As a kind of rare edible and medicinal mushroom, Hericium mushroom not only tastes delicious, but also shows the efficacy of curing stomach illness. In order to actualize its successful cultivation, growers have to firstly know about its biological characteristics referring to the external environment required during the fruiting period of Hericium mushroom.
1. Temperature: Ideal temperature range during the fruiting period of Hericium mushroom is 12-20 degrees Celsius, malformed mushrooms might occur when it goes beyond 25 degrees Celsius.
2. Light intensity: 300 to 600 lux of scattered light is needed during the fruiting period of Hericium mushroom, too-strong light inhibits the growth of sporocarps while malformed mushrooms easily occur under too-weak light.
3. Humidity: During the fruiting period of Hericium mushroom, suitable humidity range is 75%-90%. Besides, a mist of water should be sprayed and it is improper to spray it directly on tiny buds, or it easily results in malformed mushrooms. When you find that sporocarps of Hericium mushroom are yellow and wilted, it proves the high humidity.
4. Air: Hericium mushroom is aerobic and it is sensitive to carbon dioxide. During the growth period of sporocarps, poor ventilation, anoxic and high-humidity environment easily cause malformed mushrooms. What’s more, growers should also pick mushrooms in due course, too-early picking generally affects the final yield while too-late picking impacts the flavor and quality.