Level of Difficulty: Easy

Grows in: 8 Days

Shelf Life: 6 MONTHS (IF REFRIGERATED PROPERLY)

Blue Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus Ostreatus Columbinus) are an easy cool-weather strain for home growing. This spawn will produce velvety blue/gray fruiting bodies. Blue Oysters are hearty, a great option for soups or pasta dishes.

This variety is fast-producing. Simply cut an “X” in the bag and mist with water once a day. Each kit produces ~1.5 pounds of mushrooms and should be ready to harvest in just about eight days. One of our favorite ways to cook oysters is simply chopped, sautéed in butter with some herbs, and served as a delicious side or as a delectable topping for steak.

DIRECTIONS:

Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit Instructional Video.

Blue Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit Written Instructions:

1) Find a good spot to keep your mushrooms for the duration of its fruiting cycle that will receive at least eight to 12 hours of light (either from indirect sunlight or indoor lighting) each day, and remain between 55-80° F. Cut a six-inch “X” or “H” into the front center of the bag. Then fold back the top of the bag, removing any air inside the bag, and place so the logo is upside down.

2) To fruit optimally, the mushrooms will additionally require humidity and airflow. We find that it is easiest to achieve this by misting the portion of the bag with the opening one to two times daily and keeping it inside a larger, clear plastic bag or in an upside down tote. Each time you mist, you will be maintaining the humidity level and providing the mushrooms with fresh oxygen (like us - they take in oxygen and expel CO2 to survive).

3) After seven to 21 days, you will see the mushrooms begin to emerge. They will be ready to harvest when the caps have opened up and are almost flat. It is best to harvest all at once to prevent contamination from forming during later flushes. To harvest, grasp the mushrooms by their base closest to the bag, and simply twist to remove. You may refrigerate in a breathable container or paper bag for UP TO 48 HOURS before consuming.

4) Follow steps two and three for two to three weeks for subsequent flushes. If the above growing conditions are well-maintained, it is possible to create second and even third fruitings. The block will eventually become depleted and may succumb to contamination. When this happens, you can open the bag and add the contents to your compost pile, where it will add to the microbial richness of your compost! You may even see it fruit again outside if it is cool and wet in the days that follow.

Looking to grow a functional mushroom? Try our Lion’s Mane Mushroom Grow Kit!