Is this kit good for a beginner?

Yes, because the bag is already colonized and you only manage fruiting. The catch is that maitake needs a cool spot, so a beginner in a warm apartment should pick an oyster kit instead.

How cold does the room need to be?

Aim for 50-65°F, with 40-75°F tolerable. A cool basement, garage or unheated spare room works better than a kitchen.

How much humidity does it need?

About 90%. Mist with the included pump mister several times a day and keep the bag in a humid spot or a small humidity tent.

A 12/12 light cycle is recommended but not required. Indirect light helps the clusters form normally.

How does maitake compare with oyster mushrooms in a kit?

Maitake is slower and fussier about temperature, and gives fewer, larger clusters. Oyster kits fruit faster and tolerate room temperature, which is why most beginners start there.

A 5-pound fully colonized maitake spawn bag and a pump spray mister, plus growing instructions.

Midwest Grow Kits Maitake Hen of the Woods Mushroom Grow Kit 5 lb

Best price now

$48.00at TrimleafChecked 2 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Trimleaf

Midwest Grow Kits Maitake Hen of the Woods Mushroom Grow Kit 5 lb

Best price now

$48.00at TrimleafChecked 2 h ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Trimleaf

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Lowest price today: $48.00 at Trimleaf (checked Nov 10, 2026).

Our take on the Midwest Grow Kits Maitake Hen of the Woods Mushroom Grow Kit 5 lb

This is a ready-to-fruit maitake (hen of the woods) kit built around a 5-pound fully colonized spawn bag, plus a pump mister for humidity. Maitake is a cool-weather species, so the kit wants roughly 50-65°F and about 90% humidity, which makes it a better fit for a cool basement, garage or spare room than a warm kitchen. That temperature demand is the main difference from the oyster and lion's mane kits most beginners start with, which tolerate ordinary room temperatures. It suits growers who can hold a cool spot and want the earthy, meaty texture of hen of the woods without inoculating anything themselves.

Best forGrowers with a cool room, basement or garageBeginners who want a pre-colonized bagCooks after earthy, meaty mushroomsCool-season indoor growing

Pros

Spawn arrives fully colonized, so there is no inoculation step
5-pound bag gives a substantial first flush
Includes a pump mister for humidity control
Maitake is uncommon in kits and hard to find fresh in stores
Beginner-friendly instructions and simple fruiting setup

Cons

Needs a cool 50-65°F spot, which most homes do not have
Around 90% humidity takes daily misting and attention
Maitake fruits slowly and yields fewer, larger clusters than oyster kits
Limited flushes before the block is spent
Not a good fit for warm apartments

Midwest Grow Kits Maitake Hen of the Woods Mushroom Grow Kit 5 lb prices at every store

TrimleafNew
In stock
$48.00Checked 2 h ago
Visit Trimleaf

Midwest Grow Kits Maitake Hen of the Woods Mushroom Grow Kit 5 lb price history

Lowest price we've seen: $48.00 on Nov 11 at Trimleaf. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 11.

What reviewers say

Growers of similar Midwest Grow Kits bags report solid colonization and clear instructions, and maitake buyers value getting hen of the woods at home. The recurring complaint is that the cool temperature and high humidity are harder to hold than expected, and fruiting can be slow.

What people mention

TemperatureCriticisedGrowers say the 50-65°F range is the hardest part and warm rooms stall fruiting.
HumidityMixedThe included mister helps, but keeping around 90% humidity takes frequent misting.
ColonizationPraisedThe spawn bag arrives fully colonized and healthy, skipping the slow start.
YieldMixedMaitake produces a few large clusters rather than many small ones, which some find modest.
FlavorPraisedHome growers describe the mushrooms as earthy and meaty, close to store-bought hen of the woods.
InstructionsPraisedDirections are clear enough for first-time growers to follow.

Specifications

Spawn Bag: 5-pound fully colonized spawn bag
Mister: Pump spray mister for humidity control
Optimal Temperature Range: 50-65°F (10-18°C)
Tolerable Temperature Range: 40-75°F (4-24°C)
Light Requirement: 12/12 light cycle recommended (not required)
Humidity Level: Approximately 90%
Mushroom Species: Maitake/Hen of the Woods (Grifola frondosa)

Questions and answers

Is this kit good for a beginner?: Yes, because the bag is already colonized and you only manage fruiting. The catch is that maitake needs a cool spot, so a beginner in a warm apartment should pick an oyster kit instead.
How cold does the room need to be?: Aim for 50-65°F, with 40-75°F tolerable. A cool basement, garage or unheated spare room works better than a kitchen.
How much humidity does it need?: About 90%. Mist with the included pump mister several times a day and keep the bag in a humid spot or a small humidity tent.
Does it need light?: A 12/12 light cycle is recommended but not required. Indirect light helps the clusters form normally.
How does maitake compare with oyster mushrooms in a kit?: Maitake is slower and fussier about temperature, and gives fewer, larger clusters. Oyster kits fruit faster and tolerate room temperature, which is why most beginners start there.
What is in the box?: A 5-pound fully colonized maitake spawn bag and a pump spray mister, plus growing instructions.
Where is the Midwest Grow Kits Maitake Hen of the Woods Mushroom Grow Kit 5 lb cheapest?: At Trimleaf, for $48.00, as of our latest check.

Experience Level

Beginner to Advanced

Flavor Profile

Earthy; rich; and meaty