This is the common temperate Oyster mushroom. Depending on substrate, light and temperature, Pearl oysters will vary in coloration from white to gray and brown. Generally, more intense light will produce a darker coloration. Pearl Oysters are an adaptable species that fruits easily on a wide range of substrates and are good candidates for recycling wood and paper waste into edible mushrooms.

As with all oyster mushrooms, Pearl oysters need plenty of fresh air to develop normally. High carbon dioxide levels from mushroom metabolism will accumulate in sealed growing environments and can reduce cap size and elongate stems severely. Fruiting in open humidity chambers with frequent fresh air exchange, or in open air envirionments will produce best possible yields.

Inoculate stumps and logs with pearl oyster mushroom plug spawn and experience years of wonderful, fresh gourmet mushroom harvests. Freshly cut hard wood is preferred. Use approximately 25-50 plugs per 3 foot by 4-8 inch diameter log. Spring inoculated logs may yield first crops by fall, best fruitings occur within one or two years. Plug size: 5/16in x 1in spiral grooved dowels.

Prepare inoculation sites by drilling 5/16in x 1 1/2in holes in a 4-6 inch spiraled spacing around presoaked logs or stumps. Hammer in plugs slighly below surface level to allow for capping with melted cheese wax to prevent drying of spawn. Stack or lean logs in shady location and do not allow to excessively dry. Dunk logs in bins of water to rehydrate, or water with traditional sprinklers, misters, or soakers during dry spells. Expect fall harvests for years to come.

For more information on growing from plug spawn check out the following titles from our Mushroom Bookstore: