How to Plant Enoki Mushrooms from Store Bought? Will It Grow?

Growing enoki mushrooms at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. It will provide you with fresh, nutritious fungi right from your kitchen. Enoki mushrooms, known for their delicate, crunchy texture and mild flavor, are a staple in many Asian cuisines. 

Have you ever wondered if those delicate, slender mushrooms you buy at the grocery store could be cultivated right in your kitchen? 

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process. You will grow enoki mushrooms from store-bought ones. By the end, you’ll know how to grow fresh enoki mushrooms at home. This will ensure a steady supply of this tasty and nutritious ingredient. 

Understanding Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) are small, white, and long-stemmed mushrooms typically used in soups, salads, and stir-fries. They thrive in cool, humid environments and grow on decaying wood or organic matter. 

Enoki mushrooms are unique. They need low light. This gives them their pale color and long stems.

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: Long, slender stems with small, button-like caps.
• Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet, and crunchy.
• Nutritional Benefits: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals.

Choosing the Right Enoki Mushrooms from Store Bought to Grow

Choosing the right enoki mushrooms from the store to grow at home involves a few key steps. First, look for fresh, firm mushrooms with white stems and small, tight caps. Avoid any that appear slimy, discolored, or have an unpleasant odor, as these are signs of spoilage.

Next, ensure the mushrooms are organic. Organic mushrooms are less likely to have pesticides or chemicals. These could hinder their growth. 

It’s also beneficial to select mushrooms that are still attached to a small amount of their original growing medium. This makes it easier to start your cultivation process at home.

Additionally, consider the packaging. Mushrooms sold in breathable packaging are typically fresher and more suitable for growing. Once you’ve made your selection, store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to start the growing process.

Also check: Mushroom Compost vs. Manure Compost

Preparing to Grow Enoki Mushrooms

Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the necessary materials:

• Store-bought enoki mushrooms: Choose fresh, healthy-looking mushrooms from the store.
• Growing medium: Sawdust, straw, or a mixture of both.
• Growing container: A plastic container with a lid or a glass jar.
• Water: To keep the growing medium moist.
• Humidity dome or plastic bag: To maintain high humidity.

Initial Steps

1. Selecting the Spawn: Use fresh enoki mushrooms from a reputable source. The fresher the mushrooms, the higher the chances of successful cultivation.
2. Preparing the Growing Medium: Sterilize the sawdust or straw by soaking it in hot water for an hour. Drain and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Setting Up the Container: Place the growing medium in the container, filling it about three-quarters full. Moisten the medium with water, ensuring it is damp but not waterlogged.

How to Plant and Grow Enoki Mushrooms from Store Bought

Inoculating the Growing Medium

1. Harvesting the Spawn: Carefully remove the base of the store-bought enoki mushrooms. This part contains the mycelium, which is crucial for growth.
2. Plant the Spawn: Insert the mushroom bases into the growing medium. Make sure the mycelium touches the substrate.
3. Sealing the Container: Cover the container with its lid or use a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Make small holes for ventilation.

Maintaining Growth Conditions

1. Temperature and Humidity: Enoki mushrooms thrive in temperatures between 45-68°F (7-20°C). Keep the container in a cool, dark place with high humidity.
2. Moisture Management: Regularly mist the growing medium to maintain moisture levels. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to mold growth.
3. Monitoring Growth: Within a few weeks, you should see white mycelium spreading through the medium. This indicates that the mushrooms are starting to grow.

Encouraging Fruiting

1. Light and Air: Once the mycelium has colonized the substrate, move the container to an area with indirect light and fresh air. This shift encourages the mushrooms to develop.
2. Temperature Adjustment: Slightly lower the temperature to around 50°F (10°C) to stimulate fruiting.
3. Humidity Maintenance: Continue to mist the container to keep humidity levels high.

Read: Simple Guide to Growing Mushrooms at Home Using Store-Bought Mushrooms

How Long Does It Take to Grow and Harvest Enoki Mushrooms?

How Japanese Farming Enoki Mushroom - Amazing Enoki Mushrooms Harvesting and Processing

Growing enoki mushrooms to harvest takes patience and proper care. Typically, enoki mushrooms can be ready for harvest in about 2 to 3 months. The exact timeframe depends on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the growing medium used.

During the first few weeks, you’ll notice the mycelium spreading through the substrate. This stage is crucial as the mycelium establishes itself. Keep the environment moist and at a consistent temperature of around 50-60°F (10-15°C). After about a month, small mushroom pins will start to form.

As the mushrooms grow, they will begin to take on their characteristic long, thin stems and small caps. Ensure they have plenty of fresh air and maintain high humidity to prevent them from drying out.

By the end of 2 to 3 months, your enoki mushrooms should be fully grown and ready to harvest. They will have white, slender stems and small, white caps, indicating they are mature and ready to enjoy.

Harvesting Enoki Mushrooms

Signs of Readiness

Enoki mushrooms are ready to harvest when they reach their characteristic long, slender shape with small caps. The stems should be white and firm, and the caps should be fully developed but not yet spreading out.

Harvesting Technique

1. Cutting the Mushrooms: Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base. Avoid pulling them out, as this can damage the mycelium and the growing medium.
2. Post-Harvest Care: After harvesting, mist the substrate. Keep it humid to encourage more growth. Enoki mushrooms can produce multiple flushes if cared for properly.

Storing and Using Enoki Mushrooms

1. Storage: Store fresh enoki mushrooms in the refrigerator. Place them in a paper bag or wrap them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag to maintain freshness.
2. Culinary Uses: Enoki mushrooms are versatile. They can be added to soups, salads, stir-fries, and hot pots. Their mild flavor and crunchy texture enhance a variety of dishes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Contamination

• Symptoms: Mold, unusual colors, or unpleasant odors in the growing medium.
• Prevention: Ensure all materials and tools are sterilized. Maintain proper moisture levels and ventilation.
• Solution: Remove contaminated areas carefully. Increase ventilation and adjust humidity.

Poor Growth

• Symptoms: Slow mycelium spread, small or deformed mushrooms.
• Prevention: Provide consistent temperature, humidity, and indirect light.
• Solution: Adjust environmental conditions. Ensure the growing medium is adequately moist but not waterlogged.

Pests

• Symptoms: Presence of insects or larvae.
• Prevention: Maintain cleanliness and monitor the growing area regularly.
• Solution: Remove pests manually. Use natural insecticides if necessary.

Also check: 7 Different Types of Puffball Mushrooms (With Picture)

Maintaining Long-Term Growth

Rotating Substrates

To keep your enoki mushroom cultivation ongoing, periodically rotate the substrate. After several flushes, the original medium’s nutrients will deplete. This will reduce mushroom yields.

1. Preparing Fresh Substrate: Follow the same sterilization process as the initial setup.
2. Transferring Mycelium: Move mycelium from old substrate to new one, preserving growth sequence.
3. Continued Care: Maintain consistent growing conditions to encourage new growth. Use manure compost to grow mushrooms for best yield result.

Expanding Cultivation

As you become more used to growing Enoki mushrooms, consider growing more.

1. Use many containers. Stagger their growth cycles. This ensures a steady supply of mushrooms.
2. Different Varieties: Experiment with different enoki mushroom varieties to diversify your harvest.

Conclusion

Growing enoki mushrooms from store-bought plant specimens is a fulfilling and relatively straightforward process. With the right materials, conditions, and care, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, delicious enoki mushrooms right from your home. Follow this guide. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for farming and the joy it brings. Happy growing!