Organic Maïtake Mushroom Plug Spawn

Grifola frondosa, Tufted Polypore, Hen of the Woods

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is an edible mushroom prized for its delicate flavor and pleasant texture. In addition to its culinary qualities, it has been used for centuries in Chinese and Japanese traditions. This mushroom is particularly rich in natural compounds such as beta-glucans, notably D-Fraction and MD-Fraction, which have garnered interest for their bioactive properties. Today, maitake is also appreciated in various food products and extracts, offering a versatile way to enjoy its many benefits.

Please note, the fruiting of this mushroom is relatively more complex than that of most other cultivated mushrooms and is therefore more intended for experienced mushroom growers.

For more information, we recommend reading our guide: “Cultivation on logs”

How to seed logs with mycelium on wooden dowels?

Necessary equipment

• Log or recently cut log (max 3 months). Avoid softwoods. Most hardwoods work well. Contact us if you want more specific information. Diameter of the log: between 10 and 25 cm. Length: between 50 and 150 cm.
• Mycelium on dowels: For a length of 1 m, multiply the diameter of a log by 2.5. Example: a log measuring 1 m and 20 cm wide requires 20 x 2.5 = 50 dowels.
• Drill and bit of 8-9 mm
• Hammer
• Optional: vegetable wax, beeswax, paraffin, or green clay to cover the holes.

Instructions

• Wash your hands before touching the mycelium to maximize the chances of success.
• Make the holes in your log. The holes should be slightly deeper than the height of the dowel. Space the holes approximately 5 cm apart. A 1 m long log requires approximately 50 dowels.
• Insert the dowels into the holes using a hammer. The dowels should not protrude beyond the hole.
• Cover with wax. The wax serves to protect the mycelium from insects and diseases as well as from drying out. Failing that, you can also use paraffin, cheese wax or even green clay.

• Wait: Place your logs in a shaded place sheltered from the winds. Avoid direct contact with the ground which could bring small insects and contamination. For example, you can place them on a pallet, covered with a tarpaulin. In case of heat, pour a sprinkling of water on the logs occasionally to prevent them from drying out.
• Harvest and taste your production. A log made in good conditions can produce mushrooms for 3 to 5 years.

For more information, we recommend reading our guide: “Cultivation on logs”

Remarks

The optimal periods for inoculating logs are fall, winter and early spring, before the sap rises.

The main enemy of this culture is drought: cover the woods with a tarpaulin or veil if necessary to maintain the humidity of the logs, especially during incubation.

We prepare our bags by weight, so there may be slight variations from the number indicated.

We inoculate the dowels with a mixture of mycelium on grains and wood shavings. It is therefore normal to have some shavings mixed with the dowels. This remaining shavings can also serve as inoculum.

Our commitment to quality:

We produce our mycelia in laboratory conditions, which guarantees the purity of the varieties and optimal quality.

We produce our myceliums in a 100% organic way and all our products are certified "BE-BIO-01, Agriculture Belgium" by CERTISYS.