No mushrooms on your grow block
If your block is fully colonised but no pins appear, the temperature is usually wrong (often too warm), the species lacks its trigger, or the block gets too little light, fresh air or moisture. First measure the temperature and compare it with the range for your species.
University of Florida / IFAS Extension · BS-01Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving / Wageningen UR · BS-47Fungi Ally (VS) · BS-81Each species has its own range for fruiting, and some species need an extra stimulus, such as a cold shock.
Field & Forest Products (VS) · BS-11Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving / Wageningen UR · BS-471. Temperature
Measure the temperature where the block stands and compare it with the range on your kit or on the species page. Too warm is the most common cause.
University of Florida / IFAS Extension · BS-01Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving / Wageningen UR · BS-472. The trigger is missing
Shiitake and enoki need a cold shock, button mushrooms a casing layer, and some blocks have to be soaked. Follow the step in the instructions for your species.
Field & Forest Products (VS) · BS-09Field & Forest Products (VS) · BS-11Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving / Wageningen UR · BS-473. Light and fresh air
Without indirect light or with too much CO₂, pinning is slow to start. Make the opening bigger, ventilate and move the block somewhere lighter, but not into full sun.
Fungi Ally (VS) · BS-81University of Florida / IFAS Extension · BS-014. Too dry
The surface has to be moist enough. Spray the walls of the box or the bag, without soaking the block itself.
University of Florida / IFAS Extension · BS-01Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-20When to give up?
Give the block plenty of time, up to about double the expected time for your species. If nothing happens by then and you see no contamination, you can throw it away.
Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving / Wageningen UR · BS-47Source
- Grow Your Own Oyster Mushrooms at Home (SS662) — University of Florida / IFAS Extension
- How to Grow King Oyster from Ready-to-Fruit Blocks — Field & Forest Products (VS)
- How to Grow Shiitake from Ready-to-Fruit Blocks — Field & Forest Products (VS)
- Grijze oesterzwam – Growkit — Mushroom Mania (BE)
- Biologisch geteelde bijzondere paddestoelen (Baar & Amsing 2004) — Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving / Wageningen UR
- Fix Oyster Mushroom Growing Problems for Better Yields — Fungi Ally (VS)
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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.
Pick your species and your space; the tool shows what fits, with sources. No account needed.