Mushroom Plug Spawn – Shiitake (Lentinula edodes 3782 strain) 100 plugs approx

Description

Shiitake (3782 Strain) Spawn Plugs Cultivation Guide

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is the second most commonly consumed mushroom in the world, celebrated for its rich, smoky, buttery umami flavour and incredible immune-supporting properties.

Shiitakes are among the easiest and most productive varieties to grow on logs, making them ideal for all skill levels. While it requires 9–14 months for the fast-running 3782 mycelium to fully colonise the wood, a well-managed log will keep cropping heavily for 3–5 years.

The 3782 strain is highly versatile and handles a wide fruiting range (7–21°C). However, for the premium aesthetic—heavy, dark-brown caps with stunning white scales—try to target its sweet spot below 18°C.

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

🛠️ Quick Gear Checklist

• Fresh Hardwood Logs: Oak (white or red) is its absolute favourite and yields the best results. Sweetgum, maple, poplar, and birch also work incredibly well.

  • ❌ Avoid: Hickory (too dense/slow) and Beech (inconsistent). * Logs should be 10–20 cm in diameter and ~1 meter long.

• Shiitake 3782 Spawn Plugs: Wooden dowels fully colonised with high-yield Shiitake mycelium.

• Drill & Bit: Sized to match the plug diameter for a tight, snug fit.

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

🪵 Step-by-Step Process

1. Age the Wood (4–6 Weeks)

• Crucial: Do not inoculate right away! Freshly cut wood contains natural anti-fungal compounds that inhibit growth.

• Let the logs rest off the ground in a shady spot for 4–6 weeks until these compounds degrade. Keep the wood moist by hosing it down regularly (daily in summer, 1–2 times a week in cooler months).

2. Inoculate & Seal

• Drill: Drill holes in a staggered diamond pattern all over the log, spaced 5–10 cm apart, to a depth of 1.5 times the plug length.

• Insert: Hammer the 3782 plugs in until they sit completely flush with the bark layer.

• Wax: Melt the wax and paint over every plug hole and both cut ends of the log. This seals in the critical internal moisture needed for colonisation.

3. Incubation (9–14 Months)

• Place the log back in a shaded, damp outdoor spot.

• Never let it dry out! The 3782 strain is a fast incubator but relies on high internal log moisture. Hose the logs down thoroughly during dry weather to keep them hydrated.

🌤️ Environment & The “Force-Fruiting” Shock

Once the incubation period is complete and you notice white mycelium patterns cracking through the sapwood on the log ends, your log is ready to fruit!

🔪 Harvesting & Ongoing Care

• When to Pick: Harvest when the umbrella caps have opened up about 70–80%, showing the edges slightly rolled under, but before the caps flatten out completely and release white spores.

• How to Pick: Grab the stem close to the bark, twist firmly, and pull. (Note: Shiitake stems are very fibrous and tough—slice them off before cooking and save them to powder or simmer into rich savoury broths!).

• The Rest Period: After a heavy harvest, the 3782 strain needs a rest period of 6–8 weeks to let the mycelium recover and digest more wood before you can force-soak it again.

• Long-Term Longevity: Keep your logs entirely out of direct sunlight and protect the outer bark layer from taking damage. A healthy oak log will produce abundant, high-yield flushes up to 6–12 times a year for up to 5 years!

**Please keep in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.

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

Dimensions: 8mm diameter. Recommended 8.5mm drill bit when preparing logs.