Fungi, like all living organisms, require specific conditions for their growth and development. The most important criteria are humidity and air temperature. Lighting is less important for these organisms.
However, these figures are not strict, as each species has its own temperature range. Knowing the mushroom growth temperature is important not only for those who grow mushrooms but also for those who enjoy foraging in the forest. This information will help you choose the optimal day to harvest the maximum amount.
The best time for mushroom picking is from early spring until the first frosts arrive. Therefore, if the first frosts haven't yet arrived, you can go on a "silent hunt" even in winter.
Temperature required for mushroom growth in autumn
This time of year marks the peak of the mushroom season. Almost all summer species can be found in the fall, but new mushrooms emerge—specifically autumnal ones. The first to stop growing are porcini mushrooms and oak boletes—as soon as the temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius, their development ceases. Then, the number of milk mushrooms, russula, scaly mushrooms, and russula gradually decreases in the forest. These species stop growing when the air temperature drops to 10 degrees Celsius.
The most common mushroom found in the forest at this time of year is the autumn honey fungus.
They prefer dampness and old wood as a growing environment, so look for them in ravines and on stumps. The autumn honey fungus's favorite plants are poplar and mulberry.
Greenfinch has great resistance to cold.
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It can grow at temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius. It's also known as the harbinger of winter: as soon as a greenfinch appears in the forest, frosts will arrive in two weeks. Greenfinch prefers pine forests with sandy soil. It thrives in well-lit clearings and paths. It rarely grows alone, so you can harvest almost a full basket from a single plot.
Another representative of the autumn forest is the rowan.
For optimal growth, Tricholoma requires coniferous forests and sandy soil. It's not as cold-resistant as the greenfinch, so it's only available until late October.
Favorable temperature conditions in spring
As soon as the snow melts and the air temperature rises to 5 - 10 degrees Celsius, you can find morels in the forest.
They are often found right in meltwater puddles. Another favorite place for them to grow is near deciduous trees.
Along with morels, lines appear.
The common species prefers to grow under coniferous trees. However, the giant morel is found primarily in mixed and deciduous stands. When harvesting the mushrooms listed above, be careful, as they are conditionally edible. They can only be consumed after being cooked first.
Another type of mushroom that can be found in the spring forest is the puffball. However, it appears later than morels and gyromitra, when the ambient temperature remains consistently above 15 degrees Celsius.
In addition to warmth, this mushroom requires abundant moisture to thrive. Therefore, it is usually found in May after rain. It is widespread in coniferous and mixed forests. When harvesting puffballs, only young mushrooms should be considered. They have the greatest nutritional value because, unlike older mushrooms, they have soft flesh.
In spring, mushroom pickers often find orange peciza in the forest.
Aside from its attractive color, this mushroom is unremarkable. It has no mushroom smell or taste. It is primarily used as a colorful element in dried bundles.
The right temperature in summer
Summer is a favorable time of year for mushroom growth, but extreme heat is detrimental to these organisms. When the air temperature rises above 35 degrees Celsius, mycelial activity is inhibited. Therefore, if it's been unbearably hot all week without a single rainfall, there's no point in going on a "silent hunt"—there won't be anything to pick. The optimal combination for mushroom growth is recent rain and temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius.
Under favorable conditions, aspen mushrooms are among the first to appear.
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They grow primarily in deciduous and mixed greenery. They thrive in shade, so look for them in thickets and moss.
Then the butter mushrooms begin to grow actively.
Different species of butter mushrooms prefer different conditions; some prefer coniferous forests, while others thrive in deciduous forests. Therefore, they can be found everywhere, primarily in well-lit clearings.
In midsummer, a large number of porcini mushrooms appear in the forest.
This species prefers to grow in pine and birch forests in open, sunny areas. They rarely grow alone, so if you find one, there are likely at least a couple more nearby.
You can also find volnushki in summer.
They most often grow in birch forests, but can also be found in mixed forests. Experienced mushroom pickers recommend picking only young mushrooms, as they have a firm cap and travel well.
The boletus is also primarily harvested in the summer. Its peak growth occurs in early and late summer, as it does not tolerate extreme heat. It is most often collected near oak or linden trees, so it is necessary to "hunt" for it in deciduous forests.
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Very few mushroom species can withstand the cold. Therefore, for most amateur mushroom hunters, the mushroom season ends with the arrival of November. However, this isn't entirely reliable, as some species grow only after the first frost.
A striking example of frost-loving mushrooms is the winter honey fungus.
It grows primarily in deciduous forests on trees. Besides its striking appearance, it has excellent flavor, so hunting for it is worthwhile. The mycelium doesn't grow directly in subzero temperatures, but frost only slows its growth, not stops it. Therefore, when the weather warms up a bit, the winter honey fungus thaws and continues growing.
Another mushroom that can be found in winter is the winter oyster mushroom.
It prefers to grow on dead aspen and birch trees. It is rarely found on other species.
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For those who enjoy a "quiet hunt," it's essential to consider the average daily temperature and the time since the last rainfall before heading into the forest. Warm and humid weather guarantees a successful mushroom picking trip.
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Sergey
I collect porcini mushrooms (boletus), butter mushrooms, and aspen mushrooms until October. The most important thing is to avoid severe and prolonged frosts.
If you don't know mushrooms, don't write about them. Instead of a milk mushroom, take a photo of a fellow traveler. Instead of a butter mushroom, take a photo of a bog mushroom.