Grow FAQs

  Find a spot that does not get direct sunlight and has an adequate air flow but maintains the desired temp range.

• Lion’s Mane: We have found that a range of 66 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit works best for optimal fruiting.  67 to 68 was the precise temp that yielded the most per fruiting block. A 70% humidity is also recommended for optimal yield’s.
• Shiitake: A range of 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit works for both spawn and fruiting. Optimal would be to hold the temp between 71 – 75.
• Reishi: This mushroom has the greatest span of allowed temperature at 60 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit for both spawn and fruiting.. It likes a high humid environment at 80%. Spritz often!
• Pink Oyster: During the inoculation stage the temp should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower the temperature for fruiting at 70 to 75. Oyster mushrooms also like the environment at 80% to 95% humidity.

To have optimal growth and yield your mushroom must get proper hydration.  We suggest spritzing twice a day – just enough to see tiny droplets of water form on and around the growth.  Avoid standing water or over watering where the water will pool on the bottom of the block.  It could lead to unwanted contamination via green or black molds. We do suggest using filtered water that does not have high levels of chlorine or fluoride or hard well water as it could affect the mushroom quality.

We roughly sell a five pound block, which yields around six to ten pounds of mushrooms.  Of course that depends on how the temp and hydration factors.  

NW Spores take great care in proper sterilization throughout the process of building a fruiting block.  Try to keep your block away from areas where mold spores are common – kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms. 

Our liquid cultures are lab grade and comprise of malt extract, peptone, agave nectar as the base. We add active mushroom spores to the liquid and the magic starts within 24 to 48 hours! We make small batch, 1 quart to 1/2 gallon to ensure we get complete spore saturation within the liquid.

At NW Spores we use only natural hardwoods and nutrient ingredients and gypsum for our substrates.  Our grain bags are a combination of select grains that promote a quick and healthy growth cycle.  Together they make one heck of a fruiting block!

Our goal is to provide the best mushroom that contains nootropics and nutrients that benefit the body and mind.  With that in mind we want to keep our selections simple to ensure the highest quality products.  We may offer other mushrooms like Turkey Tail, Chestnut and other Oyster colors.