to inoculate substrate for mushroom cultivation.

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 Parameters

Spawn Recipe: n/a

Temperature Range:70 - 80 °F

Humidity Range:n/a

Fresh Air Exchange:2 - 3 per Hour

CO2 Range:0 - 20000 ppm

Growth Duration:10 - 14 Days

Grain Spawn Prep and Innoculation

  1. Prepare your grain spawn by soaking your grains (such as rye, wheat, or millet) in water for 12-24 hours.
  2. After soaking, drain the grains and fill your jars or bags with the grains, leaving some space at the top for shaking.
  3. Sterilize the jars or bags with the grains in a pressure cooker at 15 PSI for 90 minutes.
  4. Allow the jars or bags to cool completely before inoculating them with your wine-cap mushroom culture.
  5. Using a sterile technique, inoculate the cooled grain spawn with your mushroom culture. This can be done by injecting spores or using a liquid culture.
  6. Seal the jars or bags with a breathable filter, such as micropore tape, to allow for gas exchange.
  7. Incubate the inoculated grain spawn at the appropriate temperature (around 75-80°F) in a dark, humid environment for 2-4 weeks, or until fully colonized by the mycelium.
  8. Once fully colonized, your grain spawn is ready to be used to inoculate your substrate for fruiting your wine-cap 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 Parameters

Substrate: Hardwood Sawdust

Substrate to Spawn Ratio: 3:1

Substrate to LC Ratio: 4ml/qt

Temperature Range:70 - 80 °F

Humidity Range:95 - 100 RH

Fresh Air Exchange:0 - 1 per Hour

CO2 Range:0 - 20000 ppm

Growth Duration:14 - 21 Days

Substrate Prep and Innoculation

  1. Prepare a substrate mixture using hardwood chips, sawdust, and wheat bran in a ratio of 5:3:2 respectively.
  2. Mix the substrate ingredients thoroughly in a large container, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Moisten the substrate mixture with water until it reaches a field capacity moisture level.
  4. Fill grow bags or containers with the moistened substrate mixture, leaving some room at the top for expansion.
  5. Sterilize the filled grow bags or containers in a pressure cooker or steam sterilizer to kill any competing organisms.
  6. Allow the sterilized substrate to cool to room temperature before proceeding to inoculation.
  7. Obtain wine-cap mushroom spawn from a reputable supplier or prepare your own using a sterile technique.
  8. Inoculate the cooled substrate by evenly distributing the mushroom spawn throughout the substrate.
  9. Mix the spawn into the substrate using a sterile utensil to ensure even colonization.
  10. Seal the grow bags or containers with a breathable filter patch or lid to allow for gas exchange.
  11. Incubate the inoculated substrate in a dark, warm environment (around 70-75°F) for 2-3 weeks to allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate.
  12. Monitor the substrate for signs of colonization, such as white mycelium growth spreading throughout the substrate.
  13. Once the substrate is fully colonized, introduce fresh air and light to initiate fruiting and continue to maintain proper humidity levels for optimal mushroom growth.

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 Parameters

Casing Layer: None

Temperature Range:50 - 60 °F

Humidity Range:95 - 98 RH

Light Wave Length:395 - 480 nm

Light Intensity:100 - 500 Lux

Light Duration: 12 Hours/Day

Fresh Air Exchange:4 - 8 per Hour

CO2 Range:0 - 1500 ppm

Growth Duration:14 - 21 Days

Cultivation Notes: None

Primordia Initiation

  1. Prepare a substrate mixture of hardwood chips, sawdust, and wheat bran in a ratio of 5:3:2 respectively.
  2. Moisten the substrate mixture until it reaches a moisture content of around 60-70%.
  3. Fill a plastic bag or container with the moistened substrate mixture, leaving some space at the top for air circulation.
  4. Inoculate the substrate with wine-cap mushroom spawn, distributing it evenly throughout the substrate.
  5. Mix the spawn into the substrate gently to ensure even distribution.
  6. Seal the bag or container and place it in a dark, warm location with temperatures around 75-80°F (24-27°C) to initiate primordia formation.
  7. Monitor the substrate for signs of primordia formation, which will appear as small pin-like structures on the surface.
  8. Once primordia have formed, introduce fresh air and light to stimulate further growth and development of the mushrooms.
  9. Continue to maintain proper humidity levels and temperatures to support healthy mushroom growth during the primordia initiation phase.

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 Parameters

Temperature Range:60 - 70 °F

Humidity Range:90 - 95 RH

Light Wave Length:395 - 480 nm

Light Intensity:100 - 500 lux

Light Duration: 12 Hours/Day

Fresh Air Exchange:4 - 8 per Hour

CO2 Range:0 - 1500 ppm

Growth Duration:7 - 14 Days

Flushes:1 - 2

Flushing Schedule:21 - 28 Days

Cultivation Notes: None

Fruiting Preparation and Conditions

  1. Prepare a fruiting chamber by cleaning and sanitizing it thoroughly to prevent contamination.
  2. Fill the fruiting chamber with a substrate such as sawdust or straw that has been pasteurized to kill off any competing organisms.
  3. Inoculate the substrate with wine-cap mushroom spawn, ensuring even distribution throughout the substrate.
  4. Cover the substrate with a layer of casing material such as peat moss or vermiculite to help maintain moisture levels.
  5. Place the fruiting chamber in a well-ventilated area with indirect light and maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F.
  6. Mist the substrate regularly to keep it moist, but be careful not to oversaturate it.
  7. Monitor the humidity levels in the fruiting chamber and adjust as needed to keep it around 90-95%.
  8. After a few weeks, small mushroom pins should start to form. Continue to mist and maintain humidity levels until the mushrooms are ready to harvest.

Comments


  • Z
    @SpirtMushroom 2 months ago

    Hey Josh, just wanted to say thanks for this awesome guide on growing Wine Caps! I’ve been interested in home mushroom cultivation, and your step-by-step approach really makes it seem achievable. I love how you broke down the process and highlighted the importance of indoor vs. outdoor setups. I had no idea that they prefer the wood chips as a substrate; definitely going to give that a try! I'm curious if you have any tips on maintaining moisture levels—I'm in a pretty dry area, so I’ll need to get creative. Also, do you have any suggestions on what kinds of plants go well with Wine Caps if I wanted to create a mixed garden bed? Your recommendations on dealing with pests were super helpful too, as I've read some horror stories about contamination. This has definitely motivated me to get started. I’ll keep you posted on my progress! By the way, where’s the best place to find spawn locally? Thanks again for sharing such a detailed and engaging guide. Cheers! - Zaky J

  • T
    @AmateurMush 2 months ago

    Hi Josh, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your detailed guide on growing Wine Caps! I’ve been interested in mushroom cultivation for a while, but this is the first guide that really broke everything down in a way that made sense to me. The tips on soil preparation and the optimal conditions for fruiting were incredibly helpful. I especially appreciated the advice on the wood chip layering technique; I never realized how much of a difference that could make! Just last weekend, I set up my first bed in my backyard, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. I’ve heard so much about the flavor of Wine Caps, and I’m excited to experiment with them in my cooking. Your enthusiasm for mushrooms is contagious, and I feel inspired to dive deeper into mycology. If I ever have questions down the line, I hope I can reach out! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge so genuinely. Looking forward to updating you on my progress!


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A Treasure for Home Gardeners!

01/29/2025

Zaky J

I recently tried the 'ShroomSpy Guide to Growing Wine Cap at Home' and I must say, it's a game-changer! I’ve always loved gardening, but mushrooms were new territory for me. The guide is super easy to follow, filled with tips that are both practical and detailed. I appreciated the section on preparing the substrate; it made all the difference in getting my Wine Caps to flourish. Watching them grow was so rewarding, especially when I finally harvested my first batch! They added a delicious, earthy flavor to my favorite pasta dishes. It's as if I was privy to a little secret garden in my backyard. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the wonderful world of mushrooms. I can’t wait to show off my crops at the next dinner party!

A Slice of Fungi Heaven: My Wine Cap Adventure

01/29/2025

Ruth Zota

I've always been curious about growing my own mushrooms, and the ShroomSpy Guide to Growing Wine Cap at Home made it so approachable! As a novice, I appreciated how clear and concise the instructions were. The layout is user-friendly, with lots of colorful photos that really helped visualize the process. I loved how the guide explained the specifics of creating the right environment for these robust mushrooms. After just a few weeks, I was amazed to see those beautiful caps sprouting in my backyard! The flavor they added to my dishes is unbeatable. I've even shared my harvest with friends, and they were blown away. I never knew how satisfying it would be to grow my own food. Highly recommend this guide for anyone looking to dive into mushroom cultivation—it's a fun and rewarding journey!