How to Grow Truffles in New Zealand

Truffles are unique and treasured additions to many kitchen recipes, and bring a dark, rich and earthy taste to a dish. Although they are a member of the mushroom family, truffles are more difficult to grow than their common cousins, since they require very specific growing conditions. Truffles grow underground, from the roots of trees, rather than on their own. A site must be warm and sunny for successful tree and truffle growth, with good protection for both of the plants. The sunny, temperate weather and generous rainfall in New Zealand makes that island an ideal place for growing truffles.

Things You'll Need

Shovel
Water

Truffle trees
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location that faces north in New Zealand, to protect your crop from cold southern winds. Make sure that your location gets full sun to nurture the trees and good drainage. Poor drainage will cause truffle and tree root rot.
- 2
  Purchase truffle trees from a truffle nursery. The roots of the these trees are already inoculated with truffle cultures, for growing the fungus. Plant the trees in holes that are deep enough for their root balls and three times as wide, with 6 feet between trees and 10 to 12 feet between rows. Maximum planting recommendations are 500 trees per acre. Leave a 7-foot buffer zone between truffle trees and non-truffle trees to protect the roots of the former.
- 3
  Water your truffle trees with 3 inches of water and put 2 inches of mulch over the soil to maintain heat and soil moisture. Irrigate the trees or hand water to maintain 3 inches of water per week. Use hand waterings only to supplement natural rainfall in New Zealand, particularly during the winter.
- 4
  Weed the truffle orchard weekly to protect the roots of the trees from crowding or parasites. Maintain your mulch layer to prevent weeds, and increase the layer during the New Zealand winter to protect the roots and truffles of the trees.

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