King Trumpet Kit Instructions
King Oyster mushrooms, native to the Mediterranean and popular in Asian cuisine, are not only delicious but also nutritious. Packed with protein, riboflavin, potassium, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, these mushrooms form large 'trumpets' within the fruiting bag walls.
Step #1
- Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure a clean working environment. IF YOUR KIT COMES DAMAGED OR BROKEN APART, remove the bag from the kit, keep it folded and very lightly press back together, and place in a dark clean area until it heals usually 1-2 weeks. DO NOT OPEN BAG. Packaging Tape Can Fix Any Holes You May Accidentally Get.
- Inside your box, observe the white mycelium eating away at the all-natural substrate. Carefully open the top of the box and remove the bag to check if your kit is ready for the next step, you should see very white substrate, not all light brown wood color.. WHITE, refer to our photos below.
- If not ready, place it back in the box and set it somewhere at room temperature. Check every other day until the kit is white. Fully colonized kits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or 2 weeks most at room temperature.
- Mostly Brown -
NOT ready, return to box and let sit in dark room temperature until white.
- Brown with White Patches -
NOT ready, return to box and let sit in dark room temperature until white.
- Mostly White -
Ready to Move On to Step Two!
Step #2
- After your kit is fully colonized, remove the bag from the box and unroll it creating an air space above the block. DO NOT OPEN OR CUT BAG!
- Place the kit in your house somewhere out of direct sunlight but not in the dark (reading light/countertop light), slightly cooler than room temperatures (around 60 degrees preferred but not crucial).
- Over the next 7-14 days you will notice tiny white mushrooms forming on the surface of your kit.
- Once baby mushrooms appear, cut the very top of the bag just under the seam with scissors or knife. There should be about 4-6 inches of plastic wall above the kit. This creates a high C02 and humid environment for your mushrooms to grow on top of the substrate.
Step #3
- Once you have placed your kit in an ideal location, mist the walls of the bag lightly twice daily. King Trumpets like temperatures between 55-75 degrees and high humidity but not soaked.
- Consider using a humidity tent or a room humidifier for easier cultivation, especially in dry conditions. Make sure you leave plenty of breathing holes in your bag/tent if making your own. Grocery bag, gallon bag, ect…..We also offer humidity tents on our website.
Step #4
- Harvest when the caps are fully formed but before they start to open up. Harvest by twisting and pulling the base of the mushroom from the substrate.
- You can soak your used block overnight for a chance at a second harvest although it is unlikely with Kings, it is definitely still possible. After use they make great compost.