Mushroom cultivation requires a precise understanding of the growth cycles specific to each variety. This reference table presents a quick overview of 21 mushroom varieties with their estimated cycle durations.
Click on the name of each variety to access its complete growing guide with all the detailed information.
Variety Comparison Table
| Variety | Substrate | Total Cycle | Flushes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Pink Oyster | Straw / Sawdust | 12 - 19 days | 2 |
| 🌾 Paddy Straw | Rice Straw | 13 - 20 days | 2 |
| 🌻 Yellow Oyster | Sawdust / Straw | 16 - 24 days | 2-3 |
| 🕊️ Phoenix Oyster | Any type | 17 - 25 days | 2-3 |
| 🔵 Grey/Blue Oyster | Straw / Sawdust | 19 - 28 days | 2-3 |
| 🖋️ Shaggy Mane | Compost / Soil | 22 - 33 days | 2 |
| 🧵 Enoki | Amended Sawdust | 24 - 39 days | 2 |
| 🦁 Lion's Mane | Master's Mix | 24 - 37 days | 2-3 |
| 🌳 Elm Oyster | Sawdust / Straw | 25 - 35 days | 2 |
| ⚪ Button Mushroom | Compost | 28 - 41 days | 3-4 |
| 🇮🇹 Pioppino | Hardwood Sawdust | 30 - 45 days | 2 |
| 🍔 Portobello | Compost | 31 - 45 days | 3 |
| 👑 King Oyster | Sawdust / Straw | 30 - 49 days | 2 |
| 🍊 Nameko | Wet Sawdust | 33 - 50 days | 2-3 |
| 🌰 Chestnut | Amended Sawdust | 34 - 54 days | 2 |
| 👂 Wood Ear | Wood Sawdust | 37 - 55 days | 2 |
| 🦃 Turkey Tail | Wood Sawdust | 41 - 75 days | 1-2 |
| 🍄 Shiitake | Sawdust / Logs | 45 - 85 days | 2-3 |
| 🐔 Maitake | Amended Sawdust | 50 - 79 days | 1-2 |
| 🧡 Cordyceps | Rice / Nutrients | 62 - 80 days | 1 |
| ❤️ Reishi | Hardwood Sawdust | 65 - 148 days | 1 |
Understanding Growing Phases
Each mushroom variety goes through several distinct phases:
- Phase 1 - Colonization: The mycelium grows and colonizes the substrate. This phase generally takes place in the dark.
- Phase 2 - Initiation (Pinning): Formation of primordia, the "pins" that will become mushrooms.
- Phase 3 - Growth: Development of fruiting bodies until maturity and harvest.
How to Choose Your Variety?
🚀 For a Quick Start
Opt for Pink, Yellow, or Phoenix Oysters: short cycles (2-3 weeks), very tolerant of errors.
💰 For Sales
Shiitake, King Oyster, and Lion's Mane offer the best added value.
💊 For Medicinal Properties
Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Maitake are the champions of medicinal mushrooms.
🌡️ According to Your Climate
- Hot Climate: Pink Oyster, Paddy Straw, Wood Ear
- Temperate Climate: Grey Oyster, Shiitake, Button Mushroom
- Cold Climate: Enoki, Nameko
💡 Tip: With MycoGest, automatically track each phase of your crops and receive alerts for critical steps. Request a free demo.
Factors Influencing Durations
The durations indicated are estimates. Several factors can cause them to vary:
- Temperature: The colder it is, the slower it is
- Humidity: Crucial for initiation
- Spawn Quality: Fresh spawn colonizes faster
- Substrate: A well-prepared substrate facilitates colonization
Explore the individual guides for each variety for detailed advice tailored to each mushroom.
