GROWING GUIDES
Frequently Asked Questions
It's been 2 weeks and nothing is growing. What should I do?
Don't panic — some blocks take a little longer depending on temperature and humidity. Make sure you're misting 2 to 3 times daily and that the vent holes on the dome are open. Blue Oysters fruit best in cooler temperatures (55–70°F). If your home is warmer than that, try moving the kit to a cooler spot. If nothing happens after 3 weeks, reach out to us at info@midammushrooms.com and we'll help you troubleshoot.
My mushrooms have long stems and tiny caps. What's going on?
This is a sign that your mushrooms need more fresh air. Long, leggy stems with small caps mean CO₂ is building up around the block. Make sure the dome is off once pinning starts, and try placing the kit somewhere with gentle airflow — not a closed closet or sealed cabinet.
My block looks dry or cracked on the surface.
You're probably not misting enough, or the air in your home is very dry. Increase your misting to 3 to 4 times daily. If the block surface has dried out significantly, you can give it a heavier misting to rehydrate the top layer. Avoid soaking or submerging the block.
I see green or black mold on my block.
Green or black patches usually mean contamination has taken hold. This can happen if the block was damaged, exposed to dirty conditions, or if humidity was too low and the mycelium weakened. A small spot of green can sometimes be managed by carefully cutting it away, but if it's spreading, it's best to compost the block and start fresh. Contact us at info@midammushrooms.com if this happens — we'll make it right.
My mushrooms are growing from the bottom or sides of the bag instead of the X.
This is totally normal — mushrooms will fruit wherever they find a gap or thin spot in the bag. You can let them grow and harvest as usual, or gently peel back the bag to give them more room. It doesn't mean anything went wrong.
How do I know exactly when to harvest?
Watch the cap edges. Blue Oysters are ready when the edges of the caps start to flatten out and uncurl — they'll go from curled tightly downward to flattening or even turning slightly upward. Don't wait until the caps are completely flat or wavy, as the mushrooms will start to dry out and lose flavor. When in doubt, harvest a little early rather than a little late.
How should I store my fresh Blue Oysters?
Place them in a paper bag (not plastic — they need to breathe) and keep them in the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. Avoid washing them until you're ready to cook.
Can I freeze or dehydrate my harvest?
Yes to both. For freezing, cook your mushrooms first (sautéed is best), then freeze in a sealed container. Raw mushrooms don't freeze well. For dehydrating, slice them thin and use a food dehydrator or a low oven (around 150°F) until they're completely dry and crispy. Store dried mushrooms in an airtight container — they'll keep for months and rehydrate well in soups, stews, and stir-fries.