Understanding the mushroom life cycle is crucial for successful cultivation. Here’s a simplified overview:
Spore Germination:
Mushrooms begin as spores, which germinate under favorable conditions to form mycelium—a network of thread-like structures.
Colonization:
The mycelium colonizes a nutrient-rich substrate, such as a fruiting block, consuming nutrients and establishing a robust network.
This is where your Aurora Sporealis Journey starts:
Fruiting Initiation:
When environmental conditions are optimal, the mycelium develops into primordia (tiny mushroom pins), which then mature into full-sized mushrooms.
First Flush:
The initial significant harvest of mushrooms is known as the first flush. This happen in 7-10 days.
Second Flush:
After the first harvest, the mycelium can produce additional mushrooms. To encourage a second flush, rehydration is important. Soak the spent substrate in water for several hours to replenish moisture (with a good humidity system this can be skipped).
Allow the substrate to rest in a humid environment for a week. Return the substrate to fruiting conditions to stimulate another round of mushroom growth.
This process can often be repeated multiple times until the substrate’s nutrients are depleted.