The Cultivation of Morels

Morels, with their honeycomb silhouette and characteristic brown hue, are among the most sought-after mushrooms in the world. Prized by gourmets, they are distinguished by a deep flavor, both woody and slightly nutty, which enhances the most refined dishes.

Their unique texture, both firm and delicate, adds an incomparable dimension in cooking. The rarity of the morel, its short season and its difficulty in cultivation make it a luxury delicacy, arousing the desire of mushroom lovers and starred chefs. This mysterious mushroom continues to fascinate both with its taste and the challenges it poses to those who attempt to cultivate it.

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1. Introduction to Morel Cultivation

Historical Context: The First Steps towards Morel Cultivation

Cultivation of morels has long been considered the holy grail of mycologists due to the many failed attempts to master their complex life cycle.

It was only from the 1980s that American researchers succeeded in cultivating morels in a controlled environment, marking a turning point in the history of this fungus. In 1982, a team of scientists at Ohio State University successfully produced morels in the laboratory for the first time, paving the way for significant advances in the field.

Subsequently, Chinese researchers made remarkable progress, filing patents for improved cultivation methods that enabled more systematic production. These innovations have helped transform morel cultivation from an unpredictable process to an increasingly mastered science, although challenges still remain.

The Challenges of Morel Culture

Growing morels remains a major challenge due to their specific and finicky requirements. This fungus requires a controlled environment, with precise temperature and humidity, to thrive.

Morels grow in rich, often calcareous soils and require a complex interaction with soil microorganisms to fruit. They need a delicate balance of nutrients, humidity and light, which makes their outdoor cultivation subject to climatic hazards and difficult to reproduce on a large scale.

Additionally, the fruiting process of morels is stimulated by specific environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations or stress events like drought followed by rain. These requirements make growing morels a delicate art that combines science, observation and constant adjustment of growing conditions.

Modern Methods of Growing Morels

Modern techniques for growing morels differ from traditional approaches by a better understanding of pre-fruiting conditions and the use of specially formulated substrates.

Today, cultivation in a controlled environment makes it possible to reproduce the natural conditions necessary for the development of mycelium, making cultures more predictable. Nutrient-enriched substrates, designed to mimic the natural soils where morels grow, are used to promote healthy mycelium growth.

Optimizing pre-fruiting conditions, such as finely adjusting temperature and humidity, is crucial to induce morels to fruit. Modern methods also include regulating factors like soil pH and managing microbial interactions, which play a key role in the morel life cycle.

Ecological Impact and Benefits of Home Culture

Growing morels at home has many advantages, both in terms of taste and ecology. By growing these rare mushrooms yourself, you reduce the pressure on natural populations of morels, which are often victims of excessive picking. This practice contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and helps maintain healthy forest ecosystems.

Additionally, home growing offers complete control over growing conditions, avoiding the use of pesticides or chemicals that can harm the environment. Morels grown at home are thus more sustainable and environmentally friendly, while offering the personal satisfaction of producing an exceptional mushroom. Additionally, growing morels at home allows mushroom enthusiasts to enjoy fresh morels throughout the year, which is rarely possible with wild harvesting.

By combining passion, patience and modern techniques, growing morels at home opens a world of flavors and discoveries to amateur mycologists and gourmets.

2. The Choice of Mycelium and Substrate

The success of growing morels depends largely on the choice of mycelium and the preparation of a suitable substrate. Saprophytic morels, which feed on decaying organic matter, are most amenable to home cultivation, unlike symbiotic varieties which require a mycorrhizal relationship with specific host trees. Here are the main cultivable varieties of morels and their particularities:

Varieties of Morels Suitable for Cultivation:

1. Morchella importuna: This variety is particularly resistant and adapts well to controlled environments, such as shaded gardens, greenhouses or well-prepared beds. Morchella importuna is known for its rapid growth and its ability to produce beautiful morels in optimal conditions, even for novice growers. It is appreciated for its robustness in the face of environmental variations and its tolerance to different types of substrates, which makes it one of the most accessible options for domestic cultivation.

2. Morchella elata: Known for its conical black morels, Morchella elata is a species well adapted to domestic cultivation, particularly in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It grows ideally in substrates enriched with composted wood and appreciates moderate exposure to shade. This variety requires special attention to maintain the right humidity and temperature conditions, but it rewards the efforts with generous harvests of strong-tasting morels.

3. Morchella deliciosa: This variety produces smaller but just as tasty morels. Morchella deliciosa is more sensitive to environmental conditions, making its cultivation more complex and delicate. It prefers very well prepared soils, rich in organic matter and benefiting from good drainage. Although its cultivation is more demanding, the morels obtained are of exceptional quality.

Some morels, such as symbiotic varieties like Morchella esculenta, depend on a mycorrhizal relationship with specific host trees such as ash, elm or apple trees. These species are not suitable for growing in free soil because they require complex interaction with their partner trees to grow. For this reason, it is best to focus on saprophytic varieties that can be fed independently from substrates rich in organic matter.

3. Optimal Conditions for Growing Morels

Growing morels relies on creating an environment that imitates their natural habitat as closely as possible. Morels are sensitive to variations in temperature, humidity and light, and respecting these specific conditions is essential to promote their growth and fruiting.

Soil Qualities:

• Optimal pH: For growing morels, the soil should have a pH between 7 and 8. If necessary, the pH can be adjusted by adding calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), such as chalk . A soil test is recommended to determine the exact amount of amendment to add to correct acidity.
• Fungal Properties: Check that the substrate does not contain inhibiting substances such as tannins which can come from certain species of trees (for example, conifers or walnuts) or plants (such as sage or bay leaf). ), as well as wood chips or uncomposted leaves.
• Water Quality: Choose soft, uncontaminated water for irrigation, ideally from natural sources such as rain or streams, to avoid the addition of unwanted minerals.
• No Chemicals: Avoid chemical treatments, including antifungals such as glyphosate, which can disrupt the network of symbiotic microorganisms necessary for morel mushrooms to grow.

🌡️ Temperature :
Managing temperatures is one of the most critical aspects in growing morels. Cultivation should begin when air temperatures are between 10°C and 20°C, conditions typical of spring or autumn. During the mycelium incubation phase, it is crucial to maintain a stable temperature around 20°C. Subsequently, a gradual drop in temperatures, ideally down to 5°C, is necessary to stimulate the formation of sclerotia. These compact mycelium structures serve as nutrient reserves and are essential for triggering morel fruiting. This drop in temperature mimics the natural conditions of late winter or early spring, marking the beginning of the morel mushroom life cycle.

💧 Humidity :
Morels require a high level of humidity to grow properly. The soil should be kept constantly moist, but not excessively, as water saturation could cause the mycelium to rot. Fine irrigation, such as that provided by a misting or drip irrigation system, is recommended. This type of watering allows you to maintain constant and controlled humidity without damaging the fragile mycelium. It is important to avoid watering with too powerful jets of water, which risk disturbing the soil and destroying delicate developing structures.

☁️ Light :
Morels are mushrooms that prefer diffused light, similar to that found in undergrowth or shady forests. They do not like direct sunlight, which can dry out the substrate and compromise fruiting. To control light exposure, the use of shade nets, tunnels or partially covered greenhouses is ideal. These installations allow you to recreate an environment where the light is subdued, while offering protection against extreme weather conditions, such as wind or pouring rain, which could affect the growth of morels.

By combining these parameters with a well-prepared substrate and quality mycelia, you can create a microclimate conducive to growing morels, maximizing your chances of successfully growing this delicate and coveted mushroom.

At the substrate level: Preparing an adequate substrate is crucial to promote the growth of morels and optimize fruiting.

• pH and Composition: The substrate should have a slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 7 and 8. To adjust the pH, you can add calcium carbonate or wood ash. It is also essential to include well-decomposed organic matter, such as hardwood shreds, wood chips or composted manure, which provide the nutrients necessary for mycelium growth. A good substrate imitates the natural forest floor of morels, thus promoting their development.

• Humidity and Drainage: The soil must be kept moist, but it is essential to guarantee good drainage to avoid water stagnation which could harm the development of morels. Prior preparation of the soil, such as digging to make the soil clod and aerated, is necessary to create a favorable environment for mycelium. It is also recommended to install a drip irrigation system to maintain constant humidity without saturating the substrate.

Importance of Organic Matter (OM)

Morels, saprophytic fungi, depend on advanced decomposing organic matter for their nutrition. Before introducing the mycelium, it is advisable to carry out a soil analysis to assess the level of organic matter and the condition of the humus. Organic amendments must be well incorporated into the surface layer of the soil (10 to 15 cm deep) and applied preferably before or during summer, taking advantage of the heat to accelerate decomposition and neutralize potential contaminants.

Recommended intake of organic matter:

• Composted Hardwood Chips: Enrich the soil with well-balanced organic matter.
• Composted Manures: Provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure.
• Methanization Digestat: Result of the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, it constitutes a rich amendment.
• Vermicompost: This compost, enriched by the activity of earthworms, supports soil health and stimulates beneficial micro-organisms.

To avoid soil saturation, it is advisable to limit contributions to approximately 1 to 2 kg per square meter per year. The organic matter is home to nitrifying bacteria, such as Pseudomonas putida, which plays a symbiotic role with the morel mycelium, helping to enrich it with nutrients during the formation of sclerotia.

Preparation and Land Development

Tilling the soil is a key step in establishing a good growing bed for morels, especially if the plot is newly devoted to this crop. Well-prepared soil improves growing conditions.

• Reduction of Weeds: If the plot is still empty of any crops, carry out several false sowings to reduce weeds before starting cultivation.
• Amendment and pH Regulation: Amendments to adjust the pH or control harmful populations must be integrated just after plowing, before the final soil preparation.
• Structure of the Soil: The soil must be loose with medium-sized clods (about the size of an egg) and formed into raised strips of 0.80 m to 1.50 m wide to facilitate drainage.

Irrigation and Humidity Management

Humidity is a crucial factor for growing morels, and the irrigation system must be adapted to the characteristics of the soil to maintain an optimal environment throughout the different stages.

Key Instructions:

• Pre-Sowing Saturation: The soil must be well saturated with water before sowing the mycelium.
• Maintaining Humidity: Keep the substrate constantly moist to encourage mycelium growth.
• Irrigation Precautions: Avoid direct watering of propagating mycelium and refrain from watering young morels measuring less than 3 to 4 cm to prevent damage.

4. Installation of the Culture

Reception and Storage of Mycelium

To guarantee the quality of the mycelium, it is important to follow certain steps when receiving and storing it:

• Reception of the mycelium: The mycelium is generally delivered by cold carrier between mid-October and mid-November. It is recommended to check the condition of the goods upon receipt and to make reservations with the carrier in case of doubt.
• Immediate use: If the climatic conditions are favorable, it is preferable to use the mycelium upon receipt to maximize its chances of success (see the “Sowing management” section).
• Storage of the mycelium: If immediate use is not possible, open the boxes and place each bag on a shelf in a cold unit maintained at a temperature of 2°C. If you do not have a shelf, the boxes can be stacked making sure that the bags do not stick together.
• Storage equipment: Keep the delivery boxes as well as the bubble wrap to protect the mycelium bags outside of cultivation periods.

Soil Preparation and Inoculation

The inoculation phase is crucial for successful morel cultivation. At La Mycosphere, two main techniques are recommended for seeding:

1. Broadcast sowing: Spread between 200 and 400 g of mycelium per square meter, then cover it with 2 to 4 cm of soil. This method is simple and ensures uniform soil coverage.

2. Sowing by pockets: Bury 100 to 200 g of mycelium in holes 10 cm deep, spaced 50 cm apart. Although more laborious, this technique protects the mycelium from contaminants and improves its growth by directing the filaments towards the surface.

Before inoculation, it is essential that the soil is well moist, either after natural rain or through fine watering. To provide natural shade and maintain good humidity, you can lightly sow cereals such as wheat or rye on top of the mycelium. This also helps protect the mycelium from wind.

Triggering of Morel Sowing

To start sowing, the temperature under the climate shelter must not exceed 20°C and must remain below this value for a long time. This temperature should be measured 10 cm above the ground, at the peak of the day.

5. Maintenance and Monitoring of the Crop

To ensure optimal growth of the mycelium, regular maintenance is essential. Here are the steps to follow to ensure the success of your morel cultivation:

Mycelium Surveillance

After soil inoculation, it is crucial to carefully monitor for signs of mycelium growth. Look for “blasts,” concentric circles that appear on the surface of the soil, signaling mycelium expansion. This process can vary in duration, typically 1 to 3 weeks, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Watering

Maintaining a consistent humidity level is vital for mycelium growth. Make sure the soil remains moist but avoid excess water which could lead to rotting or stagnation, which is harmful to the crop. The use of perforated pipes or a micro-droplet system is recommended for delicate watering. Avoid watering young morels directly so as not to disrupt their delicate development.

Protection against Parasites

Morel cultivation can be threatened by various pests, including insects and mold. To minimize these risks, install a shade sail and a protective tarpaulin. These devices help create a controlled environment, reducing the risk of contamination.

For effective biological control of larvae, slugs, and other pests, you can use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a bacteria naturally present in the soil that specifically targets insect pests without harming the plant. culture. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use.

Management of Birds and Rodents

Birds and rodents can also pose a threat to morel crops, digging through the soil or digging up young mushrooms. To deter them, you can use protective nets or natural repellents. Installing physical barriers around growing areas can also help protect your crop.

6. Fruiting: Encourage the Growth of Morels

Morel fruiting depends on the success of previous stages of cultivation and requires special attention to maximize yields.

Here's how to successfully complete this crucial phase:

 

Induction of Morel Fruiting

When soil temperatures begin to rise to between 7°C and 15°C, it is the ideal time to induce morel fruiting. At this point:

• Saturation watering: Abundant watering is necessary to stimulate the formation of primordia, these small initial structures which will give rise to morels. Make sure the soil is well saturated, but avoid any stagnant water which could encourage mold.
• Soil temperature: Maintain favorable thermal conditions by monitoring soil temperature, as it directly influences the development of morels. Use a soil thermometer for accurate management.

 

 

Light and Humidity Management for Morels

During the fruiting phase, it is crucial to properly manage light and humidity to ensure optimal development:

• Light control: Adjust the shade nets to regulate the amount of light the morels receive. Start with denser shading and gradually reduce it to expose the morels to more light, which helps them develop even coloring and better structure.
• Maintaining humidity: Keep humidity stable around 85% to promote growth. To avoid fluctuations, use humidifiers or fine irrigation systems. Too high humidity can lead to illness, so monitor these levels regularly.

 

Nutrient Bags to Stimulate Fruiting

To effectively feed your crop and encourage morel fruiting, the use of suitable nutrient bags is essential. These bags provide the nutrients necessary to boost growth and optimize conditions for mushroom development.

 

 

Order your nutrient bags for growing organic morels

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Our quality commitment:

Our nutrient bags are designed to provide the nutrients needed to grow morels under optimal conditions.

Certified organic with the BEBIO01 label, our nutrient bags meet the strict standards of organic farming.

 

 

7. Harvest and Post-Harvest

1. Harvest Time: Morels are harvested primarily in spring, usually between March and May in the northern hemisphere, although this can vary slightly depending on climate and altitude. In France, the season often begins in March and can extend until June in some mountainous regions.

2. Size at Harvest: The recommended size for harvesting morels is generally when they are between 5 and 10 cm, although this can vary depending on personal preference and culinary uses. A 10 cm morel is already considered relatively large.

3. Harvest Method: Cutting the morel at the base with a clean knife is indeed recommended to preserve the mycelium and promote future fruiting. This practice is crucial for the sustainability of harvest sites.

4. Harvest after watering: It is true that morels absorb a lot of water and become fragile after rain. In addition, they can deteriorate more quickly, which reduces their taste quality.

After the harvest :

1. Post-Harvest Preparation :

   • Morels should be handled with care after harvest. They should be placed in baskets or canvas bags to allow air circulation, preventing condensation and premature deterioration.
   • They must be cleaned quickly but gently. Avoid soaking them in water; a light brushing or a quick passage under water is enough. Morels are porous and absorb a lot of liquid, which can alter their texture and taste.

2. Drying and Preservation :

   • Morels are best stored dried, a traditional and effective method to extend their lifespan. Drying also helps concentrate their flavor. They can be dried in the open air or at low temperatures in an oven or dehydrator.
   • Once dried, morels should be stored in a dry, dark place, ideally in airtight jars.

8. Conclusion

Growing morels is an exciting challenge that, when mastered well, gives you the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, flavorful, homemade mushrooms. With the right techniques and tools, you can turn this adventure into a rewarding success.

Order your mycelium on organic morel mycelium on grains

Buy now

Our quality commitment:

We produce our mycelia under laboratory conditions, thus guaranteeing variety purity and optimal quality.

Certified organic with the BE-BIO-01 label, our mycelia meet the strict standards of organic farming.