🍄 Shiitake
Lentinula edodes
medicinal_mushrooms
fungus
Omphalotaceae
☀️ Sun
Dappled shade (80% shade)
💧 Water
Humidity 60, 85%; soak logs periodically
🗺️ Zones
4, 9 (outdoor log cultivation)
🧪 Soil pH
N/A (grown on logs/sawdust)
🪴 Soil Type
Hardwood logs (oak, maple, beech) or supplemented sawdust blocks
🚿 Drainage
N/A (logs should be off ground, shaded, with airflow)
📏 Spacing
Logs stacked 6, 12 inches apart on racks
📐 Height
Fruiting body 2, 4 inches diameter
⏱️ Maturity
6, 18 months from inoculation to first fruiting
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (6)
Humidity maintenance in mushroom yard
🤝 Hostas
Shade and humidity around log stacks
🤝 Moss
Moisture indicator and humidity buffer
Grown on different wood preferences, complementary
🤝 Solomon's Seal
Woodland shade plant companion
🤝 Wine Cap Mushroom
Different niche (wood chip beds), good diversity
⚠️ Keep Apart (2)
Juglone toxicity, avoid near walnut
Antifungal oils inhibit shiitake mycelium
📝 Growing Notes
Inoculate freshly cut hardwood logs (3, 6 inch diameter) with plug spawn in spring. Keep logs in shady, humid location. Fruiting triggered by soaking logs and temperature fluctuations. Each log can produce for 3, 5 years. Shiitake has a rich umami flavor; removes stems before cooking (they're tough). Sun-dried shiitakes have enhanced vitamin D.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
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