Japanese Rapid Method Strains

Japanese Shiitake strains #1 Son and our new strain Cumulus (available at the end of January) provide exceptional quality and production for home growers and commercial growers alike.

Strategies to Accelerate Spawn Run Time

If you would like to see mushrooms faster than the usual 9-18 months for Shiitake mushroom logs to colonize or speed up spawn run for most other inoculation projects, here are some products and techniques which can get you mushrooms faster. And remember, one of the easiest ways is to simply use more spawn. Spawn rates are often based on economics - a balance of perfecting substrates and methods while economizing spawn use. For a faster turn around, double the inoculation rate, or use the High Speed Method (briefly outlined below - detailed instructions are available upon request). These two Japanese High Speed Method strains, like our other Shiitake strains, are well-adapted to traditional outdoor cultivation techniques as well. To read more about log cultivation, click this link: Growing Mushrooms on Logs

High Speed Shiitake Method

Developed by Fuji Spawn of Japan to shorten the time from inoculation to fruiting, this autumnal inoculation method can shave off months of spawn run time and also insure full colonization. Adaptable to one or thousands, logs are inoculated and held under plastic sheeting in a cool environment (50-59°F), where Shiitake can grow favorably while competing organisms cannot. Plastic sheeting is raised and lowered to stimulate spawn run during the 4-5 month duration. Once spawn run is secured and temperatures exceed 65°F, logs are moved outside, and fruited mid-summer and beyond. Detailed instructions are available upon request.

Fuji Spawn is the premier spawn producer for log-based cultivation in Japan. We are pleased to collaborate with them to produce their superior strains for US growers.