Cultivation Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Edible
Substrate: Manure and straw based composts
Colonization/Fruiting Temperatures: 84-86F/75-77F
Supplied As: Culture in slant or petri dish*
Agaricus bitorquis is essentially a warm temperature version of the well known common white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). "Torks," as they are known, are denser, stronger in flavor, higher in disease resistance and less sensitive to high CO2 levels than the button mushroom. These traits make this species more suitable for the home grower, especially in warm climates. Like most agaricus, the Tork needs a non-sterile casing layer for optimum fruiting. But we have observed spontaneous fruitings in unopened jars of grain spawn that have been overincubated. It is unknown if unseen contaminates stimulated the fruiting or if this species can fruit in a sterile environment.
This species can be grown to maturity as a white “Portabella” or harvested young as a firm button. The mushrooms are very tasty, especially for those that might desire a more flavorful version of the white button mushroom. This is by far the easiest and most forgiving agaricus species for the home grower that we have tested. Highly recommended.
*Note: Culture supplied as living mycelium in a test tube slant or grown on sterile media in a petri dish. Culture can be stored under refrigeration for several months. Slants are best suited for long distance travel, international shipments, or long term culture storage. To ensure freshness of culture, slant and plate requests are made to order, please allow 2-4 weeks for processing and shipment. Please choose between Slant or Petri Dish below.
