How fast do mushrooms grow? This may not even be in the top 5 questions you have when you first begin to think about growing gourmet mushrooms at home, but we are here to tell you it is an important question to ask. One of the biggest issues when growing mushrooms at home is contamination from bacteria and mold. Slow growing mushrooms are more susceptible to contamination just due to the time it takes for them to actually grow. Oyster mushrooms generally grow pretty quick compared to species like turkey tail and chicken of the woods (this is one reason why the golden oyster mushroom has been labeled an invasive species in North America).
Speed of growth is also important to consider when you are planning continued growth in a limited space. If you only have room for 1 or just a few species to grow at once, how quickly you can harvest them and start a new grow becomes important. This becomes even more important if you are planning to sell your mushrooms. Slow growth means you realize profits later. So, let's dive in and discover the answer to the question: how fast do mushrooms grow?
Growth speed is measured in 3 different timeframes:
These time frames assume ideal temperatures, no contamination, and proper substrates for each mushroom species.
Any number of things can slow down your growth speed. Contamination is the biggest one. Finding contamination in your substrate can set you back weeks. This is why it is of the utmost importance to read up on how to grow mushrooms before getting started. Now, let's answer the question "How fast do mushrooms grow" for some popular species.
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The magnificent white mushrooms with a soft texture is known for its mild seafood flavor. Many use lion’s mane mushrooms as a substitute for meat. Lion’s Mane mushrooms fetch a high price at market so if you are looking to sell your gourmet mushrooms, this can be a profitable choice. They also grow pretty reliably once you have the technique locked down.
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This umami-rich mushroom is highly sought after and one of the most commonly grown mushrooms in the world. It is a fantastic culinary treat.
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The fan-shaped caps of Turkey Tail Mushrooms make them easily identifiable. They are found in many tinctures, teas, and supplements.
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These are certainly some unique looking mushrooms. Their bright orange color draws people in, but be warned: they can be difficult to grow indoors.
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King Oyster mushrooms grow as a single thick stem with a small cap. It has a surprisingly meaty texture and is one of the fastest growers.
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Pink Oyster mushrooms are pretty eye-catching due to their bright pink color, strong smell, and delicate features. It is the fastest gourmet mushroom to grow hands down.
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Blue Oyster mushrooms grow in large bunches and usually produce large yields. They also grow relatively quick. You can look forward to their alluring silvery color.
Cordyceps are found in many supplements, tinctures, and teas because they are sought after for their medicinal value. They are highly sought after at markets.
Chestnut mushrooms have a nutty flavor many find quite enjoyable. They grow reliably and make a great addition to any diet.
Certain mushrooms grow faster than others just due to their genetics. Oyster mushrooms generally grow quickly and easily because of their aggressive enzymes. Lion’s Mane on the other hand colonizes slower because of its dense mycelium. Chicken of the Woods is used to growing outdoors on trees, so it can be hard to translate to an indoor grow. So, the answer to "How fast do mushrooms grow" varies depending on the species.
If you are looking for fast growing mushrooms you can harvest within a month or two, grow oyster mushrooms.
If you are looking for high profitability at market, grow lion’s mane or shiitake mushrooms.
If you are interested in the medicinal benefits, grow cordyceps or turkey tail mushrooms.
If you want to challenge yourself and reap the rewards, grow chicken of the woods mushrooms.
