Ready-to-Fruit Blocks FAQ

Here are practical answers for growing a Ready-to-Fruit block. Follow the printed directions on your block and product page. If you are unsure about a block, email photos to info@fungifarmllc.com.

How long until my block ships?

Every Fungi Farm block is made and grown in the USA, custom grown just for you. Blocks are made to order so they stay high quality. We do not sit on inventory for long periods.

Lead times are typically 1-3 weeks while blocks colonize. We often have extra blocks available for immediate shipment, and some orders arrive about 3 days after ordering, but we cannot guarantee a rush timeline unless you contact us first for exact current lead times. Email info@fungifarmllc.com or use the contact page if you need something in a hurry.

We send tracking when it ships. Standing production slots are available for recurring wholesale orders and for retail subscription orders, so those growers can keep a more predictable cadence. 

Is the dark or black area mold?

Dark areas are often substrate, the mushroom food inside the block, and are not necessarily mold. Keep the plastic on as directed and give the block a chance to fruit. Do not dump the substrate out of the bag. If you think you see mold, email photos to info@fungifarmllc.com.

How do I start the block?

Follow these three steps: cut an X into the block, soak it, then sit it upright. Keep the plastic on. The bag helps hold moisture and protects the block. The first soak is enough to get started. Aim for about 65-75°F. Bright light is not needed. Mushrooms usually start in about 1-2 weeks. See the Ready-to-Fruit product page for photos.

How do mushrooms grow out of the bag?

After you cut the X, mushrooms grow from the block through that X. Keep the plastic on to contain moisture and keep following the printed directions. These bags are not the same as outdoor log growing.

There is not much white mycelium yet. What should I do?

Blocks leave fully colonized and inspected. Shipping can temporarily flatten or brown some surface areas. Let the block rest in the bag for a few days. The white mycelium often fills back in. Then start fruiting with the plastic on and follow the directions.

What if the block is broken, crushed, brown in spots, or the bag split?

Broken or brown spots are usually from rough shipping. Blocks leave our facility fully colonized, and we inspect each one before it ships so you receive a healthy block. Let it rest for a few days in the bag and keep the plastic on. Mycelium usually self-heals, and damaged blocks often still fruit. Do not empty the substrate out of the bag. If the damage is severe, email photos to info@fungifarmllc.com. We review severe damage and may replace it. A break or brown spot does not automatically mean a replacement is needed.

What if contamination shows up after I start?

Email photos to info@fungifarmllc.com. If contamination was present when the block arrived and photos confirm it, we provide a free replacement. We cannot guarantee replacement for contamination that appears after customer use. We review those cases individually.

What if my block arrived frozen?

Let it thaw and use it as normal.

When should I harvest lion's mane?

Harvest lion's mane when the top begins to turn golden brown.

How long until the first harvest?

After you start fruiting, mushrooms usually take about 1-2 weeks. Timing varies by variety. Pink oyster is often faster and lion's mane is often slower. A block can often produce more than one flush.

What care does a block need?

Give it fresh air. A mister is not required for pink oyster, golden oyster, lion's mane, or blue oyster. Chestnut, king oyster, and shiitake are more particular about their setup. Instructions come with every order. Aim for 65-75°F. Light is not critical. A fan is okay if it is not blasting the block. No mister is required. Full directions are printed on the block and on the Ready-to-Fruit product page.

What varieties are available?

Ready-to-Fruit varieties change with availability. If the variety you want is not listed as Ready-to-Fruit, check our spawn options. For example, maitake is available as sawdust spawn.

Should I get a 5 lb or 10 lb block?

Most farms grow 10 lb blocks, but they take up more counter space. For home growing, 5 lb is a smaller, lighter choice that can yield about 1-2+ lbs of mushrooms. A 10 lb block can yield about 2-4+ lbs. These are soft estimates, not guarantees. Choose 5 lb for a smaller home setup or less counter space. Choose 10 lb when you have more room and want more potential yield. Shop Ready-to-Fruit blocks and choose your size.

Want to try them all? The Ready-to-Fruit Mixed Pack includes one block each of Blue Oyster, Lion's Mane, Golden Oyster, and Pink Oyster. Choose 5 lb or 10 lb.

Can I pick up a block?

You can pick up a block if you prefer to not pay shipping. Our farm store is open Monday-Friday, 10 AM-3 PM in Dadeville, AL

What about all-in-one grow bags?

For an all-in-one grow bag, email photos promptly if contamination is present when it arrives. We review delivery contamination with the same photo-based process. See all-in-one grow bags.

Are Ready-to-Fruit blocks guaranteed to grow?

Guaranteed to grow. Yes: 30-day grow guarantee. If your block isn't growing, we'll replace it. Just follow our grow instructions.

Ready to grow?

Shop Ready-to-Fruit blocks (choose 5 lb or 10 lb on the product page).

For next steps beyond fruiting blocks, Become a mushroom farmer! Prefer hands-on training? Cultivation workshops. For general questions, see the Store FAQ.

Helpful tools: How to Grow Mushrooms at Home · Substrate Calculator · Tincture Calculator · Harvest Planner