Following recent rainfall, mushrooms are once again thriving across the Czech Republic. The best conditions can currently be found in Bohemia and eastern Moravia – yet experts continue to warn of possible poisoning.
The rain of recent days has brought welcome news for mushroom enthusiasts: the damp conditions have encouraged renewed growth. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), however, the likelihood of mushroom growth still varies considerably from region to region.
“There is a high to very high probability of growth particularly in Bohemia and eastern Moravia – in areas with sufficient moisture and favourable temperatures,” the ČHMÚ explained.
Mushroom growth is highly unpredictable: it depends on sufficient soil moisture and moderate temperatures. Under optimal conditions, they can double in size within just 24 hours.
Despite the encouraging outlook, experts are urging caution. Between June and early August, Czech toxicologists recorded over 80 cases of mushroom poisoning or suspected poisoning – many involving children. Dangerous mix-ups, but also incorrect storage or preparation of edible mushrooms, frequently lead to health problems.
So where can the most mushrooms be found at the moment? A mushroom growth probability map produced by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute helps answer this question. Based on current data on soil saturation and average temperatures, the map provides an overview of the expected conditions for mushroom growth.
Map predicting mushroom growth in the Czech Republic
Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ)
