🍄 Oyster Mushroom: Growing Guide
Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) grows best in shade with plenty of water, and does well at 5–24 °C (41–75 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart. Expect 30–60 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Pleurotus ostreatus |
|---|---|
| Category | Mushrooms |
| Sunlight | Shade |
| Watering | High |
| Plant spacing | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 5–24 °C (41–75 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 30–60 days |
| Sowing depth | 0 cm (0 in) |
| Height | 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | |||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: May, Aug · Harvest: Jun–Jul, Sep.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr, Aug · Harvest: May–Jul, Sep.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar, Aug · Harvest: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jul, Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Mar, Aug–Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: May, Aug · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
Watering
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 2 days in winter. Keep humidity high at all times.
Growing tips
Very easy! Grows on straw or wood. Gray, yellow and pink. Rich in protein.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Oyster Mushroom: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: May, Aug · Harvest: Jun–Jul, Sep. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr, Aug · Harvest: May–Jul, Sep.
Oyster Mushroom: how often should I water it?
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 2 days in winter. Keep humidity high at all times.
Oyster Mushroom: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0 cm (0 in).
Oyster Mushroom: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 30–60 days.
Oyster Mushroom: which plants grow well with it?
Wood.
Oyster Mushroom: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Green mould.
Plan your garden
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