Emma Wilson
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. The cultivation and use of magic mushrooms may be illegal in many jurisdictions, and it is crucial to research and understand the laws in your area before attempting to grow them. If you are in a region where it is legal to cultivate magic mushrooms, there are seven main steps to the process of growing them, including strain selection, substrate preparation, inoculation, incubation, initiation, fruiting, and harvest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Magic mushrooms, shrooms, psychedelic mushrooms |
| Type | Fungi |
| Active compounds | Psilocybin, psilocin, norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, aeruginascin |
| Effects | Hallucinations, altered perception, mood changes, perceptual changes |
| Dosage | Depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, typically around 0.5% to 1% of dried mushroom weight |
| Species | Psilocybe (116 species), Gymnopilus (14), Panaeolus (13), Copelandia (12), Pluteus (6), Inocybe (6), Pholiotina (4), Galerina (1) |
| Growing conditions | Tropical and subtropical, often near cattle, in meadows and woods, in soils rich in humus and plant debris |
| Temperature | 60s F is ideal, with the low 60s F producing highest quality mushrooms with good fruiting speed |
| Lighting | Regular lighting is sufficient, with low light creating skinny mushrooms with long stems |
| Oxygen | Keeping the room fresh with oxygen is important for mushroom fruiting |
| Cultivation steps | Strain selection, substrate preparation, inoculation, incubation, initiation, fruiting, harvest |
| Legal status | Complex and varying by location, decriminalized in some places but illegal federally or in other states |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right strain
Choosing the right strain of psilocybin mushrooms is a critical step in the cultivation process. While the difference between "variety" and "strain" lacks a clear scientific definition in mycology, it is safe to assume that the only compounds that matter in cubensis mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin. The choice of strain will influence factors such as the growth rate of mycelium, the colour, size, and quantity of fruiting bodies, as well as the shelf life and fruiting temperature.
There are dozens of strains of Psilocybe cubensis, each with distinct differences in psilocybin and psilocin content and growth characteristics. Some popular strains include the 'Albino A+' with its distinctive white fruiting bodies, the 'Mazatapec' connected to the spiritual traditions of Mexico, the 'Cambodian' known for its rapid colonisation and fruiting, and the 'Amazonian' which is sought after for its large, potent mushrooms. The 'Enigma' strain is unique for its blob-like formations, while 'Jack Frost' is known for its rapid growth and potency.
Other strains with relatively high psilocybin content include the 'Texas Yellow', the 'Thai Cubensis', the 'B+' and the 'Blue Meanie'. From most to least potent, a study found that the average total psilocybin and psilocin concentrations for the Creeper, Blue Meanie, B+, Texas Yellow, and Thai Cubensis strains were 1.36, 1.221, 1.134, 1.103, and 0.879 % (w/w), respectively.
When choosing a strain, it is important to understand the desired characteristics and intended use of the mushrooms. If producing spawn in-house, it is recommended to trial 4-5 strains simultaneously to determine which performs best. It is also beneficial to periodically experiment with new strains to optimise the cultivation process.
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Prepare the substrate
Substrate preparation is a crucial step in the process of growing psilocybin mushrooms. It involves choosing the right substrate and preparing it appropriately to provide the essential nutrients and the ideal environment for mushroom growth. Here are some detailed instructions for preparing the substrate:
Choosing the Substrate
The choice of substrate depends on various factors, including the grower's goals, available resources, and infrastructure. Common substrates used for growing psilocybin mushrooms include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, sawdust, and wood pellets. Each substrate has unique properties and preparation methods, so it is important to select the one that aligns with your specific requirements.
Sterilization
Sterilization is a critical step in mushroom cultivation to prevent contamination and ensure successful growth. Place the chosen substrate in a pressure cooker to sterilize it and kill any potential contaminants. After sterilization, allow the substrate to cool down to room temperature before introducing the mushroom spores or spawn. This step helps maintain a sterile environment and maximizes the chances of successful cultivation.
Mixing the Substrate
Different substrates can be mixed to create a balanced growing medium. For example, vermiculite is often mixed with brown rice flour to balance water retention and nutrient content. Coco coir is another option that is favored by experienced cultivators for its moisture retention and resistance to contamination. Mix the chosen substrates in the correct proportions, following specific recipes or guidelines provided by experienced growers.
Using a Monotub
A monotub is a common setup used for growing mushrooms. It helps limit outside exposure, maintain humidity, and control airflow. Line the bottom of the tub with an opaque plastic lining, and place the prepared substrate on top. Create holes in the tub for fresh air exchange (FAE), typically four holes of approximately 1 inch in diameter, positioned 3 inches from the bottom and top of the tub. Cover these holes with painter's tape during the colonization phase and replace them with micropore tape when fruiting conditions begin.
Storage and Colonization
After inoculating the substrate with spores or spawn, store it in a dark, stable environment to facilitate the growth of the mycelium. Maintain the ideal temperature range of 75-80°F (24-27°C) during this phase. The colonization process can take several weeks, and it is important to avoid disturbing the substrate during this time. The mycelium forms a network that will eventually produce mushrooms.
Preparing the substrate is a critical step in growing psilocybin mushrooms, and it requires careful attention to detail. By choosing the right substrate, sterilizing it properly, mixing it correctly, and providing the optimal environment, you set the foundation for healthy mushroom growth and increase the chances of a successful cultivation experience.
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Sterilise the substrate
Sterilising the substrate is an important step in growing psilocybin mushrooms, as it minimises the risk of contamination-related growth issues or sickness. While it is not always necessary, sterilisation can help prevent discolouration or decay in mushrooms, which are signs of contamination. Contamination can deplete the nutrients available to mushrooms or cause them to break down and decay. This is especially important if you are cultivating edible mushrooms, as consuming mushrooms from a contaminated medium can make you ill.
The sterilisation process involves heating the substrate to temperatures above 120°C under pressure to kill any living or dormant contaminants, including bacteria and pathogens. This process is crucial as moulds and germs thrive in moist and nutrient-rich conditions, and they develop much faster than the mycelium of the mushroom. By sterilising the substrate, you give the mushroom a better chance to grow and develop.
There are various materials that can be used as substrates for growing mushrooms, including manure, compost, sawdust, straw, wood chips, hardwood dowels, logs, leaf litter, and cardboard. These materials are full of decaying organic matter, which mushrooms feed on. When choosing a substrate, it is important to consider the species of mushroom you are growing, as different species prefer different substrates.
One popular substrate supplement is soy hull pellets, which provide a good source of nitrogen. Another option is to use a grow bag, which contains a blend of sterilised, nutrient-rich, organic manure-based compost, organic grain, and coco coir, along with substrate supplements. This all-in-one bag simplifies the growing process while maximising the speed and size of your yield.
It is worth noting that some mushrooms cannot be cultivated on sterile media and must be grown outdoors or in nutrient-rich environments that do not allow for sterilisation. Additionally, coffee grounds can be used as a substrate without pasteurisation or sterilisation if they are used quickly and handled with proper hygiene and care.
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Induce fruiting conditions
Inducing fruiting conditions is the fifth step in the seven-step process of growing psilocybin mushrooms. This step involves exposing the substrate to fresh air, humidity, and light. The ideal temperature for most species is in the 60s Fahrenheit, with the highest-quality mushrooms developing at temperatures in the low 60s Fahrenheit. Lighting is a simple part of creating environmental parameters for healthy mushroom fruiting. If a book can be comfortably read in the fruiting room, the lighting is sufficient. Low-light environments create skinny mushrooms with long stems. During incubation, temperature and humidity control are the two primary factors to maintain. The incubation time varies depending on the substrate and species of mushroom. For example, the incubation time for shiitake logs is 6-18 months, while that for oyster logs is 4-12 months.
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Harvest, dry and store
Harvesting, drying, and storing psilocybin mushrooms are the final steps in the cultivation process. Harvesting should take place when the mushrooms have developed caps and stems, and the caps have fully opened but have not yet released their spores. The timing of the harvest will depend on the specific strain of mushroom being grown, and the desired effects of the mushrooms.
After harvesting, the mushrooms must be dried thoroughly to prevent mould growth. This can be done using various methods, such as air-drying or using a dehydrator. Once dried, the mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The container should be made of a material that will not be affected by the mushrooms' moisture, such as glass or ceramic.
The ideal temperature for storing psilocybin mushrooms is in the range of 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, many species of mushrooms will greatly decrease their productivity, and their growth will slow. At temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, many species will reduce their productivity and become lower quality.
Oxygen is an important factor in the fruiting process, and the room should be kept fresh with oxygen. Lighting is also important, and while specialty mushrooms do not need to be kept in the dark, they do need light for proper morphology. A comfortable reading light level of brightness is sufficient, and regular shop lights or LED strip lights can be used.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom and a polyphyletic informal group of fungi that contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion.
Regardless of the location, species, and method, there are seven main steps to the process of growing mushrooms: Strain Selection, Substrate Preparation, Inoculation, Incubation, Initiation, Fruiting, and Harvest.
Temperature, lighting, and oxygen control are important factors for creating an ideal environment for healthy mushroom fruiting. For most species, temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit are ideal. Lighting should be sufficient enough to read a book comfortably in the fruiting room. Keeping the room fresh with oxygen is crucial for the art of fruiting mushrooms.
Some popular strains of psilocybin mushrooms include the B+ mushroom (Psilocybe cubensis), Penis Envy Mushrooms, Mexican Mushrooms (Psilocybe mexicana), and McKennaii.
