What are the raw materials and suitable growing conditions for black fungus?

What are the raw materials and suitable growing conditions for black fungus?

The wood chip substitute for black fungus cultivation mainly uses oak coarse wood chip particles (5-8 mm in diameter), which need to be watered, piled, and turned before being used in production.

Temperature:

Black fungus prefers moderate temperatures. Spores germinate at 22–32°C, and mycelium grows best at 22–26°C. It can survive cold down to –30°C shortly, but high temperatures over 32°C cause aging. Fruiting is best at 18–23°C—cooler temperatures produce better quality, while high temperatures lead to thinner, lower-quality ears and can cause malformations. It’s sensitive to temperature changes.

Light:

Keep cultivation bags in the dark after inoculation. Light exposure too early can reduce yield. After mycelium matures, use soft, scattered light to trigger fruiting. Proper light affects the color—1,500–2,500 lux is ideal for dark black ears. Indoor lights (500 lux) are too weak, so outdoor or greenhouse cultivation is preferred.

Moisture:

Mycelium grows best when substrate moisture is 58–62%. Fruiting needs air humidity of 85–95%. Use a “dry and wet” cycle to control moisture. Dry periods help mycelium spread and prevent contamination; wet periods promote fruiting.

Air:

Black fungus needs fresh air. CO₂ should be kept below 0.08%. Good airflow is important for ear development.

pH:

It grows best in slightly acidic conditions, with an ideal pH of 5.8–6.2 after sterilization.