A Seasonal Guide to Growing Mushrooms in India
India's climate varies, so match the mushroom to the season. A guide to what to grow in the monsoon, summer, and winter across Indian conditions.
Growing with the seasons
India's climate varies widely, so the simplest approach is to match the mushroom to the season rather than fight the weather. Temperature and humidity decide what grows well and when.
Monsoon and warm months
The monsoon is prime time for oyster, milky, and paddy straw mushrooms, when natural humidity is high. Pink oyster and milky mushroom fruit well at 25 to 35°C, and paddy straw thrives at 30 to 35°C, so they suit the plains without cooling.
Winter and hill stations
Cooler months and higher altitudes suit button mushrooms at 14 to 18°C, along with shiitake, king oyster, and lion's mane, which fruit best in cooler air. Many warm-region growers save these for winter or a cooled room.
Practical tips
- Grow in a shaded, ventilated room, and mist or use a humidifier to hold humidity.
- Keep straw and spawn clean, since heat and humidity also favour contaminants.
- Start with oyster mushrooms, which fruit across much of the year, then add seasonal species.