Short answer: Unpack The Block right away and put it somewhere bright, out of direct sun and on the cool side, at 10–20 °C. A cool start at about 10–16 °C helps. Cut a cross of about 5 × 5 cm into the foil and spray the opening two to three times a day. Buds appear after about 5–14 days. Harvest while the cap edges are still slightly curled under.
This is the guide for The Block in the blue oyster variety (Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus). It likes it cool and is ideal for autumn and winter. For warm rooms there is the Phoenix oyster.
Difficulty: Beginner. Blue oyster is very easy and ideal for your first block.
Other varieties: Phoenix oyster · King oyster · Lion's Mane · Shiitake
What you need
- The Block: substrate of oak sawdust and wheat bran, without chemical additives, colonised by blue oyster mycelium
- The spray bottle that comes with it
- Clean scissors or a sharp knife
- A bright spot without direct sun, at 10–20 °C
Step 1: Unpack and check
- Unpack the parcel straight away. The mycelium is alive and needs air. Please don't tape over the small filter on the bag: it lets air through and keeps spores and germs out.
- Look at the bag. If it is completely white, you can start. If you still see brown patches, leave it closed at room temperature until it is white all over. That usually takes just a few days.
- If small mushroom buds are already growing inside the bag, start right away.
This is normal: yellowish drops in the bag, small yellow or brownish spots in the mycelium and a fresh, mushroomy smell.
Tip: Want to start later? The Block can stay closed in the fridge at 4–8 °C for up to about a week first.
Step 2: Find a spot and open the bag
Put the block somewhere bright but out of direct sun, not right next to a radiator. Blue oyster likes it cool: 10–20 °C. It is ideal for autumn and winter. A cool start at about 10–16 °C helps buds form. In warm rooms above 20 °C you get fewer, thinner mushrooms.
Then cut a cross of about 5 × 5 cm into the foil on one side, ideally where buds are already showing. Cut only the foil, not into the substrate. If your air isn't too dry, the cut can be bigger, for example a 10 × 10 cm cross or a small U-shaped window.
Step 3: Keep it moist and wait
Spray the opening two to three times a day. It should look moist and shiny, without puddles. Small buds appear after about 5–14 days. Then the mushrooms grow fast, often visibly from day to day.
Tip: Air the room regularly. Without enough fresh air the mushrooms grow long, thin stems.
Step 4: Harvest
Harvest when the cap edges are still slightly curled under, before they turn flat and wavy. Gently twist off the whole cluster or cut it off at the bag.
Fresh oyster mushrooms keep for about 3–5 days in the fridge in a paper bag.
Step 5: Second harvest
Under the right conditions your block will fruit a second or even third time. After harvesting, remove stem remains, let it rest for 1–2 weeks and spray it lightly only once a day. If nothing comes at the old spot, cut a new cross on the opposite side.
At home this doesn't always work. The first harvest uses up much of the water and nutrients in the block. In our production we control humidity, temperature and fresh air. At home the air is often drier and the temperature varies more, so the opened block dries out faster. Mould spores and small flies from the room also reach the substrate through the opening. So don't worry if your block gives only one good harvest.
If something goes wrong
- No buds after 2 weeks: Move the block somewhere brighter and spray more often. A cooler spot at about 10–16 °C often helps.
- Buds dry up: The air is too dry. Spray more often.
- Long, thin stems: Not enough fresh air. Air the room more often.
- Green or black spots: This may be mould. Please send us a photo at team@meisterpilze.de or via WhatsApp +49 157 54040209.
Safety
- When cutting with scissors or a knife: children only under adult supervision.
- Oyster mushrooms release a lot of spores while fruiting. Don't let the block fruit in a bedroom and air the room regularly.
- Eat mushrooms only cooked.
Frequently asked questions
Which variety suits warm rooms? Phoenix oyster. It is happy at 15–25 °C, so at normal room temperature and in summer too. Blue oyster likes it cooler, ideal for autumn and winter.
How long does it take? Usually one to three weeks from opening to harvest.
Why are mushrooms growing somewhere else in the bag? Moisture collects there or air gets in. Just cut a small cross there and let them grow.
Why do I harvest less than you do in your production? The Block uses the same recipe as our own production. But perfect conditions are harder to create in a living room or kitchen, so the harvest is sometimes smaller. Watching everything grow and eating the mushrooms really fresh is still worth it.
What do I do with the block when it's finished? The spent substrate is a good soil improver for compost, raised beds or the garden. It often even produces a few more mushrooms there, especially in autumn and spring in a spot without direct sun. Pouring some water over it or soaking the block for a few hours helps.
Our promise
If no mushrooms grow for you, we'll send you a new block. Just write to us with a photo of your kit at team@meisterpilze.de or via WhatsApp +49 157 54040209.
Have fun and good luck! Your Meisterpilze team from Erlangen