We commonly know mushrooms as tasty foods that end up on our plates, but their life cycle is much more fascinating. At the beginning of every mushroom is a mycelium, or otherwise called mushroom seedlings, which is an invisible organism that forms the basis of mushroom lifeMycelium is best applied in liquid form. Liquid cultures helps keep the soil healthy, and ensures the circulation of nutrients. This is how mushroom seedlings grow and develop. If the idea of growing mushrooms at home has intrigued you, do not hesitate to order liquid mycelium. What exactly is it? We will explain it below.

 

What is mycelium?

Mycelium (other names: mycelium, mycelium) is the vegetative part of a fungus. It is a tangle of fine, fibrous structures called hyphae, which grow in soil, wood or other organic materials. Although the mycelium is often not visible to the naked eye, it is the true core of the fungal organism and is essential for successful mushroom cultivation. 

Mycelium functions similarly to the root system of plants:

• • breaks down organic matter,

• • absorbs nutrients,

• • creates symbioses with plants (e.g. in the forest),

• • ensures reproduction.

Mycelium in practice

When growing mushrooms, the term mycelium is associated with the so-called inoculation materials – that is, ways to "plant" the fungus into the prepared substrate. The most common form of mycelium is liquid mycelium culture. It is live mycelium v liquid nutrient solution, which is very fast in colonizing the substrate. For faster growth of mushroom seedlings, it is used grow lamp, which simulates natural light. This is necessary for the proper development of mushrooms. The grow lamp thus provides the optimal light spectrum and the correct intensity, which helps stimulate the formation of fruiting bodies and accelerates their maturation. 

When growing mushroom seedlings, it is also often used grow tent, which helps create optimal conditions for the growth of mycelium and fruiting bodies, such as appropriate temperature, humidity and air circulation.

Liquid cultures

The most common mushroom seedlings are in the form of mushroom liquid cultures myceliumLiquid mycelium is a form of mycelium that is suspended in a nutrient solution, most often sterile water with added sugar or other nutrients. These mushroom seedlings contain living fungal filaments (hyphae) that multiply in the liquid and are ready for inoculation of the substrate.

Advantages of liquid mycelium:

• • Rapid colonization – thanks to its liquid form, the mycelium disperses easily and evenly into the substrate, accelerating its growth.

• • High yield – multiple containers or substrate blocks can be inoculated from one batch.

• • Easy to use – comes in a sterile syringe, which allows for precise application.

• • Long shelf life – if stored properly (in the refrigerator), it will retain its vitality for up to a year.

When and how is liquid mycelium used?

Liquid mycelium is used especially in the beginning stages of mushroom cultivation, when the grower wants to establish a new culture on a sterile substrate. Thanks to its liquid form, mushroom seedlings allow for quick and even inoculation, which accelerates the overgrowth of the substrate with mycelium and the subsequent growth of fruiting bodies. If you are a beginner grower, it will be beneficial for you mushroom growing kitwhich you can find with us. 

When using liquid mycelium, it is crucial to maintain sterility. Both the substrate and the working environment must be clean and sterile. The substrate is prepared by sterilization, most often by boiling, steaming or in a pressure cooker. The liquid mycelium is applied directly to the substrate using a sterile syringe. After inoculation, the substrate is kept at a suitable temperature that promotes mycelium growth, and its growth is gradually monitored. 

If you are interested growing mushrooms at home, don't hesitate! Go ahead and get fresh and healthy mushrooms right from your home.