How to grow truffles at home

Long since mushrooms are eaten by the person. They contain more protein in their composition than in seafood and meat. One type of mushroom is truffle. The amazing specimen has a spicy taste, based on it are prepared first and second courses, salads, snacks. Truffle is considered to be an elite delicacy, only a select few grow it in Russia. Today there are 2 types - black and white. These varieties of fungus have the highest pricing policy in the whole world, based on which they prepare dishes by famous chefs of America, Europe and Asia.

Under what conditions is truffle grown

Truffle is one of the most capricious mushrooms. In order to properly grow a product, it is necessary to create optimal conditions, everything must be perfect.

1. One of the factors affecting the degree of growth of truffles is considered to be a symbiosis of partner trees and the fungus (mycorrhiza).Thanks to the collaboration, the truffle feeds on the amino acids and carbohydrates that it receives from the tree. With insufficient care for the "partners" the fungus will die due to lack of nutrients.
2. Mycelium, in turn, gives the trees minerals, macronutrients and phosphorus, which is necessary for hydration and development. Phosphorus is absorbed much faster from fungi than from soil with root crops. For this reason, the focus is on planting trees and further caring for them.
3. The best symbiosis is obtained as a result of “crossing” of truffles with oak. In addition, the fungus feels great next to hornbeam, hazelnuts, chestnuts, lindens. In very rare cases, mycorrhiza is achieved by partnering truffles with coniferous partners.

What is the best climate for truffles?

1. Suitable climatic conditions are considered second in the list of important aspects. Truffle grows rapidly and develops in regions with the least rainfall and moderate dryness. Of course, the southern regions of Russia are considered optimal.
2. It is necessary to immediately abandon the cultivation of this variety of mushrooms in the area, which most of the time is going through the winter period.There are also fluctuations between cloudy (particularly rainy) days and sunny weather.
3. In our country it is possible to grow truffles in the middle lane. As a rule, in these regions there is a rather sunny summer, rainy spring and changeable autumn (velvet season). All these aspects and the combination of climatic zones favorably affect the growth of the fungus.
4. In the spring, truffle finds a common language with trees, "partners", eating everything you need. In the summer, it assimilates the elements obtained due to the hot climate, and in the fall full ripening begins.

Which terrain is suitable truffle

Particular attention should be paid to the area, because it is the soil that sets the tone for the whole process.

1. The most suitable is the area that has a soil moisture level of about 65-70%, not more. It should be protected from the cold wind (especially important in the winter). Prefer flat terrain, located in a small lowland.
2. It is important that the territory is located above sea level at 500-600 meters, not more. If this figure is below 100 m.and above 1000 m, the mushroom will not enter mycorrhiza with its partners. As a result, the cultivation of truffles will be impossible.

Technology of growing truffles

The process of growing a naughty fungus can be divided into 2 points. First, you need to choose a soil conducive to favorable growth. Secondly, it will be necessary to grow the fungal embryos, and then transplant them into the prepared soil. Further, in the process of care and fertilizer, the truffle matures; you will only have to harvest.

Step number 1. Choosing the right soil

1. First, select a suitable soil for planting truffles. In order to carry out the procedure correctly, take several soil samples, then take them to the laboratory for a thorough analysis.
2. The preferred site should be resistant to water erosion. Also, the terrain should be moderately sunny and windy (2: 1 ratio). Soil fertility is also important - about 10-35 cm in depth. As mentioned above, you need to choose a flat area with an angle of no more than 15 degrees.
3. In addition, the soil should contain lime, organic matter, in particular calcium.Also, the site should be enriched with nitrogen, carbon gas, minerals. These components contribute to accelerated symbiosis.
4. An important criterion is the amount of alkali contained. To check the indicator, stick litmus paper into the ground. If she gets a blue tint, then the soil is suitable for planting truffles. Otherwise, try to find another option that meets all the requirements. Or you can fertilize the site, increasing the acidity.

Step number 2. Planting "partners" (trees)
To create a truffle plantation, it is necessary to plant trees that will enrich the mushrooms with useful minerals.

1. It is necessary to choose tree species taking into account the peculiarities of the growing region. Prefer Hazel and oak, they are universal. In some cases, they are replaced by hornbeam, linden, chestnut.
2. Plant trees in such a way that 1 hectare includes no more than 500 copies. You do not need to fertilize the soil, otherwise you will provoke the death of truffle embryos. In addition, handle the roots carefully, the whole process depends on them.
3. At the time of disembarkation, moisten the well with water in small quantities.After that, pour the seedling and the embryo into the ground, water well. Plant roots and truffle to a depth of 65-70 cm, so that the fungus is protected from the adverse effects of the environment (wind, sun, rain, etc.).
4. Cover the soil around the seedling with branches, fallen oak leaves or dry grass (straw will do). At will it is possible to protect trees with polyethylene, observing a diameter of 75-80 cm around the trunk.
5. Pay attention to the trees growing near the "partners". There should not be willow, spruce, poplar, fir. These breeds kill embryos and negatively affect growing (if it occurs).
6. At about 4-6 years after planting, the area around the trees begins to "grow bald." Vegetation dies, only weeds remain. In this case, you do not need to fertilize the plantation, pull out the grass, this will be enough.
7. In the spring, do not forget to loosen the soil around the trees so that the truffle grows in full. At the same time, cover the ground with branches of fir or straw so that it does not dry out from the heat.
8. In cases when weather conditions have no precipitation, water the soil yourself by dropping.Do not neglect watering, otherwise the mycelium will die.

Step number 3. Care for "partners"

1. From further care of trees, "partners" depends on whether a truffle will survive or not. Seedlings must be protected from harmful insects and animals, and the branches must be cut periodically. Such manipulations are performed to accelerate symbiosis.
2. It is important to consider that it is necessary to cut both the twigs and the trunk. Through this procedure, the sun's rays penetrate the soil directly, contributing to the full development of the truffle. The height of ideally cut trees does not exceed the mark of 1 m. At the same time, the plants themselves resemble a cone-shaped cap in an inverted shape.
3. In cases where the mycelium is located under already grown trees, they need to be pruned. At the same time, in the winter season, it will be necessary to cut down extra trees so that they do not block the penetration of sunlight into the soil.

Step # 4 Truffle Collection

1. The first mushrooms appear in September or October, however, so that they finally matured, it is recommended to wait another 2-2.5 months. To distinguish a ripe truffle, just smell it and appreciate the shade.The mushroom should be black, not red, with a pronounced aroma.
2. If you comply with all requirements regarding care and landing, the first fruits can be collected, starting in November and ending in March. White variety truffle ripens much faster.
3. To collect mushrooms, they need to dig like a process of digging potatoes at the dacha. However, you need to remove the truffle with care, otherwise you can damage the roots. It is important to remember forever that only mushrooms that are fully (!) Matured can be collected.
4. Experienced mushroom pickers use trained pigs or dogs to collect truffles. As a rule, animals find a ripened mushroom, guided by smell. Usually, the harvest is done at night, when the aroma of truffles is expressed in the highest degree.
5. If we talk about the volume of the finished product, a plantation of 1 ha can be used to collect about 100 kg. truffles If the conditions are met up to the smallest detail (the analysis has been completed, the “partners” and the soil have been chosen optimally), the final product can reach 120–130 kg. After harvesting, mushrooms can be stored both in frozen and in dry form.

Growing truffles on the territory of Russia is a rather complicated and not always feasible process.You will need to choose a flat terrain with an optimal climate, then hand over the soil for analysis. Particular attention is paid to the root system of partner trees, since it is at their expense that the truffle feeds.

Video: how to grow mushroom truffle