Manual: Coral Tooth Grow Kit

Manual: Coral Tooth Grow Kit XL

With this manual you grow your own coral tooth fungus (Hericium coralloides). This mushroom is related to lion's mane and is known for its remarkable, coral-like structure. Because this is an XL grow kit from Samzwam, the block contains extra nutrition and moisture. That gives strong growth. Follow the steps below carefully for the best result.

What you need

Besides the grow kit you need the following items:

  • A clean, sharp knife.
  • A large plate or a dish.
  • A clean cloth (for example a dishcloth or a tea towel).
  • Water.
  • A bright spot (without direct sunlight).

Preparation

Hygiene is essential when growing mushrooms. Always wash your hands well with soap before you touch the grow kit or the mushrooms. This prevents contamination with unwanted bacteria or moulds.

The process

We use a passive growing method. This means that you imitate the natural environment without complicated equipment or constant spraying.

  1. Rest period after delivery: Because we supply fresh products, the mycelium (the white root network) has sometimes not yet fully recovered from the transport. Stand the grow bag upright at room temperature once you receive it. Leave the filter flap at the top standing up so the bag can breathe, but do not open the bag yet. Wait a few days until the block looks nice and white and firm again.
  2. Making an opening: As soon as the block is properly white, use the clean knife to make two or three cuts in the side of the bag. Make crosses or straight cuts of about 3 to 5 centimetres. Choose the spots where the mycelium is thickest. Do not remove the plastic; the mushrooms will grow out through the openings by themselves.
  3. Set-up (moisture control): Place the grow kit on the plate or the dish. Wet the cloth thoroughly with tap water and lay it on the plate, around the foot of the grow kit. Please note: make sure the wet cloth does not block the cuts you made in the bag.
  4. Climate control: The water in the cloth evaporates slowly. This raises the humidity right around the grow kit. That is crucial for the formation of the mushrooms. Keep the cloth wet at all times and replace it with a clean cloth every few days. Do not use a plant sprayer on the mushrooms themselves. Direct contact with water can lead to bacterial growth and discolouration.
  5. Location: Put the set-up in a bright spot. The coral tooth fungus needs light to grow, but it dries out in full sun. A north-facing spot or a table away from the window is fine. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius.

Harvesting

After about 2 to 3 weeks you will see the fruiting bodies appear. The coral tooth fungus grows in branched structures. You harvest the mushroom when the 'spines' are clearly visible and the structure is still fresh and white. Do not wait until the tips turn brown or dry.

Take hold of the whole cluster at the base and twist it gently loose from the substrate block. You can also use a knife to cut the mushroom loose. After the harvest you keep the cloth wet; the XL block often has enough energy left for a second or third flush.

Storing

  • The harvest: Coral tooth fungus tastes best fresh. Do you want to keep it? Then put it in a paper bag in the vegetable drawer of the fridge. That way the mushroom stays good for a few days.
  • The grow kit: If you receive the kit but cannot start right away, keep it in the fridge (2 to 7 degrees). This puts the fungus into a resting state. Do start as soon as possible for the best quality.