Winter mushroom cultivation techniques
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August 20 11:16:43, 2025
Straw mushroom cultivation, known for its unique growth conditions and high nutritional value, has a long history rooted in Nanhua Temple, Shaoguan, Guangdong Province. This technique dates back over 300 years in China and was later introduced to other countries by overseas Chinese in the 1930s. Today, it is one of the most important edible fungi in tropical and subtropical regions, ranking third in global production. China leads the world in mushroom production, with most cultivation concentrated in southern provinces.
Straw mushrooms are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. A 100g serving contains 207.7mg of vitamin C, 2.6g of sugar, 2.68g of crude protein, 2.24g of fat, and 0.91g of ash. The protein in straw mushrooms includes 18 amino acids, with 40.47–44.47% being essential. They also contain essential minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. As people become more health-conscious, straw mushrooms have gained popularity as a nutritious food option, increasing interest in their cultivation.
The straw mushroom thrives in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, ideally between 23–25°C with 85–95% relative humidity. Winter cultivation requires controlled greenhouse conditions, which increases production costs. Despite this, winter-grown straw mushrooms command twice the price of summer ones, making efficient management crucial to improve economic returns.
To optimize winter cultivation, proper substrate preparation is essential. A nutrient-rich formula using materials like cottonseed hulls, straw, urea, lime, and plant ash is recommended. The secondary fermentation method involves sun-drying the material, adjusting moisture content to 70–75%, and pasteurizing it at 60°C for two days or 70°C for ten hours.
Greenhouse setup involves soil preparation, fertilization, and trenching. A special microbial starter is used to enhance decomposition, mixed with wheat bran and rice sugar. The straw is then layered with the fermentation agent, followed by a layer of manure and soil. After covering, irrigation is done to ensure proper moisture.
Once the substrate is ready, planting begins with spacing of 5–10cm. Mycelium colonization takes about three days under high temperature and humidity, followed by gradual ventilation and moisture adjustment. Within 8 days, mushroom buds begin to form, requiring careful drying to reduce losses.
During the fruiting stage, maintaining optimal temperature (32–34°C) and humidity (85–90%) is critical. Harvesting should occur when the caps are fully formed, the stems are firm, and the surface is clean. Mushrooms grow rapidly, often appearing overnight, so timely harvesting is essential. The first harvest usually occurs around day 13–15, with a second batch following after seven days.
In summary, successful winter straw mushroom cultivation requires precise environmental control, quality substrates, and careful management throughout the growing cycle. With proper techniques, farmers can maximize yield and profit while meeting the rising demand for nutritious, high-quality mushrooms.