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Turkey Tail
Trametes versicolor
Hardy medicinal mushroom with immune-boosting properties. Grows on almost anything. Used for tea and extracts.
Growing Timeline
Total time from inoculation to harvest: approximately 98 days
Growth Phases
1
Inoculation
Typically 1-1 days
Temp: 18-24°C
Humidity: 60-70%
Tasks
- Prepare hardwood substrate or logs
- Inoculate with spawn
Tips
- Very flexible - grows on most hardwoods
- Logs or sawdust both work
2
Colonization
Typically 30-60 days
Temp: 18-24°C
Humidity: 60-70%
Tasks
- Store in shaded outdoor area
- Keep moist
Tips
- Very hardy - tolerates neglect
- Can grow outdoors
3
Fruiting
Typically 14-30 days
Temp: 16-24°C
Humidity: 75-90%
Tasks
- Maintain moisture
- Partial shade preferred
Tips
- Colorful concentric zones appear
- Grows in shelf-like layers
4
Harvest
Typically 1-7 days
Temp: 16-24°C
Humidity: 75-90%
Tasks
- Harvest when edges stop growing white
- Cut or twist off shelves
Tips
- Dry for tea or extraction
- Too tough to eat directly
Common Issues
- False turkey tail (check pores)
- Too dry (outdoor logs)
Growing Tips
- Easiest medicinal mushroom
- Make tea or double-extract tincture
- Can grow on outdoor log piles