Parasol mushroom cultivation profile
- Growth: Early to late summer
- Location: sunny to shady in the garden
- Care requirements: low
- Growth temperature: 18-25°C
- Light requirements: shady to sunny
- First harvest: after 3-5 months
- Duration of culture: perennial, established permanently over many years
In their natural habitat, Parasol mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) thrive in sunny forests, along roadsides, and in meadows. For garden cultivation, selecting a location that receives full to partial sunlight is ideal. Given that the mycelium of the Parasol mushroom expands extensively through the soil in search of nutrients, it’s wise to steer clear of areas near trees or at the very edge of forests. These spots are often already inhabited by wild mycorrhizal fungi, which can compete with the Parasol mushroom for resources.
Such areas act as natural competitors to the Parasol mushroom’s mycelium. To promote optimal and sustained growth of Parasol mushrooms, and to allow the mushroom mycelium to spread freely in every direction, it’s recommended to plant them at least 5 meters away from forest edges and 3 meters away from trees. This ensures the mycelium has the space it needs to develop without interference.
What You’ll Need
- Parasol mushroom spawn – available from online retailers
- Straw or wood chips – pasteurized
- Large plastic buckets or bags
- Water mister
Step 1: Prepare the Substrate
Parasol mushrooms grow well on straw or wood chips. Pasteurize the substrate by soaking in 160°F (71°C) water for 1 hour to kill any contaminants. Drain the excess water and allow to cool before using.
Step 2: Inoculate the Substrate
Mix the parasol mushroom spawn throughout the pasteurized straw or wood chips in a large bucket or bag, at a ratio of 1 part spawn to 5 parts substrate. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spawn evenly.
Step 3: Allow Time to Colonize
The parasol mushroom mycelium will extend into the surrounding soil during the adaptation phase, which lasts about 6-12 months. Water the area if there’s been no rain for over a week, avoiding waterlogging. Parasol mushrooms usually begin to appear in early summer to autumn, after the adaptation phase. It may take up to a year for the first mushrooms to show, and they can sprout some distance from the initial bed.
Step 4: Initiate Fruiting Conditions
Once the substrate is fully colonized by the white mycelium, create ideal fruiting conditions. Place in indirect sunlight, maintain humidity around 90%, and ensure ample air flow. Decrease temps to 60-68°F (16-20°C).
Step 5: Harvest Parasol Mushrooms
Pinhead primordia will form after 7-10 days. These will develop into immature mushrooms within a week. Harvest parasol mushrooms when the caps reach full size, about 3-8 inches (8-20 cm) in diameter, but before the caps flatten out.
Be sure to cut mushrooms at the base rather than pulling to avoid damaging the mycelium. After harvesting the first flush, soaking the substrate in non-chlorinated water can promote additional flushes. With the right conditions, the process can repeat, allowing for multiple harvests.
In 35 days, it’s possible to grow pounds of delicious, nutritious parasol mushrooms at home.
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Step-by-step instructions for growing Macrolepiota procera (Parasol Mushrooms) at home, from preparing the substrate to harvesting the mushrooms.
