Grain Spawn (mycelium grown on grains) is an essential tool for mushroom cultivation. It consists of sterilized grains (such as millet, wheat, or oats) colonized by the mycelium of a specific mushroom species. Thanks to its high surface area and nutrient density, grain spawn provides an ideal environment for rapid mycelial growth and propagation.
Applications of Grain Spawn:
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Substrate Inoculation: Grain spawn is commonly used to inoculate pasteurized or sterilized substrates like straw, sawdust, or spent coffee grounds.
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Mycelium Expansion: Grain spawn can be used to produce additional spawn by mixing it with freshly sterilized grains, increasing production capacity.
Product Description
Our grain spawn is made from one of our most resilient, productive, and fastest-growing shiitake mushroom varieties (Lentinula edodes). Each 1 kg bag of colonized grain can inoculate up to 20 kg of moist substrate, yielding at least 7 kg of fresh shiitake mushrooms within 3-4 weeks.
This shiitake variety thrives in warm weather. Substrate colonization occurs in under one month for indoor bag cultivation, or approximately 9 months when inoculated on outdoor logs. Fruiting occurs at temperatures between 10°C and 30°C. This variety grows well both indoors and outdoors and can withstand Canadian winters and freezing temperatures. It produces larger mushrooms.
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Outdoor cultivation: Best results are achieved on maple and other deciduous trees like oak, beech, Carolina hornbeam, and ironwood. Birch, ash, and poplar are less recommended.
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Indoor cultivation: Colonizes hardwood and soy pellets with ease.
The grains used may vary between millet, wheat, or oats, depending on the batch.
Product of Quebec, also available in-store at our Montreal location on Saint-Denis Street.
