Stages of Mushroom Growth
Understanding each stage of mushroom growth helps growers know what to expect — and what's going wrong — at any point in the cycle. This page breaks down the process into its core stages: substrate preparation, spawning, spawn run (incubation), pinning, fruiting, and harvest, explaining what's happening biologically and visually at each step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main stages of mushroom growth?
The core stages are substrate preparation, spawning, spawn run (incubation), pinning, fruiting, and harvest.
How long does the spawn run stage typically take?
Spawn run duration varies by variety, but it generally takes one to a few weeks for the mycelium to fully colonise the substrate.
What does 'pinning' mean in mushroom cultivation?
Pinning refers to the stage when tiny mushroom buds first appear on the substrate surface, signalling the start of the fruiting phase.