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- 🍄 Oyster mushrooms can grow from a kit in as little as 10 days.
- 💦 Ideal humidity for fruiting mushrooms ranges between 80–95%.
- 🌡️ Most species thrive at temperatures between 65°F and 75°F.
- 📦 Pre-colonized mushroom kits significantly reduce grow time by weeks.
- ⏱️ Although mushroom fruiting seems fast, colonization takes up to 4 weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Grow Mushrooms?
Mushrooms can grow quickly—sometimes within days. But the real work happens under the surface, before you ever see those familiar caps. Unlike traditional gardening, mushroom cultivation depends on humidity, temperature, and how your mycelium develops. If you’re growing at home using a grow kit, or starting from scratch with grain spawn and a monotub setup, understanding the full growth timeline helps you set realistic expectations and get better, faster results. Here’s how long mushrooms take to grow—and what can speed up the process.
Mushroom Growth Stages and Their Timelines
The mushroom life cycle has several important stages. Each one plays a part, and each has its own timeline, before you get the final product you can cook or use for health. Knowing these stages can help you fix problems, plan better, and grow mushrooms well.
Spawn Run (Inoculation to Colonization) – 1 to 4 Weeks
This is the first stage of growing mushrooms. It happens after you put mushroom spawn into the substrate (growing medium). The "spawn run" begins when the mycelium—the fungus's main body—starts to spread out into the substrate. This network of tiny fibers eventually supports the mushrooms as they fruit.
Things that affect the spawn run include:
- The mushroom species
- The substrate's nutrient and moisture levels
- The incubation area's temperature
For example, fast-spreading oyster mushrooms can fully colonize a bag of straw in about 7 to 14 days. But shiitake mushrooms growing on hardwood sawdust blocks might take up to a month.
Colonization – Integrated with Spawn Run
Colonization is not a separate step. Instead, it's when the spawn run finishes. Your substrate is fully colonized when it is completely white and fuzzy with mycelium. During this time, do not disturb the container. Keep it in a clean, dark, and somewhat warm place.
Fully colonized blocks are ready for the next step: fruiting. But this only happens when all conditions are right.
Pinning (Primordia Formation) – 3 to 7 Days
Pinning is when you first see mushrooms start to grow. Small bumps, or "pins," begin to form because of changes in the environment. Specifically:
- CO₂ drops (meaning more oxygen)
- Light appears
- Humidity goes up
- Temperature drops a little (this depends on the species)
This stage is delicate. Problems like not enough humidity or big temperature changes can stop or deform the pins for good.
Fruiting – 3 to 7 Days
If all goes well, the small pins quickly turn into clear mushrooms. This is when mushrooms surprise people—they often double in size overnight.
Oyster mushrooms and other quick growers might be ready to pick in just three days. Other types, like lion’s mane or shiitake, might take closer to a week. Keep the humidity very high. And make sure there is enough fresh air to stop CO₂ buildup, which can cause long or odd-shaped mushrooms.
Harvest – 1 to 3 Days After Fruiting
Mushrooms are ready to pick once their caps start to flatten or turn up. Waiting too long can make spores drop, or make the texture tough and the taste bitter.
Cut cleanly near the base. Do not pull the mushroom. Usually, the fresher you pick them, the better they taste and feel.
💡 Tip: Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to pick mushrooms. This helps avoid damaging the substrate, which can grow more mushrooms later.
Different Mushrooms, Different Speeds: Species Growth Comparison
Not all mushrooms grow at the same speed. Some types colonize and fruit very fast. Others take patience. But they might offer great nutritional or medicinal benefits.
| Mushroom Type | Full Growth Time | Fruiting Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oyster | 10–14 days | 3–5 days | Fastest-growing, grows on many types of material |
| Shiitake (blocks) | 3–4 weeks | 5–7 days | Needs soaking before fruiting; dense flesh |
| Shiitake (logs) | 6–12 weeks | 4–7 days | Very slow; good for long-term outdoor growing |
| Lion’s Mane | ~4 weeks | 5–10 days | Needs high humidity and less airflow; delicate |
| Reishi | 2–3 months | 7+ days | Grown more for looks and health benefits |
📚 Sources: Stamets, 2005; Beyer, 2017; Royse, 2001.
Keep in mind, these times are general. Real results depend a lot on growing conditions like humidity, temperature, substrate type, and spawn quality.
What Affects How Fast Mushrooms Grow?
Several important things can make your mushroom grow cycle faster—or much slower.
1. Temperature
Each mushroom species likes a certain temperature range. For example:
- Oyster mushrooms: 65°F–75°F
- Shiitake mushrooms: 55°F–70°F
- Lion’s mane: 60°F–70°F
Staying in this range helps keep colonization and fruiting on track.
2. Humidity
High humidity (80–95%) is a must during pinning and fruiting. Without moisture, mushroom tissue struggles to form or keep its shape.
Use a humidity tent or humidifier. Mist during dry times.
3. Substrate Type
The growing material affects how many nutrients are available and how much water it holds. Common substrates include:
- Straw: Great for oyster mushrooms; it's cheap and fast to colonize
- Sawdust blocks: Good for shiitake and lion’s mane; rich but slow
- Coffee grounds/cardboard: Can be used for DIY projects
- Logs: Natural but very slow to colonize; used outdoors
Mushroom kits with pre-colonized substrate help make things faster and more reliable.
4. Fresh Spawn
Spawn, like mushroom seeds, has a limited useful life. Old or badly stored spawn can slow down colonization and delay pinning or fruiting. Buy from good sources. Store it in a cool place until you use it.
5. Air Exchange & CO₂ Levels
Mushrooms need oxygen and give off carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Stale air makes mushrooms grow strangely, like having long stems. Let in fresh air through grow tent openings, slits in bags, or by using a fan with indirect airflow.
6. Light Exposure
Mushrooms are not plants, but light still matters. A few hours of indirect natural or artificial light helps pins form and caps grow, especially for types like oysters.
7. Cleanliness and Contamination Control
Mycelium can easily get sick from other microbes.
Substrate with mold or bacteria will stop colonization or take its nutrients. Always wear gloves. Clean your tools and surfaces before you start.
Can Mushrooms Grow in 24 Hours? The Truth Behind Fast Fruiting
The idea of "overnight mushroom growth" is partly true.
It's very common for mushroom bodies (caps and stems) to grow a lot overnight—sometimes doubling in size. This happens in the final phase and is often seen with types like oyster mushrooms.
But the process before that quick growth takes days or weeks. The real work happens with the underground mycelium before any mushrooms show up.
Time-lapse videos show the quick fruiting stage. This makes it seem like mushrooms just pop up in 24 hours. But the mushroom has been growing inside for some time before it appears.
Understanding Mushroom Kits: Faster Growth for Beginners
If you're new and want an easy setup with fast results, mushroom kits are a great choice.
These kits have:
- Pre-colonized substrate blocks
- Simple instructions
- A humidity tent or bag for fruiting
Since the colonization phase has already happened, you can go straight to fruiting. This cuts weeks off your total grow time.
Average Grow Time with Kits
- From setup to harvest: 10–14 days
- Pin to harvest: 3–5 days
- Flush count: Usually 2–3 flushes per kit over several weeks
| Method | Time to First Harvest | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Grow Kit | 10–14 days | Beginner |
| Grain Spawn Bags | 2–4 weeks | Intermediate |
| Inoculated Logs | 2–3 months or longer | Advanced |
What Is the Fastest Growing Mushroom & Why?
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are, by far, the fastest-growing mushrooms.
Both hobby growers and serious growers pick these because they grow so quickly and are easy to work with. They are good for recycled or cheap materials like straw or cardboard.
Why Oyster Mushrooms Win:
- Fast spawn colonization
- Fruit in 10–14 days
- Grow on almost any farm waste
- High yield with little effort
Penn State research shows different oyster types can start fruiting in less than 14 days. This makes them a top choice for speed and ease (Beyer, 2017; Royse, 2001).
How to Make Mushrooms Grow Faster (Safely)
To make your grow cycle quicker without hurting mushroom quality, follow these tips:
- ✅ Start with pre-colonized mushroom kits
- 💧 Make sure humidity is 80–90% at all times
- 🌡️ Keep the grow area between 65–75°F (this depends on the species)
- 🌬️ Improve airflow carefully with indirect fan movement
- 🥼 Always use clean hands and equipment to avoid contamination
- 🍄 Pick fast-fruiting species like oyster mushrooms
These steps can save several days—or even a week—from your total grow time.
Common Mistakes That Slow Mushroom Growth
Many new growers accidentally slow down their mushroom crops by making these mistakes:
- Opening your substrate too early: This lets contamination in before the mycelium can protect itself.
- Poor or unsteady humidity: Mycelium dies or does not make fruit without enough moisture.
- Wrong temperature range: Keep the temperature in the right zone to help colonization and fruiting.
- Not enough fresh air: This causes odd-shaped mushrooms and stops fruiting.
- Wrong timing for picking: Waiting too long can cause rot or spores to release.
Knowing about these common problems and fixing them early will help you keep growth steady and productive.
Time Expectations: From Start to Harvest
Here's a simple look at how long different growing methods take, from putting in spawn to picking:
| Method | Inoculation to Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zombie Kit (Pre-Colonized) | 10–14 days | Easiest and fastest method |
| Grain Spawn Bags | 2–4 weeks | Needs some setup and checking |
| Liquid Culture + Substrate | 3–5 weeks | Slower, good for trying different types |
| Plugged Hardwood Logs | 2–6 months | Longest method, gives many flushes each year |
Each method works best for different needs, depending on how much you want to grow, your interest, and your timeline. Kits are best for first-time growers or for a quick harvest. But logs are best for long-term outdoor picking.
Grow Kit FAQ: Timeline Edition
⏱️ How long does the first flush take?
Usually 10–14 days after setup. This depends on the species and the environment.
🍽️ When should I harvest my mushrooms?
Pick them when they taste best: when caps flatten or turn up. Picking them early makes for better texture.
♻️ Can mushroom kits produce more than one flush?
Yes, most kits make 2–3 flushes. Soak the block between flushes. And keep misting it every day.
💧 How long should I soak the block before more mushrooms grow?
Soak for 12–24 hours after each flush. Drain it completely. Then put the block back in fruiting conditions.
Final Thoughts: The Joy (and Patience) of Growing Mushrooms
Growing mushrooms is both a science and an art. It's a hobby that teaches patience, responsibility, and how amazing nature is. Today’s mushroom kits, especially those from Zombie Mushrooms, make it easier and faster to get a fresh harvest from your kitchen counter. Whether you grow oyster mushrooms for a quick dinner or lion’s mane for brain health, getting to grow your own fungi feels truly special.
Ready to start growing mushrooms faster and better? Look at Zombie Mushrooms for easy-to-use mushroom kits and supplies for every grower.
📚 Citations
- Stamets, P. (2005). Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World. Berkley: Ten Speed Press.
- Beyer, D. (2017). Mushroom Production and Market Development. Penn State Extension.
- Royse, D. J. (2001). Cultivation of Oyster Mushrooms. The Pennsylvania State University.
