Truffles are often considered a luxury food ingredient because of their delicious taste. This mushroom is more difficult to grow than other edible mushrooms. Growing truffles is a great business opportunity. However, it may take several years before you can harvest truffles. So, start planting it from now on.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Planning a Truffle Cultivation
Step 1. Choose black or white truffles for a big profit
Basically, truffles are divided into two types, black and white. Black truffles are more expensive, but white ones are no less valuable. The type of truffle planted can be adjusted to your liking.
- Keep in mind that black and white truffles only grow in areas that experience the 4 seasons. So, you may not be able to grow it in Indonesia or anywhere else where the winters are not really cold. However, there are also some types of truffles that can survive in hot climates.
- You must purchase inoculated seeds to grow truffles. This seed is a small tree that has been sprinkled with truffle spores. Ask the seedling company about the types of truffles they offer.
- Make sure you buy inoculated seeds from a certified seller to ensure quality.
Step 2. Choose burgundy truffles if your area doesn't have 4 distinct seasons
If you live in an area that doesn't have 4 seasons, buy a variety of truffles that can grow in any weather, such as burgundy truffles. Check with a seed seller to find out what varieties are suitable for your country's climate.
Step 3. Find a large, open area to plant truffles
You need a large, spacious area to plant tree seedlings with truffle spores. Because of its high selling value, this mushroom is targeted by many people. So, make sure the location used is safe and close to your property.
Do not plant truffles near highways or areas that cannot be easily monitored
Step 4. Choose a tree that can support truffle growth
Companies that sell seeds will use special trees to grow truffles, but you can also choose the type of tree you want to use. There are several tree varieties that are good for supporting truffle growth, some of which are:
- Oak
- Hazelnuts (Keep in mind that the resulting nuts are usually not of good quality because the tree's nutrients are absorbed by the truffles).
- Beech
- That's right
- Hornbeam
- Pine
- Popular
Step 5. Install a sturdy fence around the area to deter intruders
Truffles are sought after by animals and humans for their taste. Humans can also steal truffles because of their high resale value. To protect the fruits of your labor, install a high fence around the mushroom growing area.
To be more secure, you can install anti-theft wire or electric fence
Method 2 of 3: Planting a Tree
Step 1. Make sure the soil pH is between 7.5 and 8.3
Soil with a high pH is ideal for growing truffles. The soil should have a pH between 7.5 to 8.3. Go to the nearest agricultural organization. They may offer free or low-cost soil checking services.
If the pH of the soil is not suitable for growing truffles, you may have to choose another area to plant them. Changing or controlling soil pH over a large area is very difficult
Step 2. Develop an efficient irrigation system to irrigate tree seedlings
Trees that are planted need plenty of water to thrive so that truffles can thrive. Install an irrigation system capable of providing a minimum of 2.5 cm of water per week per tree.
For smaller plantations, you may be able to water the tree with a long hose. However, for large-scale plantations, you need a good irrigation system
Step 3. Plant 10 to 1000 trees
You'll need to fill the used area with trees to ensure mold spores spread and thrive. If you're new to experimenting with truffles, try planting 10 inoculated tree seedlings several feet apart from each other. To produce larger truffles, plant between 100 and 1000 trees in the area where truffles are grown.
Do not plant inoculated seedlings near trees that harbor other fungal varieties, such as populus, oak, conifer, or nut tree
Step 4. Remove any weeds growing with a hoe for the first few years
Weeds and other weeds will absorb the nutrients from the truffles. So, it is very important to get rid of such plants if you find them. However, mowing the lawn with a machine in the first 2 years is not recommended. Use a hoe to pull out any grass or weeds that appear near the tree's roots.
Do not use weed killers or other toxic chemicals in the area around the tree, as these can seep into the soil and poison your truffles
Method 3 of 3: Harvesting Truffles
Step 1. Wait until the tree is at least 5 years old before harvesting truffles
You need to wait about 5 years to be able to harvest truffles. Some of these types of mushrooms can be harvested within 3 years after planting and some can take up to 10 years. However, the average harvest time is after 5 years.
Do not dig near the base of the tree until the truffles are ready to be harvested. You will only damage the growth of the spores and lose a lot of money
Step 2. Plan to harvest them in winter
The truffles should be ready for harvest in early winter. Wait for the temperature to drop, then check to see if the mushrooms are ready to be harvested.
Harvest truffles in early winter before the soil begins to freeze. If you wait too long, you'll have a hard time digging it up
Step 3. Look at the dry grass at the base of the tree for truffle growth
The grass around the bottom of the tree directly above the truffle will look like it's on fire. This happens because the fungus naturally kills other plants around the tree.
The dead grass around the underside of the tree is called “brulee”
Step 4. Train a dog to look for truffles
A trained dog will make the harvesting process easier. You can train it to find, dig, and carry truffles. Use positive reinforcement methods to train your dog to find truffles and deliver them to you. For example, every time your dog brings a truffle, praise the animal and give it its favorite treat.
