How Mushrooms Grow

The mighty mushroom has a unique and fascinating production process. Grown indoors on a year-round cycle, mushrooms always pack a nutritious punch into your favorite meals. Before they make their way to your plate, mushrooms go through a growing process in a highly controlled environment unlike that of any other produce item.

Mushroom Growing Process

Get a behind-the-scenes look into the journey of the incredible fungi.

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Raw Materials

The substrate provides a nutritional balance of organic material to serve as a growth medium for mushrooms.

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Spawning

Mushroom spawn, purchased from commercial labs, is mixed with the substrate.

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Bedding

The mushroom spawn mixture is transferred to several hundred beds or trays.

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Casing and Pinning

Casing, made of peat moss, is spread over the mushroom bed serving as a reservoir to hold in moisture. During the pinning stage, “pins” of mushrooms push up through the casing.

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Harvesting

Mushrooms are harvested by hand throughout a 16-35 day cycle.

Fungi Growing Facts

Mushrooms grow indoors
24/7/365

Unlike green plants,
mushrooms don’t need
light to grow

Mushrooms double in
size every day

Time Lapse: Mushrooms Growing

Watch the fascinating fungi growing process over just six days!

Growing the Varieties

Mushrooms are one of the most uniquely grown produce

Download Variety Growing PDF

  • Connect with other mushroom lovers

    @mushroomcouncil

    • When you add mushrooms to your meals, you add flavor and nutrients. What you don't add is fat and cholesterol because the mighty mushroom is free of both! 🙌
    • We all know mushrooms are great on their own, but did you know you can also chop 'em up and blend them with meat? 🍄 Their meaty flavor and texture blends seamlessly and helps extend portion sizes to make your meals go further! Learn more on @blenditarian.
    • Conquer the winter months with warm comforting recipes like this Mushroom Chipotle Chili. 😌 RECIPE 👉 MUSHROOMCOUNCIL.COM
    • It may look fancy, but @natashaskitchen made this Stuffed Pork Tenderloin easy and affordable!
    • Beech mushrooms have a mild, sweet and nutty flavor, and a crunchy texture that makes them great for stir-fries, soups, stews and much more! 🍄 What's your favorite way to use beech mushrooms?
    • After a long day, sometimes all you need is a good, hearty meal. @familystylefood made it easy with this One-Pan Mushroom Gnocchi With Bleu Cheese Sauce!