No second harvest from your grow block
If no new flush comes after the first harvest, the block has often dried out. Let it rest, then give it moisture again according to your kit and keep it slightly moist between flushes. A kit usually gives up to 3 flushes, each one smaller.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-20University of Florida / IFAS Extension · BS-01La Mycosphère (BE) · BS-37After the harvest a dried-out block feels noticeably lighter, and no new pins appear, not even after the usual waiting time.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-20University of Florida / IFAS Extension · BS-01How long should it rest?
That depends on species and product: oyster mushroom 10 to 14 days according to the Mushroom Mania pack, lion's mane 2 to 3 weeks according to Field & Forest. Let shiitake dry for 7 to 14 days and then soak it for at least 6 hours in cold water.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-27Field & Forest Products (VS) · BS-10Field & Forest Products (VS) · BS-11Giving moisture again
Spray the block well after the harvest, or briefly soak it if your kit says so, and keep it closed or slightly moist between flushes.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-20Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-23University of Florida / IFAS Extension · BS-01How many flushes can you expect?
Kits usually give up to 3 flushes; king oyster usually only one. Home-made oyster mushroom substrate can give another 2 to 4 flushes after the first.
Mushroom Mania (BE) · BS-20La Mycosphère (BE) · BS-37Field & Forest Products (VS) · BS-09University of Florida / IFAS Extension · BS-01When is it spent?
If the block no longer responds, the previous harvest may have been the last. You can compost a spent block, except those of non-native species such as golden oyster: they do not belong on the compost heap.
Royal Horticultural Society (VK) · BS-70State of Michigan — Invasive Species Program · BS-79Source
- 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 Lion's Mane 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)
- Shiitake – Growkit — Mushroom Mania (BE)
- Grijze oesterzwam – Kweekpakket (5 kg) — Mushroom Mania (BE)
- Kit pleurote prêt à pousser — La Mycosphère (BE)
- How to grow mushrooms — Royal Horticultural Society (VK)
- Popular golden oyster mushrooms now invading Michigan forests (5 aug. 2025) — State of Michigan — Invasive Species Program
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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.