Shiitake Mushroom

If you or someone you live with has a mushroom allergy or intolerance, it is best to grow the kit in a room that is not frequented.

What you'll need

Sharp blade

Indoor location

Clear plastic tub

Days 1-7 - Getting Started

Step 1

Put the kit into your fridge overnight, the cold shock helps to initiate mushroom growth.

Step 2

Once the kit has been chilled overnight, remove it from the fridge and give it a few firm smacks, this is another technique used to help initiate mushroom growth.

Step 3

Carefully remove the block from the bag.

Cuttiing around the bottom of the bag is a great way to do this and leaves a nice base to hold onto.

Step 4

Choose a warm spot indoors to for the tub to sit in that has plenty of air movement and is out of direct sunlight e.g. the kitchen bench, lounge or bathroom.

Do not leave them near a heater in winter or an air conditioner in the summer as these can dry the mushrooms out.

Step 5

Place the block inside the clear plastic tub and put the lid on upside down. This will allow for a small amount of airflow and maintain humidity. Place the block upright, with the smooth surface on the bottom. The block will need to stay in the tub for its entire growth cycle to prevent it from drying out.

30-50L Tubs are the perfect size. We would not recommend any smaller as the mushrooms need space to grow.

The best way to check if the tub is set up correctly is by looking for a small amount of condensation being present on the walls of the tub after the first few days.

As the mushrooms mature, you will notice the condensation increase. If water starts pooling at the bottom of the tub, slide the lid open by a 1-2cm.

Step 6

Keep an eye on the kit over the next week. You should see your first sprouts within seven days. A few days earlier in the warmer months, or longer in the cooler months can be expected.

Please send us a picture if you do not have sprouts appearing after 7 days.

Days 8-15


Step 1

Success! The first sprouts are now popping up. Keep a close eye on them now as the growth will be very quick. Depending on the time of year, it can be anywhere from 3-7 days.

Harvest Time!


Step 1

We find our best results come from harvesting the mushrooms in stages as they mature individually.

The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps start to open and are no longer rounded on the edges. You can see several stages of maturity in the photo above.

Step 2

Carefully cut the mushrooms from the block as they mature. Avoid pulling them off as this will damage the block and mushrooms that are left growing.

We like to store the mushrooms in paper bags or a tub lined with paper towels. The mushrooms will last up to 5 days in the fridge if kept in a plastic container that is lined with paper towels.


Step 3

After all mushrooms have been harvested, crumble the block up and use it as a top mulch in the garden. Worms love the mycelium!