Mushroom Plug Spawn – Maitake Hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa) Approx. 600-700 qty plugs – Made to order

$44.95

Available on back-order

SKU: PLUGSGF9827 Category:

Description

Maitake Spawn Plugs Cultivation Guide

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), also famously known as Hen of the Woods, is a highly prized gourmet and medicinal mushroom. It forms massive, overlapping, ruffled brown clusters that boast a rich, earthy, savoury flavour.

Growing Maitake on logs requires the ultimate patience. It takes 12–24 months for the slow-growing mycelium to colonise the wood before your first harvest, but an established log will reward you by fruiting annually for up to 5–8 years.

(Out of stock? Please allow 2–4 weeks for shipping.)

🛠️ Quick Gear Checklist

  • Fresh Hardwood Logs: Oak is highly recommended (Maitake’s absolute favourite). Beech, maple, and elm also work. Logs should be 10–20 cm in diameter and ~1 meter long.

  • Maitake Spawn Plugs: Mycelium-covered wooden dowels.

  • Drill & Bit: 8- 8.5 mm

  • Waxing Kit: Food-grade wax, an old pot, and a paintbrush.

🪵 Step-by-Step Process

1. Age the Wood (2–4 Weeks)

  • Do not inoculate immediately after cutting. Let the logs rest off the ground in a shady spot for 2–4 weeks to allow the tree’s natural anti-fungal defences to break down. Keep them moist by hosing them down.

2. Inoculate & Seal

  • Drill: Drill holes in a staggered diamond pattern all over the log, spaced 8–10 cm apart, to a depth of 1.5 times the plug length. Plan for at least 30–50 holes per log.

  • Insert: Hammer the Maitake plugs in until they sit completely flush with the bark.

  • Wax: Melt the wax and paint over every single plug hole and both cut ends of the log to lock in moisture and protect the slow-growing mycelium from wild fungi.

3. Incubation (12–24 Months)

  • Place the log in a deeply shaded, damp outdoor area.

  • Never let it dry out! Because Maitake takes up to two years to colonise, keeping the log hydrated is your primary job. Hose it down heavily during dry spells.

🌤️ The Maitake Twist: Ground Placement & Fruiting

Maitake is a ground-dwelling fungus that naturally grows at the base of old trees. Once your log is fully colonised (usually after 12–18 months), you will change how it sits.

Phase Ideal Conditions Action
Incubation Shady, damp outdoor area. Keep logs stacked slightly off the ground on pallets/stones to incubate.
Fruiting Setup Partial Burial (The Secret!) Once colonised, bury the log horizontally halfway into the soil, or stand it upright like a fence post buried 1/3 deep in a shaded garden bed. Soil contact provides the constant moisture Maitake loves.
Fruiting Trigger 10–16°C (Early to Mid Fall). Natural autumn rain and temperature drops will shock the log. Massive “hens” will begin to bloom from the base/soil line.

🔪 Harvesting & Ongoing Care

  • When to Pick: Harvest the ruffles when the cluster is large, firm, and fully formed, but before the edges turn dark, dry, or brittle.

  • How to Pick: Use a clean, sharp knife to slice the dense cluster away at its very base where it joins the log or soil.

  • The Long Game: Maitake logs will naturally rest through the winter and summer, fruiting once a year during the autumn. Never let the buried log completely dry out during summer droughts, protect the bark layer, and enjoy your gourmet autumn harvests for years to come!

Please note this culture is sold with our Mushroom Spawn and Cultures sale agreement. By purchasing you agree to this agreement.

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