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A Shiitake mushroom grow kit with a block of pre-colonized substrate growing multiple clusters of healthy mushrooms. The kit includes a 5 lb mushroom fruiting block, a spray bottle, and easy-to-follow instructions for cultivation.
  • A Shiitake mushroom grow kit with a block of pre-colonized substrate growing multiple clusters of healthy mushrooms. The kit includes a 5 lb mushroom fruiting block, a spray bottle, and easy-to-follow instructions for cultivation.
  • Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit, 5 lb Ready-to-Fruit Block - SHT1

Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit, 5 lb Ready-to-Fruit Block

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5.00 stars, based on 8 reviews 8 review(s). | Write a review
  • Fully colonized 5 lb block of first-generation Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
  • Block browns first, then fruits; cold-water soak between flushes
  • Fruits at 65–80°F; cool nights help trigger pinning
  • 2.5–3 lb across 3–4 flushes over roughly 4–5 months
  • Includes an ultra-fine pump mister and printed instructions
Retail: $29.99
Price: $23.99
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    Item #: SHT1
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    A Shiitake mushroom grow kit with a block of pre-colonized substrate growing multiple clusters of healthy mushrooms. The kit includes a 5 lb mushroom fruiting block, a spray bottle, and easy-to-follow instructions for cultivation.

    Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit, 5 lb Ready-to-Fruit Block

    Price: $23.99

    Our Shiitake grow kit is a 5 lb block fully colonized with first-generation Lentinula edodes. It works differently from an oyster kit: the block browns first, then fruits in cycles, with a cold-water soak between flushes. In exchange you get thick, savory caps over four to five months instead of a few weeks.

    • 5 lbColonized block
    • 2.5–3 lbTypical yield
    • 65–80°FFruiting temp
    • 3–4Flushes
    • 4–5 monthsProductive life

    Why grow our Shiitake kit

    The most savory mushroom you can grow

    Dense, springy caps with a deep, broth-like flavor. Sear them hard, and keep the stems for stock.

    Months of harvests

    Three to four flushes over roughly four to five months from one block.

    Dries beautifully

    Dried caps rehydrate with even deeper flavor, and the soaking liquid makes its own broth.

    How a ready-to-fruit kit works

    The hard parts (sterilization, inoculation and colonization) are done before the block ships. Shiitake adds one stage oyster kits don't have: the block browns before it fruits, and it gets soaked between flushes instead of just misted.

    1Let it brown

    A healthy block grows a firm, bumpy, chocolate-brown skin. That's the mycelium maturing, not mold. If yours arrives partly white, give it time in a warm room.

    2Open the block

    Shiitake usually comes fully out of its bag so the whole surface can fruit. Follow the included instructions for your block.

    3Mist, light, cool nights

    Mist once or twice a day and give it 10–12 hours of indirect light. A spot that cools off overnight helps trigger pinning.

    4Harvest, soak, repeat

    Pick before the caps flatten. Rest the block one to two weeks, soak it in cold water for several hours, drain it and set it back out.

    Brown and bumpy is healthy: the most common shiitake question is whether a dark, lumpy block is moldy. Almost always, no; that skin forms before any mushrooms appear. Green, black or fuzzy patches with a sour smell are contamination.

    Shiitake kit specifications

    SpecDetail
    SpeciesLentinula edodes (Shiitake, Black Forest Mushroom)
    Block5 lb, fully colonized with first-generation (G1) genetics
    In the box5 lb fruiting block, ultra-fine pump mister, printed step-by-step instructions
    Expected yield2.5–3 lb wet weight across all flushes
    Fruiting temperature65–80°F; cool nights help trigger pinning
    Light10–12 hours of indirect light a day
    HumidityMist 1–2 times daily; cold-water soak between flushes
    Flushes3–4 over roughly 4–5 months
    Block prepBrowns before fruiting; usually unwrapped fully rather than slit
    Skill levelBeginner; no sterile technique or equipment needed

    Get more from your kitA Tabletop Humidity Tent holds moisture around the block so you mist less and get fuller clusters, especially in dry winter air. Ready to grow Shiitake from scratch? Start with our Shiitake liquid culture syringe.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long until my Shiitake kit starts fruiting?

    Shiitake is slower to start than oyster kits. The block has to finish browning before pins form, then mushrooms size up over about a week. If the block is fully brown and several weeks pass with nothing forming, a cold-water soak is usually what it needs.

    Do I need a humidity tent or a special chamber?

    No. The kit is designed to fruit in open room air with daily misting. In dry homes, especially in winter with forced-air heat, a humidity tent holds moisture around the block so you mist less often and get fuller clusters.

    How many harvests will one kit give me?

    Three to four flushes over roughly four to five months, totaling 2.5–3 lb wet weight. Between flushes, rest the block one to two weeks, then soak it in cold water for several hours. The soak rehydrates the block and the cold shock signals the next flush.

    When should I harvest shiitake?

    While the cap edges are still curled under. A flat or upturned cap is mature and dropping spores; it's still edible, but softer. Twist and pull the whole mushroom rather than cutting it, since leftover stem stubs can rot on the block.

    Can I grow it outdoors?

    Indoors is strongly preferred. The block needs steady temperatures and protection from wind, direct sun and insects; fungus gnats find an exposed block quickly. A kitchen counter, bathroom shelf or any spot out of direct sunlight works well.

    What's the difference between this kit and Shiitake liquid culture?

    The kit is already colonized and ready to fruit, so there's no sterile work. Our Shiitake liquid culture syringe is for growers who make their own grain spawn and want to scale up or run multiple grows.

    Overall Customer Rating of 8 Reviews:
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    Thanks for the great product

    Rating:
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    Just got my first shiitake kit. Couldnt be more happy with it. No signs of contamination. Mycelium looks healthy all throughout and seems to be just about fully colonized. Thank you all for the great product.
    Minnesota

    Shiitake Success!

    Rating:
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    3 weeks in and they started pinning! I'm hopeful that it will in the next few days I can harvest my first one. The delivery and all was great, thanks!

    I Love This Kit!

    Rating:
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    We eat a lot of mushrooms and shiitakes can be on the expensive end. This was my first time growing mushrooms and I can't wait to try a different kit. If you want a constant flow of mushrooms, then you should have a least two blocks in rotation, so that while one block is resting, the other is fruiting. Also, the mushrooms are so delicious and plentiful. I had 12 ounces of mushrooms the first and second fruiting. Get this block!

    Pure Awesomeness!

    Rating:
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    Getting ready to place another order now. I'm currently fruiting Reishi and Shitaki bags. The Shitaki was incredibly fast to start producing. Super excited about the products I've purchased so far!
    Florida

    Cool

    Rating:
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    Pros:
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    This is an easy way to get started. My block arrived fairly cured. I put the block in a fruiting chamber and it began pinning in under 24 hours. Cool!