Shiitake logs force fruited in the shroom room..

We have used three different shiitake strains.

We use a Wide Range Strain that is a favorite of commercial growers and beginners. Their reliable, fast spawn run and fruiting allows a relatively faster return on investment. Logs inoculated in spring and placed outdoors naturally produce a commercial crop that same autumn in southern climates, or midsummer the following year in the northern climates. Wide range stains can be force fruited easily and recover vigor more rapidly after fruiting.

West Wind is the wide range strain we use. It features a fast spawn run, large, thick, first flush mushrooms, and heavy yields, making it a great strain choice for new growers. It shows a slight preference for red oak over white oak and tolerates drier conditions.

Warm Weather Strains produce the highest quality mushroom per pound of total yield during the hot summer months. They naturally produce a heavy flush in the early fall, respond very well to soaking for commercial production, and tolerate warmer soak water than other strains. they fruit well indoors during winter months, though they require incubation for at least 6-12 months before their first fruiting.

Night Velvet is the warm weather strain we use. It is potentially a strong producer during the hot summer months, especially in the sultry South. Harvesting these plump, umbrella shaped mushrooms is like picking apples. This is a heavy producer.

Cold Weather Strain requires a longer spawn run and rest intervals of 8-12 weeks between fruitings, but   they produce highly saleable mushrooms when little fresh produce is available, making them very popular among market gardeners. Early spring crops need protection from drying.

Snowcap is the cold weather strain that we use. It produces beautiful, uniform, thick fleshed flushes with attractive veil remnants. A long natural outdoor fruiting season makes it grower's favorite. Fruits best in spring and fall in the north and all winter in more southern states.

             It's a Process

Read how to inoculate your own logs!

LOGS-    We use mostly white oak for shiitake propagation. Other hard woods that will work include; red oak, black oak, hickory, etc. Selected healthy trees are marked in early fall when the leaves are still on. In the winter, when the sap is down, harvest marked trees. Take them to the area planned to inoculate them and protect them from sun, wind, and excessive moisture. For best results inoculate them with in 30 days.

TEAM WORK-    An assembly line is the most efficient way to inoculate any quantity of logs. The next step is to drill holes with a 12 mm bit (see supplies.) After the holes are drilled inoculate them with sawdust spawn, using a thumb or palm style brass inoculator. Once inoculated seal the inoculated holes with melted cheese wax. Last but not least, attach aluminum tags for identification (strain, date, etc.) The person tagging can be a floater and help anybody in the line (as it is the least time consuming job.)

HANG IN THERE-    We're not done yet. Take the logs to the area planned for gestation. The logs need about 80% shade. They will need 7-15 months depending on the strain, climate, etc. Be prepared to water the logs. If the moisture content of the logs drops below 20%, they become expensive firewood.

        DRILL           INOCULATE               WAX               WAIT & WATCH

Another method to propagate shiitakes is with the totem method!

Key Benefits

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Last modified: 03/06/10