Growing shimeji (beech mushroom)
Beech mushroom or shimeji (Hypsizygus tessulatus) is a species for experienced growers. The substrate first colonises for weeks at 18 to 25 °C; after that, fruiting needs a cold shock and 12 to 18 °C. Expect the first harvest after 6 to 8 weeks.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-31GroCycle (VK) · BS-41The Belgian supplier rates beech mushroom at the 'experienced' level. It grows more slowly than oyster mushroom and is picky about temperature and moisture.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-31GroCycle (VK) · BS-41Colonisation
Mushroom Mania gives 20 to 30 days at 18–25 °C. GroCycle gives 4 to 6 weeks at 21–24 °C, sometimes up to 90 days. Only start fruiting when the block is completely white.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-31GroCycle (VK) · BS-41Fruiting
Give a cold shock and then keep it at 12–18 °C. On humidity the sources differ: 70–90 % at Mushroom Mania; at GroCycle about 98 % while pins are forming, then 90–95 %. Give about 12 hours of indirect light per day.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-31GroCycle (VK) · BS-41Short or long stems
A lot of CO₂ in the bag gives long stems; with slits in the side you get shorter, thicker stems.
GroCycle (VK) · BS-41Harvest and yield
The 5 kg pack gives 0.9–1 kg in 2 flushes, with about 20 days of rest in between. The first flush is the largest.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-31Do not taste it raw
According to GroCycle, raw beech mushroom tastes bitter: fry it. In any case, always eat mushrooms cooked.
GroCycle (VK) · BS-41Voedingscentrum · BO-02Growing and eating safely
Allergic lung reactions to inhaled spores have been described in professional growers of, among others, oyster mushroom and shiitake. No risk measure is known for this species or for a single hobby pack. Harvest on time, do not grow in a bedroom, ventilate and always eat the harvest cooked.
PubMed PMID 3169217 · BS-61PubMed PMID 22329454 · BS-75NCBI Bookshelf · BS-60GroCycle (VK) · BS-43Voedingscentrum · BO-02Source
- Kan je champignons/paddenstoelen rauw eten? — Voedingscentrum
- Beukenzwam (Shimeji) – 5 kg kweekpakket — Mushroom Mania (BE)
- The Complete Guide to Shimeji Mushrooms — GroCycle (VK)
- How to harvest mushrooms — GroCycle (VK)
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (StatPearls, Chandra & Cherian, bijgewerkt 10-07-2023) — NCBI Bookshelf
- Extrinsic allergic alveolitis in oyster mushroom growers (Eur Respir J 1988) — PubMed PMID 3169217
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by Shiitake mushroom spores (Med Mycol 2012) — PubMed PMID 22329454
Checked on:
This is general growing information from the sources listed. Always follow the instructions of your kit or supplier. Only eat what demonstrably grows from your own culture of the bought, named species; if in doubt about colour, smell or shape, do not eat it.
This is not medical advice. If you repeatedly get a fever, a cough or shortness of breath while growing indoors, remove the culture and see your doctor.
Pick your species and your space; the tool shows what fits, with sources. No account needed.