Pleurotus eryngii - King Oyster Genetics

Scientific Name: Pleurotus eryngii

Common Names: King Oyster, Boletus of the Steppes, Trumpet Oyster

Description:  A close relative of the wood oyster mushroom, this species also thrives on supplemented hardwood substrates.  This species features a large, tender, choice edible stem and a smaller cap under the lower light conditions it is produced in.  Great for growth in colder conditions, this species has a narrower temperature range and requires higher humidity or a casing layer for primordia formation compared to blue oyster.  King oyster is relatively high yielding and has a superior fridge life compared to other gourmet mushrooms.

Growth Conditions

Petri Dish, Slant, or Liquid Culture
Growth Medium: Malt extract or potato water agar
Temperature: 21 deg C

Spawn Run
Growth Medium:  supplemented hardwood sawdust
Temperature: 21 deg C
Bag Filter Type: "A"

Primordia Formation
Temperature:  10-15 deg C
Humidity: 95-100 %
Time (days): 1 week
Light (Lux): 500-1000 lux

Fruit-body Growth
Temperature:  12-21 deg C
Humidity: 80-90 %
Time: 1 week
Light: 500-1000 lux

Harvest Hint:  Leave the bag closed until primordia begin to form, unless you can provide a foggy 100 % humidity environment.  With this species there may be a delay of 2-4 weeks between colonization and primordia formation.  At this point open the bag from the top and leave 3-4 inches of bag wall height to allow humidity and CO2 to pool in the bag and encourage stem elongation.  Harvest the mushroom before the cap edges turn upward and spore release begins.  Color will be more vibrant if harvested early.  Growth in higher light creates a form reminiscent of an agaric mushroom with a large convex cap, while lower light fruitbody development forms the typical small-capped trumpet form.  Spent blocks can be buried a few inches deep for outdoor fall fruitings.