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Chestnut Mushrooms (Pholiota adiposa), also called Cinnamon Caps, are a gourmet species popular in Japan and increasingly sought after by Western chefs. This wood-loving mushroom forms dense clusters of beautiful, dark orange gilled mushrooms with a slightly shaggy cap. Unlike common button mushrooms, true Pholiota adiposa delivers exceptional texture and flavor that elevates any dish.
How to get started
Using a clean knife, cut a 3” x 3” ‘X’ into one side of the bag—it’s okay to cut into the sawdust! You’ll likely see white, pink, or yellow growth inside, which is healthy mycelium. If you notice green fuzzy mold, reach out for support.
Fill the included sprayer with filtered or distilled water and mist the cut area at least twice daily, or more often in dry conditions. Keep up this routine, and tiny mushrooms (“pins”) should appear in a few days. If not, you can loosely cover the block with a hole-punched bag to boost humidity.
Watch your mushrooms grow! Be sure to mist your mushrooms every day to keep them moist. You may need to mist them twice a day if you’re in a dry climate. As your mushrooms grow, keep an eye out for signs that they’re ready to be harvested. Refer to our harvesting guide below for more information!
Harvest mushrooms while caps are still quite concave for longer storage life. The mushrooms grow in dense clusters that are easy to harvest all at once. Cut or twist entire clusters at the base. The long edible stems are a bonus—don't trim them off!
A second flush is typically available from the same kit about two weeks later. After first harvest, rest the block for 10-14 days. Then soak in cold water for 24 hours, drain completely, and resume misting. The cooler rest period helps trigger the next flush.
Chestnut mushrooms typically take 10–14 days to start pinning after you begin fruiting conditions, and another 5–7 days to reach harvest size. Growth speed can vary depending on temperature, humidity, and airflow. Ideal fruiting temperatures are between 60–70°F (16–21°C) with high humidity (85–95%). Keep the surface moist but not soaked, and you’ll start to see clusters forming in about two weeks.
Small or underdeveloped caps are often caused by low humidity or insufficient fresh air exchange. Chestnuts prefer steady moisture on the surface of the substrate and gentle airflow that prevents CO₂ buildup. Try misting the inside of your grow environment 2–3 times daily and ensure your tent or fruiting area has good ventilation without direct drafts.
Yes! A healthy chestnut kit can produce 2–3 flushes. After harvesting the first crop, remove leftover stems, lightly mist the surface, and keep the same fruiting conditions. Give the block about 7–10 days of rest before the next flush begins. Each harvest may be slightly smaller than the first but can still yield flavorful, high-quality mushrooms.
