Content
Mushroom lovers love to discover more and more new varieties of them. In this article I would like to talk about the royal oyster mushroom. This mushroom is superior to common oyster mushrooms in many ways. Next, we will consider what is their feature. We will also learn how to grow a royal oyster mushroom yourself.
Features of royal oyster mushroom
The appearance of this mushroom is very different from other oyster mushrooms. For example, it has a large bonnet that often grows up to 12 centimeters in diameter. It is distinguished by its meatiness and excellent taste. In addition, this mushroom has a rather fleshy leg, which can also be eaten.
It is very interesting to watch these mushrooms grow. Initially, they form a drop-shaped stem. When the stem becomes thicker and denser, the cap is just beginning to form. It will grow only after the leg is fully grown.
Growing
It is very easy to grow royal oyster mushroom at home. We can say that everyone can cope with this task. This process does not take much time and effort. In addition, this does not require any expensive equipment or a separate building. This mushroom grows well in the garden or even in utility rooms.
The first harvest can be expected after 3 months. By observing all the rules of cultivation, you can achieve very good results. On average, 4 to 7 kilograms of tasty and aromatic mushrooms are harvested from one log.
First you need to prepare all the necessary tools and materials:
- For growing, you will definitely need a substrate. As a rule, an ordinary log of any deciduous tree is used for this. For these purposes, birch, aspen and alder are perfect.
- You will also need to prepare a drill. It is necessary to create grooves on the log.
- And most importantly, mycelium.
Logs affected by the fungus will not work either. In such conditions, it will not be possible to grow a high-quality and usable mushroom. The length of each log should be between 30 and 50 centimeters. The thickness can vary from 15 to 30 centimeters.
Method of growing oyster mushrooms in natural conditions
Cultivation of royal oyster mushrooms should start at the end of spring. During this time, the weather becomes warmer and more stable. If you have a heated room, then mushrooms can grow in these conditions throughout the year. For normal growth and development, oyster mushrooms need a temperature in the range of 10-27 ° C.
As everyone knows, mushrooms love moisture. To create the conditions necessary for growth, it is imperative to soak the wood. To do this, the log is immersed in water for several days. It must be completely saturated with it.Next, the finished substrate is taken out of the water and left for several hours so that excess moisture can drain off.
Next, holes must be drilled in the prepared substrate. The depth of each should be no more than 10 centimeters, and the diameter is about 1 centimeter. After that, you will have to work with the mycelium. Before work, you need to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. This is done to prevent any bacteria from entering the mycelium.
The mycelium is placed in the prepared holes, after which they are simply closed with wood corks or wax. In order for the mushrooms to germinate faster, you need to cover the log with a piece of thick cloth. The wood itself should be placed in a dark, well-ventilated place. It is very important that the log remains moist at all times. To do this, take a regular spray and water, and then simply spray the substrate. In the case when mushrooms are grown in natural conditions, it will be necessary to spray not only the logs, but also the soil around them.
The growth rate depends on many factors. But basically oyster mushroom grows very quickly, and after a short time you can see young mushrooms on the logs. Royal oyster mushroom will fully mature in 3 months. You can grow mushrooms not in one go, but gradually, then you can enjoy fresh mushrooms throughout the year. But remember that this requires a room with suitable conditions.
Growing royal oyster mushrooms indoors
If you have a small plot and there is simply no room for logs, you can grow mushrooms right in your home. True, for this you will have to create some conditions:
- The air humidity in such a room should be at least 90%.
- The temperature regime is maintained within the range from + 16 ° C to + 27 ° C.
- When the oyster mushroom begins to bear fruit, you will have to take care of special lighting.
In this case, almost any container is suitable as a substrate. It can even be plastic bags. Often plastic or glass bottles, boxes and jars are used for this. The photo below shows how it might look. The main thing is to sow the mycelium correctly. After that, no special care is needed. These mushrooms are not whimsical at all.
Conclusion
For many, growing mushrooms is a rather exotic activity. We are all accustomed to the fact that they grow independently in the forest. Many people just buy their favorite mushrooms in supermarkets and stores. But some representatives of this kingdom can be grown independently at home. Plus, it's not that hard. Royal oyster mushroom can grow both in natural conditions and indoors. This edible mushroom can even be grown in jars or bottles. Mycelium is very inexpensive, so everyone can afford such a small production. In the photos given in this article, you can see what beautiful mushrooms can really be grown at home. Now you know exactly how to grow them, then it's up to you!
