← Back to Species
advancedgourmet
Maitake
Grifola frondosa
Hen of the Woods - prized culinary and medicinal mushroom. Challenging but rewarding. Long cultivation time.
Growing Timeline
Total time from inoculation to harvest: approximately 122 days
Growth Phases
1
Inoculation
Typically 1-1 days
Temp: 21-24°C
Humidity: 60-70%
Tasks
- Prepare hardwood substrate
- Inoculate with spawn
- Seal container
Tips
- Oak sawdust preferred
- High nutrition substrate needed
2
Colonization
Typically 60-90 days
Temp: 21-24°C
Humidity: 60-70%
Tasks
- Store in dark location
- Check monthly for contamination
Tips
- Very slow - 2-3 months typical
- Patience is essential
3
Fruiting
Typically 14-28 days
Temp: 13-18°C
Humidity: 85-95%
Tasks
- Top-fruit the block
- Maintain very high humidity
- Indirect light
Tips
- Forms rosettes of overlapping caps
- Slow development
4
Harvest
Typically 1-3 days
Temp: 13-18°C
Humidity: 85-95%
Tasks
- Harvest when edges firm
- Cut entire rosette at base
Tips
- Can reach several pounds
- Freeze what you cannot eat
Common Issues
- Very long timeline
- Contamination during long colonization
- Abort if conditions fluctuate
Growing Tips
- Challenge for experienced growers
- Incredible flavor worth the wait
- Immune-boosting compounds