Introduction
Mushroom trees are a unique addition to the farming aspect of Stardew Valley. These trees bear produce that is incredibly valuable and used in some of the more advanced recipes in the game. However, like most things in Stardew Valley, it can be a bit confusing to figure out how to plant mushroom trees. In this guide, we'll break down the process of planting mushroom trees and give you some tips to make sure they grow successfully.
Planting Mushroom Trees
There are two ways to plant mushroom trees in Stardew Valley: through a specialty item, or by allowing fallen seeds from wild trees to grow into mushroom trees.
Specialty Item
The first way to plant a mushroom tree is by using a specialty item called a "Mushroom Tree Seed". This item can be purchased from the traveling cart on Fridays and Sundays or found in a treasure chest. Once you have a Mushroom Tree Seed, you can plant it in any season except Winter. To plant it, select the seed from your inventory and then right-click on the tile where you want to plant it. You'll need to leave one space in between each tree.
Wild Seeds
The other way to plant mushroom trees is by allowing seeds from wild trees to grow into mushroom trees. This happens when a wild seed falls onto a tile that has been tilled with a hoe. The chance of a wild seed turning into a mushroom tree is random, but it's more likely to happen in the Secret Woods or the Mushroom Cave. You'll need to be patient with this method, as it might take a while for a seed to turn into a mushroom tree.
Caring for Mushroom Trees
Mushroom trees are a bit different from other trees in Stardew Valley, so it's important to know how to care for them properly.
Fruit Production
Mushroom trees will start producing mushrooms once they reach maturity, which is in the Fall of the second year after they've been planted. Each tree produces one mushroom per day, but the growth of the mushroom is dependent on the age of the tree. Mushrooms on younger trees are smaller and worth less than mushrooms on older trees. To get the most out of your mushroom trees, it's recommended that you wait until they've reached max age before harvesting them.
Space Requirements
Mushroom trees require one tile of clearance in every direction, including above and below them. This means that you can't plant them too close to other objects or walls. If a mushroom tree doesn't have enough space, it won't grow and may even die.
Fertilizer
Using fertilizer on a mushroom tree will increase the quality of the mushrooms it produces. However, be careful not to use too much fertilizer, as it can also cause the tree to die. It's recommended that you only use fertilizer in the Spring and Summer, and only use one application per season.
Conclusion
Mushroom trees are a valuable addition to any Stardew Valley farm, and they're not as difficult to plant as they might seem. Whether you choose to use a Mushroom Tree Seed or allow seeds from wild trees to grow into mushroom trees, be sure to give them plenty of space and care for them properly. With a bit of patience, you'll soon be enjoying the rewards of your very own mushroom tree farm.