How to grow Milky mushrooms at home?

Milky mushrooms (Calocybe indica) are warm loving mushroom species suitable for the subtropical and tropical climate types. One of the low-cost varieties to grow, Milky mushrooms grow quite large and are more rewarding than other gourmet mushrooms. 

Mushrooms grow from dust-like particles called spores, which develop into a mass of dense white tangled threads called mycelium. Mushroom spawn is essentially sawdust permeated with mushroom mycelia. From mycelium emerges an upward-growing umbrella-shaped fruit, called mushroom.

Things required:

• Milky mushroom spawns

• Substrate: Paddy or rice straw

• Casing mixture: Sterilized soil

• Plastic bag (approx. 60 cm x 30 cm)

1. Sterilizing substrate (straw):

Cut the straw into smaller pieces of about 1 to 3 inches in length. Boil it in water for about an hour. Drain the water until it no more drops from the straw.

2.   Preparing growing medium:

Once the damp straw has cooled to room temperature, stack it densely inside the plastic bag, about 6-10 inches high. Now spread a handful of milky mushroom spawns over the straw. Tie the bag from the top and poke some holes in it for the spawns to breath.

3.   Incubation period:

Place the bag in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight. Spray some water occasionally over the plastic bag to maintain humidity. After 15 to 20 days, when spawns have developed into a white furry cob-web film, called mycelium, it is time for casing.

4.   Casing:

Open the bag and spread an inch thick layer of sterilized soil over it, which preserves moisture and provides support to the growing mushrooms. Place the bag in a brighter spot, to initiate fruiting of mushrooms.

5.   From mycelium to mushrooms:

In about 10 days, little mushroom-heads start popping out of the soil and grows to its full size in about a week. When the mushroom-caps separate fully from their stems, they are ready to be harvested. When stored in a refrigerator, milky mushrooms can remain fresh for up to 21 days. Enjoy the fresh taste of home-grown mushrooms!