A morel mushroom found during a past season in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Soil temperatures in Iowa and Nebraska are finally warming enough to jump-start the morel mushroom season.

After a chilly early spring, morel hunters began reporting their “finds” April 16 in Nebraska and April 21 in Iowa, according to Nebraska Morels and the Iowa Morel Report.

The sponge-like delicacies need sufficient moisture and soil temperatures to “pop,” so with plenty of rain, at least in most parts of Iowa, and temperatures April 23 reaching the 70s, the season should kick into high gear soon.

Soil temperatures of 50 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit are said to be ideal for the mushrooms to make their annual appearance. View the current soil temps for Iowa and Nebraska.

Southern counties in both Iowa and Nebraska have morel reports rolling in, with others undoubtedly soon to follow. The season began in early April last year.

The elusive delicacies are generally found in wooded areas. If you’re interested in finding your own morel mushrooms, check out this list of tips.

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