🍄 Shiitake: Growing Guide
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) grows best in shade with regular watering, and does well at 10–25 °C (50–77 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Space plants about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart. Expect 60–180 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Lentinula edodes |
|---|---|
| Category | Mushrooms |
| Sunlight | Shade |
| Watering | Regular |
| Plant spacing | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 10–25 °C (50–77 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 60–180 days |
| Sowing depth | 0 cm (0 in) |
| Height | 5–10 cm (2–3.9 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 | |||||||
| 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 |
- 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.
- 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: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
Watering
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 2 days in winter. Mist with water regularly.
Growing tips
Grown on oak logs. Contains lentinan. One of the world's most popular edible mushrooms.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Shiitake: 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.
Shiitake: how often should I water it?
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 2 days in winter. Mist with water regularly.
Shiitake: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0 cm (0 in).
Shiitake: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 60–180 days.
Shiitake: which plants grow well with it?
Oak, Beech.
Shiitake: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Competing fungi.
Plan your garden
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