How to Grow Oyster Mushroom in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
The easiest mushroom to grow at home, fruiting on straw, coffee grounds, cardboard or hardwood. Kits make it simple for beginners, and it flushes every two to three weeks. An indoor crop you can grow all year.
When to plant oyster mushroom in New Zealand
Timing changes across the country, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
Best oyster mushroom varieties for NZ
- Grey Oyster, The easy beginner oyster, grown on straw, coffee grounds or cardboard. Reliable repeat flushes. (Forest Fungi, mushroom kit suppliers, Mitre 10)
- Pink Oyster, Fast, vivid pink clusters that love warmth. Best fruited in the warmer months indoors. (Forest Fungi, specialist mushroom suppliers)
- King Oyster, Thick, meaty stems with a savoury bite. Usually grown on supplemented sawdust blocks. (Forest Fungi, specialist suppliers)
How to grow oyster mushroom
- Sow seed around 0cm deep.
- Position: a shaded spot.
- Ready to harvest in around 21 days.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Fungus gnats, Contamination (mould). See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Oyster Mushroom in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Oyster Mushroom plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant oyster mushroom in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Northland, Auckland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy oyster mushroom seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Forest Fungi, mushroom kit suppliers, Mitre 10.