Last Updated on February 18, 2022 by Guillermina
Thinking of growing Portabella mushrooms indoors? Learn all about this culinary treat and enjoy.
Portobello mushrooms are one of the most widespread mushroom varieties in the world. This mushroom is native to the grasslands of North America and Europe and is widely used in Italian and California-style cooking. Best of all, it is a great substitute for meat.
Although they have not been so popular in the past, over the past few years, they have continued to grow in popularity. – Do you want to know why? Stay with us to find out all about growing Portabella mushrooms indoors.
What Are Portabella Mushrooms?
Portobello mushrooms (also known as Portabella mushrooms) are the mature form of edible fungi (Agaricus bisporus), which also includes button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms. They are all actually the same types of mushrooms but at different stages of maturation.
Portobellos have a firm, meaty texture and brown or beige cap that averages about 6 inches in diameter. Since these are fairly large mushrooms, they can be stuffed, baked, broiled, and grilled. They are an excellent choice for alternatives to meatless burgers because of their meaty texture which is closely approximating that of a real burger.
In addition, it is very important to note that this type of mushroom has extremely small amounts of fats, or polyunsaturated fats, which are also found in other heart-healthy foods such as nuts, seeds, and fish. Portobellos are also an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and iron, as well as antioxidants.
A Guide To Growing Portabella Mushrooms Indoors
Here are the simplest and proven steps for growing Portabella mushrooms indoors. So, let’s get started!
Build Your Own Tray
In order to grow Portobello mushroom, it is necessary to make a tray of appropriate dimensions and materials. The frame needs to be about 20 cm deep and at least 15 cm long, and can be made of scrap wood or fresh planks. Its construction is very simple, it is enough to make a rectangular bed by nailing the wood together.
Plus, if you are not feeling well by doing DIY projects, you can buy a mushroom growing kit at a gardening store or online store. They usually come with all the included components that you will need to grow Portabella mushrooms indoors.
Filling The Tray With Compost & Mushroom Spores
When it comes to filling growing beds, it is best to use manure compost. You can purchase it from the garden center or any online store.
Begin the process by filling a tray with 6 inches (15 cm) of compost. Then it is time to add spores. You can get them online or even in some gardening stores. The most important thing in this step is to use rubber gloves. Simply add the spores onto the compost, gently mix it and then press down on the compost when you’re finished.
Peat Moss & Watering
After finishing the above step, put a layer of peat moss and cover it with newspaper. Water the Portobello mushrooms regularly so that they can grow and develop properly. It is recommended to water them twice every single day for a couple of weeks. Leave the tray in a dark room at a temperature of about 65-70F (18-21 C).
Periodically take off the newspaper to check if the mushrooms have already sprouted a small white head. If not, return the newspaper and repeat the process until you see that the mushrooms have finally sprouted.
Waiting, Sweet Waiting
This is probably the hardest part of growing Portabella mushrooms indoors because it requires patience. The good thing is that after you finally remove the newspaper, you can start harvesting it right away. This will usually happen over the next 10-12 days.
Did you know that this type of mushroom can grow almost double its size in about 24 hours? So, you can wait if you want them to grow bigger. Everything is by choice and a matter of your own preferences.
In Conclusion
Now that you know all about growing Portabella mushrooms indoors, it is time to test your abilities and skills.
Growing them is very simple, fun, and not at all expensive. The most important thing is to ensure that the growing medium is damp and at the right temperature with adequate manure. With a little effort and love, you will have tasty mushrooms to chop up into any dish of your choice.
After all, enjoy farming your mushrooms!
For more indoor gardening ideas, check out this article as well.
Can Portobello Mushrooms Be Grown Indoors?
Yes, you can! Portobello mushrooms are a great choice for growing indoors. As for the process itself, it is no different from growing outdoors.
You can either purchase a kit or start the process on your own, whichever suits you best.
Are Portobello mushrooms easy to grow?
Portobello mushrooms are considered to be the simplest and easiest types of mushrooms you can grow, whether indoors or outdoors. The best thing about them is that you don’t have to worry at all about weather changes, pests, and other problems that other growers are likely to face.
Also, if you want an even easier option, you can always use a mushroom growing kit.
What temperature do Portobello mushrooms grow?
Portobello mushrooms prefer temperatures between 60 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures slow down their growth, while on the other hand temperatures above 74 degrees Fahrenheit prevent the mushrooms from growing entirely. After all, if the room temperature in which Portabella mushrooms are found exceeds 86 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect them to die.
Can I Grow Portobello Mushrooms From Store-Bought?
Yes, you can grow store-bought Portobello mushrooms! All they need to succeed is suitable fruiting means and the best growing environment. Note that the ideal stems are ¼ inches long (6 mm).
The planting process looks like this: place moist material at the bottom of the medium, add the mushroom end pieces and then do another layer until the pot is full. And that would be it!