Where Do Mushrooms Grow? (2024)

In the wild, different species of mushroom grow on different materials. During your hike in the forest, you may see some mushrooms growing on trees while others grow on decomposing leaves. Mushrooms are very adaptable; many species can grow on a variety of different materials. Others must have more precise conditions to grow. Luckily, R&R Cultivation’s urban farm in New Hope, MN is outfitted to mimic these conditions and encourage the growth of our gourmet, organic mushrooms.

Climates and Conditions

Mushrooms grow in a wide range of temperatures, from 40 to 90 degrees fahrenheit. They may begin growing in spring when temperatures are colder, but they thrive in a climate where temperatures hover around 70 degrees. Moisture is also important for mushroom growth. Because mushrooms have no skin, it is difficult for them to retain moisture. This means they must grow in a moist environment to prevent the fruiting bodies from drying out.

For optimal growth, mushrooms require the right amount of light and the right temperatures. Most mushrooms prefer shade or dark places, which is why you’ll often find them on forest floors. However, some mushrooms can grow in part to full sun, such as those you may find growing on manure in a field. Mushrooms are more likely to adapt to less ideal conditions if they have a quality substrate to grow on.

Mushroom Substrate: Fueling Growth

Since fungi do not produce chlorophyll, they cannot produce their own food. This is why they rely so heavily on the nutrients found in the materials surrounding them.

Mushrooms grow on many different kinds of substrate (the organic material they call home). Wood-loving mushrooms are most likely to be seen protruding from the fallen tree or stump. These mushrooms include species such as chicken-of-the-woods, chaga, and oyster mushrooms.

Other mushrooms prefer to grow on the forest floor where they can take advantage of all of the decomposing organic matter. These mushrooms are more likely to be cap and stem varieties such as morel mushrooms and chestnut mushrooms. The common button mushroom also grows well in soil that is rich in nutrients.

On a Mushroom Farm

The great advantage to growing mushrooms on an urban farm is that we are able to grow them in a substrate that provides all the support they need. This leads to more reliable mushroom growth and keeps things tidy. We’re able to maximize our yields by storing the substrate in climate-controlled rooms while the mushrooms grow.

At R&R Cultivation, we grow most of our mushrooms on hardwood substrate. We inoculate this substrate with mycelium, which colonizes the wood and produces the fruiting bodies known as mushrooms. Using this method in optimal conditions, R&R Cultivation is able to grow your favorite varieties much more quickly and efficiently than in the fluctuating conditions of the forest.

Nick Robinson

Where Do Mushrooms Grow? (2024)

FAQs

Where Do Mushrooms Grow? ›

In the wild, you'll find them growing in shady areas under trees. And, if you're growing mushrooms indoors, indirect light from a fluorescent lamp or shady windowsill will provide enough light.

Where do mushrooms mostly grow? ›

Most mushrooms prefer shade or dark places, which is why you'll often find them on forest floors. However, some mushrooms can grow in part to full sun, such as those you may find growing on manure in a field. Mushrooms are more likely to adapt to less ideal conditions if they have a quality substrate to grow on.

How do mushrooms decide where to grow? ›

Fungi growing outside take cues from their environment to begin forming mushrooms. Changes in humidity, temperature, and moisture are major determining factors for when mushrooms grow, and each species of mushrooms has a particular preference.

Where are mushrooms from in the world? ›

China is a major edible mushroom producer. The country produces about half of all cultivated mushrooms, and around 2.7 kilograms (6.0 lb) of mushrooms are consumed per person per year by 1.4 billion people.

Where were mushrooms first grown? ›

The earliest recorded evidence of mushroom cultivation comes from China, where farmers began growing shiitake mushrooms over 1,000 years ago. However, the practice of cultivating mushrooms for food is thought to have started much earlier, as early as 600 AD.

What zone do mushrooms grow in? ›

Mushrooms are hardy to USDA zones 2-10, unless otherwise noted.

Where is the best place for mushrooms? ›

The flat ground that surrounds the top of the ditches is also a hot spot for mushrooms to sprout. If it's a wet spring, these areas are getting a lot of water, but also direct sunlight. Morels can grow quickly in these spots, but rot just as fast. They can get clipped by your neighbor's lawnmower too.

Where do most mushrooms live? ›

Where Do Mushrooms Live? Mushrooms grow in virtually every type of habitat on earth, from forest floors to sand dunes. Most mushrooms prefer warm, shady, moist conditions.

Where do rare mushrooms grow? ›

Gathering. Large amounts of Rare Mushrooms can be found by chopping mangrove trees within the swamp or from Giant Beaver Dams. They also rarely drop when mining Crystal. In Scorched Earth, Rare Mushrooms can be found while mining Crystals and rarely when using the Whip or Morellatops / Ankylosaurus on purple flowers.

Where is real mushroom located? ›

Real Mushrooms Inc. began business in British Columbia in 2021. In October 2022, the business moved to Alberta.

Are mushrooms good for you? ›

Mushrooms are a low-calorie food and pack a nutritional punch. Loaded with many health-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they've long been recognized as an important part of any diet. Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light are a good source of vitamin D, an important component for bone and immune health.

What is the oldest type of mushroom? ›

Gondwanagaricites magnificus represents the oldest fossil record of a gilled mushroom and is the only fossil mushroom known from a mineralized replacement.

When did humans split from mushrooms? ›

Animals and fungi separated from plants about 1.5 billion years ago - animals and fungi are more closely related to each other than either are to plants. Animals and fungi then separated a little more recently but still over a billion years ago.

Where is the most common place to find mushrooms? ›

Usually, the mushrooms grow on the edges of wooded areas, especially around oak, elm, ash, and aspen trees. Look for dead or dying trees while you're on the hunt, too, because morels tend to grow right around the base. Another good place to check for mushrooms is in any area that's been recently disturbed.

Where do most US mushrooms come from? ›

Today, more than 60 percent of all mushrooms produced in the U.S. are grown in Kennett Square, PA, and its surrounding areas, stretching to Berks County, PA and parts or northeastern MD.

What climates do mushrooms grow best in? ›

The ideal growing conditions for mushrooms are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and greater than 90% humidity. Natural logs work well and oaks and maples serve as the best hosts. For natural logs, it is best if the log is newly cut so that it hasn't dried out.

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