Do mushrooms require sunlight for growth, like plants do? It’s a common question, especially for those interested in growing their own mushrooms at home.
If you want to try your hand at mushroom cultivation and want to grow mushrooms, this key question needs answering. So read on and get insights into the fascinating world of mushroom cultivation.
Do Mushrooms Grow in the Dark or Need Light?
While mushrooms are different from plants in many ways, especially in how they get their food, they do have some things in common when it comes to their growing process. Mushrooms need light to grow, although not as much as plants.
Mycelium
First off, let’s talk about the ‘roots’ of a mushroom. These are called mycelium, and they’re a network of thread-like cells that spread out through the soil or whatever material the mushroom is growing on, like a piece of wood.
These mycelium work hard in the background, and it’s true that they don’t require light to do their job. They’re perfectly happy growing in the dark, breaking down material to feed the mushroom.
Fruiting Bodies
When it’s time for the mushroom to make what we usually see above ground, called the fruiting body, a little light becomes important.
This light doesn’t need to be strong, but mushrooms do need some light to trigger the growth of the fruiting bodies. Think of it as a natural signal to the mushroom that it’s reached the right place to start sprouting upwards.
Life Cycle
Light plays a role in the natural cycle of mushrooms. It guides the fruiting bodies of mushrooms, ensuring they get noticed by animals. Even though they are then consumed by animals, their spores get carried around and they reproduce.
This is how mushrooms can start the cycle all over again, with new mushrooms growing from the spores that get carried away. So, while they don’t need the light to survive like plants do, they use it as a cue for an important part of their life cycle.
Role of Light in Mushroom Growth
Light can kick-start the growth of new mushrooms, which are referred to as pinning. This stage is crucial because it marks the beginning of a mushroom’s journey from a tiny speck to a full-blown fungus.
Formation
When it comes to shaping up, light is a bit like a coach for mushrooms. It doesn’t do the hard work for them, but it guides them on how to grow properly. With the correct amount of light, mushrooms can develop into the shapes we’re familiar with.
Mushrooms can adjust their growth in response to light, leading to bigger caps and an overall more attractive appearance.
Color
Color is another aspect of mushrooms that light touches upon. Just as humans tan under the sun, some mushrooms can change color when exposed to light. They may become darker, which can be a sign of a healthy, mature mushroom. It’s like they’re putting on their best outfit to show off their growth.
Vitamin D
Last but not least, mushrooms can use sunlight to make vitamin D. This is a nutrient that’s important for both mushrooms and humans.
When mushrooms bask in a bit of sunlight, they synthesize vitamin D, just as our skin does. This makes them not only tastier but also more nutritious. So, a little sunlight can go a long way in boosting the health benefits of these fabulous fungi.
Light Sources: What Kind of Grow Light Do Mushrooms Like?
Mushrooms thrive when they get the light they need to grow. There are two main sources of light for these fungi.
Indirect Sunlight
Direct sunlight can be too harsh for mushrooms, causing them to dry out or become damaged. That’s why a shady spot that gets some indirect light is ideal if you’re growing mushrooms near a window.
Some mushroom growers prefer the natural approach and use a window to provide natural light. This can work well, especially if the window doesn’t let in too much direct sunlight.
Artificial Lights
LED grow lights are a great choice because they don’t heat up too much and are energy-efficient. The light spectrum must be taken into account when using LED lights for mushrooms. Red light boosts the growth of reproductive organs. Blue light promotes vegetative growth.
The brightness of these lights is measured in units called Kelvin (K). The best brightness for mushrooms is usually between 6500K and 9000K. Think of Kelvin as the temperature of the light; higher numbers are like a cloudy day, while lower numbers are like the warm glow of sunrise or sunset.
Some growers like to have more control. They use LED lamps in a special growing area called a chamber. This way, they can make sure the mushrooms get the right amount of light, no matter what the weather is like outside.
How Much Light Do Mushrooms Need?
Many fungi-farming experts suggest that 10 to 12 hours of light each day is what magic mushrooms need to grow.
Light helps them figure out which way to grow. In the wild, mushrooms use light to grow upwards, which is usually where the air is fresh and good for spreading their spores. When you’re growing mushrooms at home in a mushroom grow kit, giving them a daily dose of light helps them grow properly.
What happens if mushrooms don’t get enough light? They might get a bit confused. Without their daily light fix, they can grow in odd ways. They might end up long and skinny or not getting their usual color. They may look a little pale. So, a bit of light is important to keep mushrooms thriving.
Now, if you’re worried about giving them too much light, don’t sweat it. Mushrooms are pretty chill when it comes to light intensity. They won’t get sunburned like we do. The only time you might need to be careful is if the light is making things really warm.
If it gets too hot, the mushrooms might dry out, and nobody likes a dried-up mushroom. So, if you’re using lights indoors, just make sure they’re not turning your mushroom spot into a mini desert.
Although mushrooms are not too picky, they do have their preferences. Keeping them happy with the right amount of light means you’ll have happy mushrooms ready to be picked and enjoyed. So, aim for that 10 to 12 hours of gentle light, and watch your mushrooms grow strong and healthy.
Some Mushrooms That Need Sunlight To Grow
Most mushroom species prefer to grow in cool, damp, and shaded spots. However, not all mushrooms shy away from the sun.
Some mushroom varieties, like the Wine Cap and Elm Oyster mushrooms, are more adventurous and can thrive in spots where they have light exposure. These types are perfect for gardeners who have areas that get a mix of shade and sunlight throughout the day.
Wine Cap mushrooms, also known as King Stropharia, have a rich, earthy flavor that’s a favorite among chefs. They’re unique because they can grow in sunny patches, as long as the sunlight is gentle and not too harsh. Meanwhile, Elm Oyster mushrooms are not only sun-friendly but also known for their ability to clean up the environment by breaking down tough plant fibers.
There are also mushrooms that can stand up to even more light. Shaggy Mane, with its distinctive scaly cap, and the impressive Giant Puffball are two examples. These types can handle full sun and light conditions, making them great choices for open spaces in your yard or garden.
Shaggy Mane mushrooms pop up quickly after rain. These edible mushrooms are known for their delicate texture and flavor, making them a delightful find for foragers. On the other hand, Giant Puffballs are not only fun to look at but are also edible when young, and the inside is pure white.
Conclusion: Growing Mushrooms Need Light
It is a common misconception that mushrooms don’t need light to grow. The role of light, especially natural sunlight, is important for mushrooms.
It is important to know the ideal light requirements and conditions for your mushrooms. Some mushrooms grow best when they receive a lot of light. Others often grow in less light.
There are different kinds of light that mushrooms prefer. Dim lights, indirect sunlight and color spectrum are things you need to take care of if you are growing your own mushrooms.