Shiitake Mushroom 5lb Fruiting Block: Ready to Fruit Table Top Farm Grow Kit

Grow food.
Create wonder.
Eat together.

Turn your kitchen into a tiny mushroom farm.

No sterile lab.
No experience required.
Just a little patience and the willingness to mist.

This 5.5 lb ready to fruit Shiitake block arrives fully colonized and ready to produce.

Free shipping (orders $35 and up) if you purchase two or something else from our shop.

Guaranteed to fruit. If it doesn’t, we’ll coach you through it and replace if need be

⸻

Why Shiitake

Shiitake is one of the most beloved gourmet mushrooms in the world.

Rich. Savory. Meaty.

Deep umami flavor that transforms simple meals into something memorable.

Unlike delicate fast fruiters, shiitake grows thick, firm caps that feel substantial and cook beautifully.

This is the mushroom that makes people say,
“I didn’t know homegrown could taste like that.”

⸻

We Did the Hard Part

Most people want to grow mushrooms but worry it is complicated.

We already handled the sterile work. Shiitakes are one of the hardest crops to grow in blocks DIY. If you want to grow your own we highly recommend our plug and sawdust spawns for logs!

This block is:

• Fully colonized
• Farm tested strain
• Packed fresh
• Ready to fruit in the bag

All you have to do is trigger it by opening.

Shiitakes are interesting creatures. The trama of shipping initiates fruiting so if you don’t want it to fruit upon arrival it needs to be stored in the fridge.

⸻

What Happens Next

Small brown buttons form first.

They expand over several days into thick, firm caps.

Harvest when caps are mostly open but edges are slightly curled.

Within several days you should see small brown button caps forming.

They expand quickly once they start.

Keep at room temperature with indirect light. Avoid direct sun.

1. Remove the Plastic Bag Completely

Take the block fully out.

Remove block completely from the bag and place on a plate. The black liquid is a sign of a healthy block… AKA shiitake pee.

Shiitake are not high CO₂ lovers like oysters. They want air.

Leaving them trapped in plastic can delay or weaken the flush.

⸻

2. Trigger With Moisture

If you want a strong flush or to induce second or third fruitings:

• Soak it submerged in cold water for 2–4 hours
• Let it drain

This mimics a rain event and strongly encourages fruiting.

Soaking is optional for the first crop, I’ve never actually done it myself but it is done for shiitakes. I do like leaving my old blocks outside and they fruit naturally when the weather is right.

⸻

3. Place in the Right Spot

Ideal conditions:

• 60–75°F
• Indirect light
• Good airflow
• Not in direct sun
• Not near heat vents

Set it on a tray or plate.

⸻

4. Mist Lightly

Mist 1–2 times per day.

You want surface humidity, not saturation.

If your house is dry, loosely tent with a grocery bag to trap humidity. Leave the bottom open so it can breathe.

⸻

What Happens Next

Small brown buttons form first.

They expand over several days into thick, firm caps.

Harvest when caps are mostly open but edges are slightly curled.

⸻

Helpful Tips So You Win

• Shiitake likes fresh air and humidity
• Indirect light is perfect
• Room temperature is ideal
• Avoid hot, stagnant air
• Consistency beats over misting

If it feels very light after a few weeks, soak the block in water for a few hours before attempting a second flush.

⸻

When to Harvest

Harvest when caps are mostly open but edges are still slightly curled under.

Twist or cut at the base with scissors.

Expect multiple flushes with proper care.

When finished, plant the block in a shady spot outdoors. You may get bonus fruits when conditions line up.

⸻

Our Promise

If your shiitake block does not fruit, we will personally coach you through the process and replace it if need be.

No stress.
No waste.
Just success.

Bring real flavor back to your table.

Grow something worth gathering around.