Morchella elata growth study 2000 |
Back a couple of years ago, prompted by a friend, I decided to do a growth study on Morels. Luckily, I had a patch of Black Morels close by that were reliable for the last few years, so I set myself to the task. This is the result......... Draw your own conculsions Share them with me if you dare? I found the first fruitings on April 8, temps reaching the mid 60's. I took the first photo on April 10, after 4 inches of snowfall on April 9. btw, they loved the snow! It protected them from the freezing temperatures while hydrating them? Many new fruitings were found when I went back on April 10, with my camera. Temperatures reflect the highs for that day. |
April 10 temps mid 50's |
April 12 cool, mid 40's |
April 16 70's, rain |
April 22 60's, drizzle rain 4/23 |
April 25 50's |
April 28 60's |
May 1 70's, warm and dry it bit the dust |
My conclusions: I still consider morels to be the most mysterious, magical, unpredictable species out there. This particular patch of Black Morels has acutally been reliable for me as far as research and getting them to the table for the last 5 yrs. I hold this secret spot in great reverence. I don't know why they like it here, I am still trying to figure that out. Morchella esculenta, the Yellow Morel, is the real mystery for me. They are much harder to figure out and to study. Seems they prefer to follow the dead and dying elms and apple trees, but also appear for no good reason where ever you may find them. One thing I hold true: all Morels like it cool and seem to deteriorate once temps reach into the 70's. Rain is good while they are just fruiting, but can be a means of destruction once the Morel has matured. Please, send your comments, suggestions, or hypothesis.... |
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