Almond Agaricus

Agaricus subrufescens

The "Almond," synonymous with Agaricus brasiliensis and Agaricus blazei, is related to the common white button and portobello mushrooms. Its blocky, buff, scaly cap, parchment-colored flocked veil, pink to chocolate colored gills, and distinctive almond scent make the Almond Agaricus easy to identify. Because its mycelium grows in the range of 50-95° F, it is an excellent species to grow in the moisture controlled environments of high tunnels and greenhouses. Under minimally controlled conditions such as providing greenhouse shade during hot months and supplemental watering, the compost can yield well over a pound per square foot even in areas with short growing seasons. It can also be grown outdoors on garden compost under leaf cover of the vegetables or trees that benefit from this nutrient loaded addition.

Cultivation: Simply seed spawn within a 3-4" topdressing (deeper is even better, up to 8") of compost in the spring. Because it is such a warmth-loving crop, gardeners in the North that use plastic tunnels or greenhouses may enjoy an additional late season of Almonds. It doesn't tolerate temperatures under 35° F, so plant as soon as the danger of frost is truly over. One 5 lb. bag of sawdust spawn will inoculate about 50 lbs. of finished (fully decomposed) compost.

More Information and Tips for Growing Almond Agaricus