Cultivating Maitake: A Complete Guide with Substrate Blocks, Substrate Bales, and Substrate Kits

Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa), also known as 'hen of the woods,' are a popular culinary delicacy with numerous health benefits. Although they are commonly harvested in the wild, they can also be cultivated indoors, allowing mushroom enthusiasts to enjoy them year-round. However, cultivating Maitake mushrooms indoors can be a demanding task that requires proper care and attention.

To cultivate Maitake mushrooms indoors, you need to select the right growing substrate, maintain adequate humidity and temperature levels, ensure sufficient ventilation, use high-quality inoculum, and keep the growing area clean. Avoid overcrowding, overwatering, exposing the mushrooms to direct sunlight, neglecting sterilization, or rushing the process.

Select the right growing substrate, such as hardwood sawdust or straw.

Maitake mushrooms generally grow well on hardwood sawdust, hardwood chips, or straw. You can purchase pre-made mushroom growing kits that come with the appropriate growing substrate. We can assist you in acquiring these by connecting you with the best producers. Contact us to learn more.

Maintain a temperature and humidity level suitable for Maitake cultivation.

Maintaining a constant temperature and humidity level is crucial for the successful indoor cultivation of Maitake mushrooms. It is important to note that the ideal levels of temperature and humidity can vary slightly depending on the growth phase, so it is essential to regularly monitor the conditions and make adjustments as needed. Here are some tips for achieving the ideal growing conditions:

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Temperature

• Use a thermometer to regularly monitor the temperature inside the growing area.

• Place a heater or an air conditioner in the room to maintain a constant temperature between 15 and 24°C (60 and 75°F). Avoid placing the growing area in locations subject to temperature fluctuations, such as near windows or doors.

Hygrometry:

• Use a hygrometer to regularly monitor the humidity level inside the growing area.

• Provide a humidifier or a misting system to maintain humidity levels between 85 and 90 percent.

• Avoid exposing the growing area to dry air or drafts, as these could lower humidity levels

• Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Here are some tips to ensure proper ventilation:

• Install a fan or an air exchange system to circulate air within the growing area. This will help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria by reducing stagnant air.

• Keep the growing area clean and remove debris. This will prevent the buildup of contaminants that could promote bacterial growth.

• Ensure that substrate bags are properly spaced to allow adequate air circulation between them.Periodically open windows or doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the growing area, or install an air renewal system.

Hygiene

Here are the steps to follow for cultivating your Maitake substrate blocks:

• Keep the growing area clean and adopt good hygiene practices to prevent contamination.

• Start with a clean and disinfected growing area. Use a solution of bleach and water (one part bleach to nine parts water) to disinfect all surfaces before beginning the cultivation process.

• Wear gloves and a face mask when handling the culture substrate and mushrooms. This will help prevent the spread of contaminants from your skin and breath.

Do not overcrowd the growing chamber:

Avoid overcrowding the growth substrate, as this can hinder mushroom growth. Here are some tips to help you avoid overcrowding:

• Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for the cultivation method you have chosen. This will help ensure that each mushroom has enough space to grow properly.

• Regularly monitor mushroom growth. If you notice that they are growing too close to each other, gently separate them to give them more space.

• If you are using a substrate bag or container, avoid packing the substrate too tightly. This can limit air circulation and lead to overcrowding."

Humidification :

Do not overwater the mushrooms, as this can lead to rot and disease. Here are some tips to avoid overwatering:

• Allow the growth substrate to dry slightly between waterings. Maitake mushrooms prefer a humid environment, but the growth substrate should not be saturated.

• Water the growth substrate from the bottom. This can help prevent overwatering by allowing the substrate to absorb water as needed.

• Use a mister to spray the mushrooms and growth substrate. This can help maintain a humid environment without overwatering.

Brightness :

Do not expose the mushrooms to direct sunlight as it can dry them out. Here are some tips to avoid exposing the mushrooms to direct sunlight:

• Choose a well-lit location but sheltered from direct sunlight. Maitake mushrooms prefer indirect or filtered light.

• If you are using artificial light sources, use full-spectrum grow lights that mimic natural sunlight.

• Avoid moving the mushrooms to different locations throughout the day. This can cause fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which can be harmful to the mushrooms.

Harvest

Harvest the mushrooms when they are mature but not overly ripe. Mushrooms that are too ripe can release spores, which can lead to contamination and decrease the yield of future harvests

Yield:

The yield of a Maitake block is 20% of the weight of the block in one flush. A block weighing 2.5 kg will yield between 400 and 600 grams on average depending on the growing conditions

Value-adding / Commercial Opportunities:

"Maitake, also known as the 'king of mushrooms,' is not only prized for its delicious taste but is also recognized for its anticancer effects. Beyond its culinary appeal, Maitake mushrooms are frequently processed into powder to be used as a dietary supplement. This form of valorization allows for the concentration of its benefits and facilitates its integration into various health routines. The possibility of transforming Maitake into a dietary supplement offers an interesting alternative to its simple direct sale as a mushroom, thus paving the way for a more diversified and beneficial use of this natural resource.

Furthermore, dietary supplements made from mushrooms generally have a higher selling price per kilogram. For example, Maitake powder can be valued at over €100/kg compared to €18-20/kg in direct sales. Medicinal mushrooms are very trendy in North America, and this trend is slowly reaching Europe. By being forward-thinking on this type of product, you can capture an evolving market! The stakes are twofold: you increase your profitability and attract new customers who will bring you new sales avenues

Tips :

These tips don't guarantee success for everyone, but they are worth considering if you're looking to improve your success rate in indoor Maitake mushroom cultivation

Try using coffee grounds

Some growers have reported success using coffee grounds as a substrate for Maitake mushroom cultivation. The acidity of coffee can contribute to creating an optimal growth environment.

Use a covering layer

Adding a layer of soil or another covering material to your substrate can help retain moisture and promote the growth of fruiting bodies

Lower the temperature

Although the optimal temperature range for Maitake mushrooms is 15 to 24 °C, adjusting the temperature slightly can sometimes stimulate growth. Some growers have reported success by slightly lowering the temperature during the fruiting phase.

If you're interested in adding Maitake cultivation to your operation, don't hesitate to contact us. This cultivation is currently unavailable in France, and we can guide you to producers with pricing that allows you to start this cultivation without compromising your profitability. The form below will allow you to get in touch with us.

Anecdote :

The Maitake mushroom has several names and will have various appellations depending on who you're talking to. For example, it's also nicknamed the 'hen of the woods' due to its supposed resemblance to a hen on a nest, referred to as 'sheep's head' because of its imposing size, and sometimes designated as the 'king of mushrooms'. Additionally, it's known as the 'cloud mushroom.

Indeed, it's also called 'dancing mushrooms' because in its country of origin, Japan, 'Mai' means dance and 'Take' means mushrooms. So, its literal translation is 'dancing mushrooms.

Mushroom cultivation using substrate blocks, bags, or kits can be profitable, unconventional, and can help you stand out from your neighboring growers by offering a unique product. However, it does require an initial investment to set up the growing chamber.

Many mushroom varieties are available in the form of substrate bags or kits. They can be organic (certified by AB) or conventional, depending on your preference. You can explore our other pages for a comprehensive view of what we can offer.

Do you have a mushroom cultivation project, either organic (certified by AB) or conventional? Feel free to contact us. We can handle your purchases to provide you with quality substrate bags at the best prices.

Optimising your costs maximises your profitability, so don't neglect this aspect.

Buy your Maitaké Grifola frondosa substrate blocks at the best price!