How to Grow Volvariella Volvacea Mushroom

Volvariella Volvacea (or more commonly known as straw mushroom) likes temperatures between 30-35C (80-95F) and a humidity of 80%. The volva is the cup part remaining at the base of the mushroom after it breaks out of its veil. Growing good volvariella needs some good soil, substrate and water source.

Let's see some ideas together:

The Land

If you're planning to grow volvariella directly on the ground outdoors, look out for what has been in the soil in the area.

If there is some pesticide or petroleum residue left in the soil, it may not be suitable for the mushroom. However, if the soil is fertile or has had manure or organic waste decompose on it for quite some time, then it is good.

Alluvial soil can also work well. Acidic or salty soils are not good for growing volvariella because it gives low productivity.

Make sure the growing area is not around ponds with standing water or garbage piles, as contamination or pathogens may affect the growing.

The Substrate

Many people use straw as a substrate for volvariella, hence the name straw mushroom.

In some other countries, folks have tried using cotton waste and sugar cane waste with very good yield. Cotton waste, in particular, has shown to give productivity about twice as much as straw.

Despite this, not every country or region has cotton or sugar cane waste readily available for cheap. So you should take into account the shipping costs of materials when buying.

Other materials like sawdust, coco coir and dried banana leaves have also been used. In the Philippines, growers have used dried hyacinth with good success.

Materials that have fiber (or cellulose) are suitable for growing straw mushroom. The ideal is a material with a balanced Carbon and Nitrogen (50/50). From growers' experience, it gives good yields.

Water Source

Straw mushroom loves water and needs lots of it. Fresh water is best for spraying them. Going dry, especially on a hot summer day, may affect the growth of the mushroom.

You could also use rainwater or well water to spray them. Paddy field water, pond water or river water is okay, if you know those sources have not been contaminated or contain too much salts or acids.

Because when watered with acidic water, the mycelium grows very few and slow. Growth may stop and the mushroom cap may also get deformed.

In the same way, when watered with highly salty water, the mycelium grows very few, even changes color and becomes deformed. In the end, no mushroom is formed.

So select a good water source for your beloved shrooms.

The art of watering your shrooms is very simple. Do it gently, like a shower of rainfall. You could use an atomizer sprayer for this. So the water droplets split smaller, making it easier for the substrate to absorb and doesn't damage the new pins.

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