Mushroom Growing Kit Yields Compared - Expected Harvests
Most Merryhill Mushroom growing kits produce between 800g and 1.5kg of fresh mushrooms across multiple flushes. The exact yield depends on the variety, your growing conditions, and how well you care for the kit between harvests. This guide breaks down what to expect from every kit in our range, so you can plan meals, choose the right variety, and get the best value from your growing experience.
Each mushroom variety has its own fruiting pattern. Some produce one heavy flush, while others spread their yield across three or four harvests over several weeks. Whether you are growing shiitake for drying, oyster mushrooms for weeknight meals, or lion's mane for its seafood-like texture, knowing what to expect helps you make the most of your kit.
Fresh mushrooms harvested from Merryhill Mushrooms growing kits.
Mushroom Kit Yield Comparison at a Glance
This quick reference compares total yield, number of flushes, and growing timeline for every kit in our range. Use it to choose the right variety based on whether you want maximum yield, quick results, or a specific flavour profile for the kitchen.
Quick answer: If you want the highest total yield, choose chestnut or white button at 1 to 1.5kg over 5 to 7 weeks. If you want a fast, concentrated harvest for drying or preserving, shiitake delivers 1kg+ in its first flush within a week. For meaty texture and plant-based cooking, King Oyster and Black Pearl Oyster are the strongest performers. For warmer-weather growing, the native Summer Oyster is the most forgiving choice.
Understanding Mushroom Flush Cycles
A "flush" is a single fruiting cycle where mushrooms emerge, mature, and are harvested from your growing kit. Most varieties can produce multiple flushes from the same substrate block, though the size and timing of each flush varies by species.
Several factors influence how much your kit will produce. Temperature is the most important. Most varieties fruit best below 21 degrees, and cooler conditions typically produce better yields and firmer mushrooms. Humidity matters too. Keeping the air around the fruiting block moist ensures mushrooms develop properly without drying out. Fresh air exchange prevents carbon dioxide buildup and encourages healthy cap formation. Finally, following the species-specific growing instructions for your kit will help you get the most from every flush.
Growing tip: The best environment produces the best crops. Creating optimal conditions from the start ensures you achieve maximum yield from your kit. If you are new to mushroom growing, our misting guide covers the essentials.
Most varieties produce their largest yield on the first flush. As the substrate's nutrients are consumed, subsequent flushes typically produce smaller quantities. However, the quality remains excellent across all flushes, and many growers find later flushes produce mushrooms with more intense flavour.
Some varieties, like shiitake and king oyster, concentrate almost all their productive energy into one massive first flush. Others, like chestnut and white button mushrooms, distribute their yield more evenly across multiple flushes over several weeks.
Variety-by-Variety Yield Breakdown
The cards below cover each variety in more detail, with notes on flushes, timeline, and what each kit is best suited for in the kitchen.
High-Yield Varieties: Chestnut and White Mushrooms
Our chestnut and white button mushroom growing kits are designed for consistent, reliable production over an extended period. These varieties are ideal for home growers who want regular harvests for everyday cooking.
Chestnut Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: 1 to 1.5kg | Flushes: 3 to 4 | Growing period: 5 to 7 weeks
Chestnut mushrooms are among our most productive varieties, offering excellent value with steady production throughout the kit's lifespan. The first flush typically produces the largest harvest, with subsequent flushes providing regular crops every 10 to 14 days.
These versatile mushrooms work beautifully in everyday cooking, from pasta dishes to stir-fries, and their firm texture holds up well to various cooking methods. With proper care, your chestnut mushroom kit will provide fresh mushrooms for well over a month.
White Button Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: 1 to 1.5kg | Flushes: 3 to 4 | Growing period: 5 to 7 weeks
White button mushrooms deliver the same impressive yields as chestnut varieties, with the familiar mild flavour that makes them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. These mushrooms are perfect for growers who want a reliable, consistent harvest of everyday cooking mushrooms.
The predictable flush pattern makes meal planning easy, and the generous total yield means you can enjoy fresh mushrooms in multiple meals throughout the growing period. Many growers successfully harvest white mushrooms for family meals while preserving excess by drying or freezing.
Value tip: With 1 to 1.5kg total yield, chestnut and white mushroom kits typically provide 250 to 375 grams per flush. This makes them excellent value for money, especially compared to supermarket prices for the same varieties.
Heavy First Flush Varieties: Shiitake, King Oyster, and Nameko
Some mushroom varieties concentrate their productive energy into one spectacular first flush, delivering a large harvest in a short period. These varieties are ideal for growers who want to preserve mushrooms by drying or freezing, as the concentrated yield provides plenty for immediate use and storage.
Shiitake Mushroom Growing Kit
First flush yield: 800g to 1kg | Total yield: 1kg+ | Flushes: 1 to 2 | First flush timing: Within one week
Shiitake mushrooms are renowned for their impressive first flush, often producing nearly a kilogram of premium mushrooms within the first week of fruiting. This abundant initial harvest makes shiitake kits particularly valuable for those interested in drying mushrooms, as the concentrated yield provides plenty for preservation.
After the first flush, you can rehydrate the block by soaking it in cold water, which may trigger a second flush several weeks later. While the second flush is typically smaller, it still provides a worthwhile additional harvest. Shiitake's intense umami flavour intensifies when dried, making them a staple in Asian cuisine and an excellent choice for building your preserved mushroom pantry. For cooking ideas, see our shiitake cooking guide.
King Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
First flush yield: Typically 800g+ | Flushes: 1 to 2 | Second flush: Possible bumper crop a few weeks after first
King oyster mushrooms produce thick, meaty stems that are prized for their excellent texture and versatility in cooking. Like shiitake, king oysters deliver most of their yield on the first flush, with a potential second crop emerging weeks later if conditions remain optimal.
These substantial mushrooms are particularly valued for plant-based cooking, as their dense texture makes them an excellent meat substitute. Slice the stems into rounds for vegan scallops, or shred them for pulled mushroom sandwiches. Growing below 21 degrees encourages the best yields and quality.
Nameko Mushroom Growing Kit
First flush yield: Heavy crop delivering most of total yield | Flushes: 1 to 2 | Second flush: Possible bumper crop a few weeks after first
Nameko mushrooms are beloved in Japanese cuisine for their unique slightly gelatinous texture and rich, earthy flavour. These amber-coloured mushrooms fruit heavily on the first flush, providing a generous harvest perfect for miso soup and hot pot dishes.
The characteristic slippery coating on nameko mushrooms develops naturally and is a sign of quality, not spoilage. Like other heavy-first-flush varieties, a second crop is possible with proper care and patience.
Rehydration tip: For varieties with potential second flushes, submerge the entire substrate block in cold water for 12 to 24 hours after the first flush completes. This mimics natural rainfall and can trigger another fruiting cycle.
Oyster Mushroom Varieties: From Pink to Summer Oyster
Our oyster mushroom range now includes seven varieties, each with a different flavour profile, appearance, and growing character. All oyster varieties are fast-growing and produce multiple flushes over several weeks. The native varieties, White Oyster, Grey Oyster, Tarragon Oyster, and Summer Oyster, are all native or non-invasive species well suited to UK conditions.
Pink Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: Approximately 800g | Flushes: 2 to 3 | Growing period: 4 to 5 weeks
Pink oyster mushrooms are as beautiful as they are delicious, with their vibrant coral colour adding visual interest to any dish. These fast-growing mushrooms produce approximately 800 grams over multiple flushes in just 3 to 4 weeks. Pink oysters have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a meaty texture that makes them a popular meat substitute. They are best cooked promptly after harvest and work beautifully in stir-fries, soups, and pasta dishes.
White Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: 800g to 1.2kg | Flushes: 1 to 3 | Growing period: 5 to 6 weeks
White oyster is a delicate, mild-flavoured variety that grows in clusters from a ready growing box kit. Native to the UK, this is a non-invasive species that sits comfortably alongside our other native oyster varieties. White oysters are fast growing, with a first harvest typically ready in 7 to 10 days. Their gentle flavour makes them one of the most versatile oyster mushrooms for everyday cooking.
Grey Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: 800g to 1kg | Flushes: 2 to 3 | Growing period: 4 to 5 weeks
Grey oyster is the variety most people will recognise from supermarket shelves. Growing your own at home produces a noticeably fresher, more flavourful mushroom than anything you will find in the shops. As a native UK species, grey oyster is a non-invasive choice that produces reliable harvests across two to three flushes. The flavour is mild and savoury, making grey oysters a natural fit for soups, risottos, and stir-fries.
Tarragon Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: 800g to 1kg | Flushes: 2 to 3 | Growing period: 4 to 5 weeks
Tarragon oyster is one of the more unusual varieties in our range, with a subtle herbal note to its flavour profile that sets it apart from other oyster mushrooms. Another native, non-invasive species suited to UK growing conditions, tarragon oyster produces reliable yields of 800g to 1kg across two to three flushes. It pairs particularly well with chicken, fish, and egg dishes where the gentle herbal quality can come through.
Summer Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: 800g to 1.2kg | Flushes: 1 to 3 | Growing period: 5 to 6 weeks
Summer oyster, also known as the pale oyster, is a native UK species and one of the few oyster varieties that copes well with warmer conditions. While most oysters prefer to be kept below 21 degrees, summer oyster is more tolerant of warmth, making it the most forgiving choice for late spring and summer growing when other varieties can struggle. It produces pale, fan-shaped clusters with a mild, savoury flavour similar to grey oyster, yielding 800g to 1.2kg across one to three flushes.
Versatile in the kitchen, summer oysters work well in stir-fries, soups, risottos, and pasta dishes. Like all oysters, they are best cooked soon after harvest for the freshest flavour and texture.
Yellow Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: Approximately 500g | Flushes: 2 to 3 | Growing period: 4 to 5 weeks
Yellow oyster mushrooms offer a cheerful golden colour and a delicate, slightly nutty flavour. While the total yield is smaller than some varieties at around 500 grams, these mushrooms make up for it with their exceptional taste and quick growing cycle. They are particularly delicate and should be cooked soon after harvest for the best quality. Their bright colour fades when cooked but their pleasant flavour remains.
Black Pearl Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: Approximately 1kg | Flushes: 1 to 2 | Growing period: 4 to 5 weeks
Black Pearl Oyster is a King Oyster variant that produces thick, meaty stems with striking dark caps that lighten as they mature. The kit uses a log format with a protective wrapper, topsoil, and plate setup, rather than the standard three-hole box used by other oyster varieties. Black Pearl oysters have a dense, meaty texture with a fuller flavour than many other oyster varieties. Saute with garlic and herbs, roast alongside root vegetables, or tear into strips and pan fry until crispy as a plant-based alternative in tacos and sandwiches.
Growing tip: Most oyster mushrooms and lion's mane prefer cooler temperatures, with best yields below 21 degrees. The exception is summer oyster, which tolerates warmer conditions and is the better pick if you are growing during a hot spell.
Enoki Mushroom Varieties: White and Golden
Enoki are the slender, delicate mushrooms widely used across Asian cooking, prized for their crisp texture and the way they soak up the flavours around them. We offer two: White Enoki, the familiar pale cultivated form, and Golden Enoki, the wild golden-brown type with a fuller flavour. Both are cool-weather varieties that produce 300g to 500g over one to two flushes, and both prefer cooler conditions than most other kits.
White Enoki Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: 300g to 500g | Flushes: 1 to 2 | Growing period: 5 to 6 weeks
White enoki are the long, thin, pale clusters familiar from supermarket shelves and Asian cooking. They thrive in cool conditions and produce delicate, crisp mushrooms with a mild, slightly fruity flavour. Expect 300g to 500g across one to two flushes over five to six weeks.
Enoki are best added near the end of cooking so they keep their texture. They are a natural fit for soups, hot pots, ramen, and quick stir-fries, and can also be eaten raw in salads when very fresh.
Golden Enoki Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: 300g to 500g | Flushes: 1 to 2 | Growing period: 5 to 6 weeks
Golden enoki are the wild-type cousin of the pale supermarket variety, with golden-brown caps and a fuller, more pronounced flavour. They share the same cool-weather preference and delicate texture but bring more depth to the plate, yielding 300g to 500g across one to two flushes.
Their richer taste makes golden enoki especially good in soups, hot pots, and noodle dishes where a stronger mushroom character is welcome. As with white enoki, add them late in cooking to preserve their crisp bite.
Growing tip: Enoki like it cold. They fruit best in cool conditions, so a cooler spot in the home, or growing through the colder months, gives the long, slender clusters they are known for.
Lion's Mane Mushroom Growing Kit
Lion's Mane Mushroom Growing Kit
Total yield: Approximately 1kg | Flushes: 2 to 3 | Growing period: 4 to 5 weeks
Lion's mane mushrooms are increasingly popular for both their unique appearance and remarkable seafood-like texture. These spectacular white pom-pom mushrooms can produce impressive yields of around 1 kilogram over two to three flushes.
Many describe the taste as reminiscent of crab or lobster, making lion's mane an exceptional plant-based seafood alternative. Lion's mane is illegal to forage in the UK, so growing your own is the only way to enjoy it fresh. The growing period of 3 to 4 weeks provides a good balance between yield and timeline. Temperature must stay under 20 degrees for the best results, and unlike other varieties, you should never spray the mushroom or compost directly. Instead, spray the paper towels inside the humidity bag to maintain ambient moisture. For recipe ideas, try our lion's mane nuggets recipe.
Maximising Your Mushroom Kit Yields
While each mushroom variety has its expected yield range, following best practices ensures you achieve maximum production from your growing kit. Environmental conditions and care practices significantly impact both the quantity and quality of your harvest.
Temperature control is the single most important factor. Growing mushrooms below 21 degrees is crucial for optimal yields across most varieties, with summer oyster the main exception as it tolerates warmer conditions. Cooler temperatures encourage proper fruiting, better texture, and larger mushrooms. Temperatures above 21 degrees can cause reduced yields, premature spore release (especially in oyster mushrooms), faster substrate depletion with fewer flushes, and increased risk of contamination.
Humidity management keeps mushrooms developing properly. Most varieties prefer humidity levels above 80 per cent during fruiting. Simple ways to maintain humidity include misting the growing area several times daily, using the provided humidity tent, placing the kit away from heating vents and direct sunlight, and keeping a shallow water tray nearby to add ambient moisture.
Fresh air exchange prevents carbon dioxide buildup and produces mushrooms with proper cap development. If using a humidity tent, open it several times daily to refresh the air.
Harvesting at the right time maximises both yield and quality. Pick mushrooms just before or as the caps begin to flatten out. Remove all mushrooms from a flush at once, including small pins, to signal the kit to begin the next cycle.
Between flush care matters too. After harvesting, continue maintaining humidity but reduce misting frequency slightly. Keep the kit in growing conditions rather than storing it away. For varieties that benefit from rehydration, soak the block in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. Watch for pins emerging which signal the next flush is beginning.
Important: The substrate will gradually shrink and become lighter as nutrients are consumed. This is normal and expected. Once the kit stops producing after multiple attempts to encourage fruiting, the substrate is exhausted and can be composted in the garden.
Value for Money: Growing Your Own vs Buying Fresh
With supermarket gourmet mushrooms often costing between 15 and 30 pounds per kilogram, growing your own quickly becomes economical. Our highest-yielding kits offer exceptional value. Chestnut and white button mushrooms provide 1 to 1.5kg over 5 to 7 weeks, making them the best value per pound spent. Shiitake's concentrated 1kg+ harvest is particularly good value given shiitake's premium supermarket price. Lion's mane at approximately 1kg offers significant savings over expensive shop-bought equivalents, which are rarely available fresh in UK supermarkets at all.
Beyond the yields and cost savings, growing your own mushrooms gives you peak freshness (harvest minutes before cooking for maximum flavour and nutrition), educational value, reduced packaging waste and food miles, and the simple satisfaction of growing your own food.
Sustainability note: After your kit completes its fruiting cycle, the spent substrate makes excellent compost for your garden. This closed-loop approach maximises the value and minimises waste from your mushroom growing experience.
Choose the Right Kit for Your Needs
Understanding mushroom kit yields helps you select the perfect variety for your situation. For beginners seeking reliable results, our chestnut and white button mushroom kits provide consistent yields over extended periods. Experienced growers interested in preservation might prefer shiitake's concentrated harvest. Those seeking culinary adventure can explore the unique flavours and textures of lion's mane, the seasonal oyster varieties, the slender enoki, or traditional Asian mushrooms like nameko.
If you are looking for native, non-invasive oyster mushrooms, our White Oyster, Grey Oyster, Tarragon Oyster, and Summer Oyster kits all produce excellent yields of 800g to 1.2kg while being well suited to UK growing conditions. For warmer-weather growing, summer oyster is the most forgiving option, while for something with more meaty depth, the Black Pearl Oyster kit delivers around 1kg from its log format setup.
Remember that optimal yields require proper growing conditions, particularly temperature control below 21 degrees (with summer oyster the warm-tolerant exception) and adequate humidity. With correct care, every one of our mushroom growing kits will reward you with fresh, flavourful harvests that far exceed their initial cost.
Ready to Start Growing Your Own Mushrooms?
Browse our complete range of mushroom growing kits and start harvesting fresh, gourmet mushrooms at home. With yields ranging from 300 grams to 1.5 kilograms per kit, there is a perfect variety for every grower.
Browse All Growing KitsPublished by Merryhill Mushrooms · Sussex, UK | Six generations of mushroom growing excellence