Controlling temperature levels when growing mushrooms is essential for a successful harvest. By using a thermometer/temperature sensor, heating pad, cooling fan, or greenhouse, you can achieve the ideal growing conditions for your mushrooms. It is important to monitor the temperature levels regularly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure healthy and thriving mushrooms.
Mushroom growing is a fascinating hobby and can even be a profitable business venture. However, it requires a bit of know-how to ensure successful growth. One of the most important factors that determine the growth and yield of mushrooms is temperature control. The ideal temperature range for mushroom growth is narrow, and it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature to avoid stunted growth or contamination.
By creating the perfect environment with the right temperature, humidity, and ventilation, you can ensure optimal mushroom growth. In this guide, we will explore some of the best methods for controlling the temperature in your mushroom growing setup, including heating and cooling options, as well as how to monitor and adjust temperature levels. Whether you’re just starting out in the hobby or looking to improve your mushroom-growing skills, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need for success.
Growing mushrooms requires precise temperature control to ensure a successful harvest. As a delicate crop, mushrooms need stable conditions within a narrow temperature range to thrive. What exactly is the best temperature for mushroom cultivation? While optimal ranges vary slightly by species, most favor consistent temperatures from 60-75°F during key growth phases
By monitoring and regulating the climate, you can maximize mushroom yield and prevent contamination This guide covers how heat impacts the mushroom life cycle and techniques to achieve ideal fruiting temps. Read on to unlock the secrets of mushroom temperature optimization for a bumper crop!
Why Temperature Matters
Temperature profoundly influences mushroom development. More than most plants, fungi are extremely sensitive to even minor heat fluctuations. Just a few degrees difference can affect:
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Mycelium Growth: The root-like mycelium colonizes the growing medium. Warmer temperatures accelerate this stage.
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Primordia Formation: The initial budding of mushroom fruiting bodies from the mycelium.
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Overall Yield: The total harvest of mushrooms per flush.
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Contamination Risk: Temperature extremes encourage pathogenic molds and bacteria.
By staying within the “sweet spot” for each variety, you avoid issues and maximize production. While specific ideal temps vary between species, most prefer consistent 60-75°F conditions.
The Optimal Temperature Range
Most gourmet and medicinal mushrooms thrive best at 60-75°F (15-24°C). However, ideal temperatures depend on the fungal growth stage:
Mycelium Colonization
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Incubation: 65-75°F – Warmer range speeds mycelium growth through the substrate.
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Post-Incubation: 60-68°F – Slightly cooler signals the mycelium to start fruiting.
Fruiting / Pinning
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Initial Pinning: 60-65°F – Low temps trigger mushrooms to begin budding.
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Maturation: 65-70°F – Warmer temperatures for full expansion of caps and stems.
This generally applies to common varieties like oyster, lion’s mane, shiitake, and reishi. Always check recommended temps for your specific mushroom species.
How Heat Impacts Growth
Understanding thermal effects on fungal development explains optimal temp recommendations:
1. Mycelium Colonization
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Mycelium grows fastest from 65-75°F. Warmer temperatures accelerate substrate colonization.
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Temperatures under 60°F slow down mycelium and increase contamination risks.
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Above 80°F halts mycelium growth and can kill the culture if prolonged.
2. Primordia Formation
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After full colonization, lowering temps to 60-65°F signals the mycelium to start fruiting.
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Pinning is hindered above 70°F but stimulated between 50-60°F.
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Fluctuating temperatures may cause mutated, irregular fruits.
3. Fruit Maturation
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Mature mushrooms thrive best from 65-70°F. This encourages full cap and stem expansion.
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Temperatures too far below this range result in smaller, stunted fruits.
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Heat over 75°F leads to elongated, spindly stems and caps.
4. Mushroom Harvesting
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Optimal harvest temperatures are 60-70°F. Cooler air prevents sweating and extends shelf life.
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Above 70°F, rapid moisture loss causes shriveling and premature spoilage.
Tips for Temperature Control
Here are some key strategies for regulating ideal mushroom growing temperatures:
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Place incubation containers on electric heating mats set to 65-75°F.
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Use a thermometer or sensor to monitor internal and ambient temperature.
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Position containers away from direct heat sources like appliances.
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Transfer to around 60°F to trigger pinning once substrate is fully colonized.
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Use small fans, humidifiers, or A/C to lower fruiting area temperature.
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Slightly warm rooms to 65-70°F during mushroom maturation.
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Add insulation to help maintain stable thermal conditions.
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Grow in basements or garages if upstairs rooms are too warm.
With diligent monitoring and adjustments at each growth phase, you can achieve optimal mycelium colonization, primordia formation, and mushroom yield. Dialing in the ideal temperature range takes trial and error but pays dividends in productive, picture-perfect mushrooms.
Consequences of Temperature Extremes
Deviation from the ideal temperature range negatively impacts mushrooms:
Too Cold
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Mycelium growth dramatically slows or halts completely.
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Increased risk of contamination like molds and bacteria.
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Smaller yields due to stunted mushroom development.
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Potential mycelium death below freezing 0°C / 32°F.
Too Hot
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Rapid evaporation causing shriveling and dryness.
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Leggy, elongated stems and caps.
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Encourages pathogenic molds and bacteria.
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Stunted development affecting productivity.
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Above 85°F can kill mycelium and mushroom pins.
Key Takeaways
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Most indoor cultivated mushrooms prefer consistent temps from 60-75°F.
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Specific growth stages require slight temperature adjustments.
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Monitoring with a thermometer and making incremental changes is key.
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Strategies like heating mats, fans, and insulation help maintain optimal temps.
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Avoid extremes that cause contamination, stunting, and other issues.
With attentive climate control centered on ideal thermal conditions, your mushroom cultivation will flourish and reach its full potential.
What Happens When The Temperature Is Too Low When Growing Mushrooms?
When the temperature is too low, the mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the mushroom, will slow down or even stop growing altogether. This can lead to stunted growth and a lower yield of mushrooms overall.
Also, if the temperature drops below a certain threshold, the mycelium can even die off completely. This is because mycelium is part of the living body of the mushroom, which requires a certain level of warmth to survive and thrive. If the temperature drops too low, the mycelium will simply shut down and stop growing, resulting in a failed crop.
It is important to note that different types of mushrooms have different temperature requirements, so it is important to research the specific variety of mushrooms you are growing and ensure that you are providing the optimal temperature for its growth.
If you are new to the hobby, here are some common indoor mushrooms and their optimal temperatures.
- Oyster Mushrooms: 70–85 °F.
- Reishi Mushrooms: 70–80 °F
- Antler Reishi Mushrooms: 60–80 °F
- Shiitake Mushrooms: 50–80 °F
- King Stropharia Mushrooms: 60–80 °F
How To Increase The Temperature When Growing Mushrooms?
If you’re wondering how to increase the temperature when growing mushrooms, there are several methods you can try.
One of the most effective ways to increase the temperature in your mushroom growing area is by using a heating system. This can be achieved through the use of a space heater, heating mats, or even an infrared bulb. The type of heating system you choose will depend on the size of your growing area and the type of mushrooms you’re cultivating.
It’s important to note that some varieties of mushrooms are more sensitive to temperature changes than others, so check the ideal temperature range for your specific mushroom variety before using a heating system.
Another way to increase the temperature in your mushroom growing area is by insulating the space. This involves covering the walls, ceiling, and floor with a layer of insulation material. This will help to trap heat inside the growing area and prevent it from escaping. Common insulation materials include foam boards, fiberglass, and reflective insulation like aluminum foil.
In addition to these methods, you can also try placing the growing containers in a warm room or near a heat source such as a furnace or radiator. However, it’s important to ensure that the temperature doesn’t become too high, as this can have adverse effects on the mushrooms.
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FAQ
What temperature do mushrooms grow best at?
The ideal temperature range for mushroom growth varies depending on the species, but most mushrooms prefer a temperature range between 65-75 °F. Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial, as even small fluctuations can impact the growth rate and quality of the mushrooms.
What conditions do mushrooms grow best in?
Mushrooms like dark, cool, and humid growing environments. When you’re growing mushrooms at home, a place like your basement is ideal, but a spot under the sink could also work. Fungi, and by extension, mushrooms, belong to a group of mold known as saprophytes.
What is the best weather for mushrooms?
Button mushrooms, temperature of 75-77 degrees Fahrenheit for mycelium growth then once the mycelium is fully formed temperature range should be 53-60 degrees & 90% for air humidity level. For straw mushrooms it’s 95 degrees wherein growth can occur between 59-113.
What temperature should a grow tent be for mushrooms?
Most mushroom species thrive in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer to monitor and adjust these parameters inside the grow tent. A humidifier and/or a mister can help maintain the required humidity levels, typically between 70% and 90%.
What temperature should mushrooms grow?
Know Your Mushrooms: Different species of mushrooms have different temperature requirements. Knowing which species of mushroom you are growing can help you determine the best temperature range for your mushrooms. For example, Shiitake mushrooms grow best between 55-70°F, while Oyster mushrooms prefer temperatures between 55-75°F.
Are mushrooms good for health?
Mushrooms are an excellent source of selenium and vitamin D. They are low in calories, fat free, cholesterol free, gluten free and very low in sodium. It is also rich in B2, B3, B5, ergothioneine, copper, potassium and beta glucans. B vitamins help in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and nervous system. Mushrooms have beneficial effects in improving the immunity, could suppress the growth of breast and prostate cancer and weight management.
What temperature should mushrooms be stored?
During this stage, the mushrooms are harvested and prepared for sale. To ensure optimal storage and quality of the mushrooms, the temperature should be kept between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the temperature within this range will help to keep the mushrooms fresh and extend their shelf-life.
How do you control temperature when growing mushrooms?
Controlling temperature levels when growing mushrooms is essential for a successful harvest. You can give your mushrooms the best conditions for growth by using a thermometer or temperature sensor, a heating pad, a cooling fan, or a greenhouse.
What temperature should a mushroom be incubated?
During the incubation stage, which typically lasts two to three weeks, the temperature needs to be maintained between 65-75 °F. This stage is crucial for the formation of the mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the mushroom. Once the mycelium has formed, it’s time to move on to the fruiting stage.
What is a medium temperature mushroom?
Medium-temperature mushrooms grow best in temperate climates, such as spring or autumn. They usually require a temperature range of 15°C to 25°C for mycelium growth and 18°C to 24°C for fruiting body formation. Some examples of medium-temperature mushrooms are button, portobello, and reishi.