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Mushroom Grow kit isolated onwite bckground

The Oyster Pail™

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Step 1. Place The Oyster Pail™ where it will receive a bit of indirect sunlight daily with a temperature between 65°F and 78°F.

Note: Pink Oyster Mushroom prefer temperatures between 75° and 90°

Step 2. Let The Oyster Pail™ adapt to its new home five days before removing the filter patches covering the fruiting sites. The Oyster Pail™ will typically start to fruit in between 4 and 28 days.

Step 3. If fruiting has yet to begin after 14 days, lightly mist the fruiting sites once a day for three days with one spray of 3% hydrogen peroxide.

Step 4. Mushrooms harvested while their caps are curled downwards will last longer in the fridge. Harvest before the caps start to flatten to avoid heavy spore discharge.

Step 5. Once the final harvest is completed, empty and clean the pail. Place it back in plastic and the original box and return it to Virginia Spores & More for a discount on your next kit.

Basic steps

Keys For a Successful Harvest

Placement

  • Place The Oyster Pail™ in a location with indirect sunlight daily; dim artificial light will also work.

  • The area should get a good supply of fresh air. Avoid bathrooms and below the kitchen sink.

Optimal Temperature

Maintain a temperature between 65°F and 78°F. 

Note: Pink Oyster Mushrooms prefer temperatures between 75°F and 90°F.

Acclimation Period

Allow The Oyster Pail to adapt to its new environment for 5 days before removing the filter patches covering the fruiting sites.

The Oyster Pail™ will typically start to fruit within 4 to 21 days after removing the patches. Mist twice a day for 4 days after pinning starts

Tip: If fruiting has not begun after 14 days, lightly mist the fruiting sites once a day for three days using one spray of 3% hydrogen peroxide.

Do not open the top unless fruiting in a controlled environment such as a tote or grow tent. Opening the top will delay fruiting. 

FAQ

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Instructional Video

Learn-To-Grow

We currently offer in-person instruction, classes, and hands-on workshops throughout the year.

Humidity Management

  • Maintaining a high-humidity environment is most important during the first 3-5 days of mushroom formation.

  • Humidity above 85%  after initiation is required to support baby mushroom pins. 

  • After 4 days of pinning, it's okay for humidity levels to drop as low as 50%, but ideally keep it in the 80% range. 

Optional ways to create a high humidity environment

These methods will boost the yield and quality of mushrooms but are not necessary to achieve good results.

Use a plastic tote with approximately 1 inch of perlite lining the bottom. Hydrate the perlite and then place the Oyster Pail on top of perlite. Lightly place the tote lid either upside down or slightly ajar. Do not seal the lid; leave ajar for good airflow.
OR:
​​Place The Oyster Pail back inside the plastic bag it was packaged in and very closely fold over the top, yet still allowing airflow. Mist the sides of the bag daily. Remove from the bag after the 4th day of pinning. 
OR:
Place The Oyster Pail near a mini humidifier. Refill the humidifier as needed.

Lighting

Use regular shop lights or blue LED strip lighting for energy efficiency. Mushrooms use light to measure stem extension, not for energy conversion.

Harvesting Mushrooms

  •  Harvest mushrooms while their caps are curled downwards for longer fridge life.

  • Harvest before the caps start to flatten to avoid heavy spore discharge.

  • Store harvested mushrooms at 34-37°F for up to 10-12 days.

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