How to Grow Shiitake in Australia
A year-round mushroom crop for the home garden
Growing your own Shiitake is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$15-30/kg on fresh shiitake. One log produces for 3-5 years.
This guide covers when to plant Shiitake in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Shiitake is a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown all year round. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Wide Range
Strain that fruits across a broad temperature range. Best for variable Australian climates.
Try: Forest Fungi, Life Cykel, specialist mushroom suppliers
Cold Weather
Fruits at lower temperatures. Good for southern climates and winter production.
Try: Forest Fungi, specialist suppliers
Position and Soil
Give Shiitake a shaded or dappled spot. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5 to 6. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of Hardwood log or sawdust block, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 0 cm deep. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 22 degrees.
Lentinula edodes. Premium culinary mushroom grown on hardwood logs or supplemented sawdust blocks. Log-grown shiitake have superior flavour. Inoculate fresh-cut hardwood logs with dowel spawn. First flush takes 6-12 months on logs but then produces for 3-5 years. Sawdust blocks fruit faster (8-12 weeks). Rich umami flavour.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Slugs (outdoor logs). The main diseases to watch are Contamination and Trichoderma. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Shiitake is typically ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months). Fridge in paper bag for 1 week. Dry and store for 12+ months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, shiitake is good sliced and stir-fried, dried and rehydrated for intense umami, added to broths and ramen and grilled whole as a side dish. Nutritionally: contains lentinan, studied for immune support and rich in B vitamins and vitamin D (sun-exposed).
Track Your Shiitake Growing
Add shiitake to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shiitake in Australia?
Shiitake is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown all year round. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Shiitake take to grow?
Shiitake is generally ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Shiitake in a pot?
Yes. Shiitake grows well in a container of Hardwood log or sawdust block with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Shiitake need?
Give it a shaded or dappled spot for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Shiitake in the Plant Library
