Sarah Brown
Growing psilocybin mushrooms at home is a complex process that requires careful control of variables such as lighting, heating, and humidity. The time it takes to produce psilocybine in mushrooms varies depending on the species and substrate used. For example, the incubation time for Oyster logs is 4-12 months, while Shiitake logs can take 6-18 months. During the first few days, white hyphae strands will begin to form, and baby mushroom pins will start to fruit. It is crucial to maintain humidity above 85% during this stage, gradually lowering it after about 3 days of pinning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Humidity during the first 4 days after initiation | Critical |
| Humidity during pinning | Above 85% |
| Humidity after 3 days of pinning | 60% |
| Humidity for ideal conditions | 80% range |
| Oyster logs incubation time | 4-12 months |
| Shiitake logs incubation time | 6-18 months |
| Stumps incubation time | 24-36 months |
| Woodchips incubation time | 2-12 months |
| Oyster on straw incubation time | 14-28 days |
| Oyster on sawdust incubation time | 10-20 days |
| Shiitake on sawdust incubation time | 42-84 days |
| Most specialties on sawdust incubation time | 21 days |
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What You'll Learn
Humidity is critical in the first 4 days
While the exact number of days it takes to produce psilocybin in mushrooms is not clear, it is well understood that humidity plays a critical role in the cultivation of mushrooms. Humidity is most critical during the first four days after initiation. During this time, the mushrooms are vulnerable and susceptible to changes in their environment.
To maintain the ideal humidity level for growing mushrooms, it is important to keep the humidity above 85% during the first four days. As time goes on, the mushrooms become more resilient and can withstand lower humidity levels. After about three days of pinning, it is okay for humidity levels to drop as low as 60%, but ideal conditions mean keeping humidity in the 80% range.
There are several methods to increase humidity in the grow room. One cost-effective method is to use a spray bottle to mist the mushrooms and the surrounding area with water several times a day. This can also be done using pond misters. Another method is to use a commercial humidifier with a humidistat or timer that controls the equipment.
It is important to note that high humidity is not always beneficial. If the humidity is too high, it can cause problems such as mould or bacteria growth. Additionally, when bringing in fresh air, consider its effect on the humidity and temperature levels. For example, if you bring 100 F air into a chamber you want to keep at 65-70 F, your cooling system will have to work harder.
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Incubation time varies by species
The incubation time for psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on the species and the substrate used for growth. In general, the incubation period for Oyster logs is 4-12 months, while Shiitake logs take longer, ranging from 6 to 18 months. For those seeking a faster option, a sawdust-based substrate is recommended, with Oyster on sawdust requiring only 10-20 days and Shiitake on sawdust taking 42-84 days.
The species of psilocybin mushrooms also play a role in the incubation period. For example, the Panaeolus subbalteatus species has been found to have the highest psilocybin content compared to other mushrooms. However, it is unclear if this affects the incubation time. The exact species and active compounds within psilocybin mushrooms are not yet fully understood, and their composition varies across different genera and species.
Additionally, environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, influence the growth rate. As temperatures rise above 75°F, many species' productivity decreases, and they produce lower-quality mushrooms. Humidity is critical during the first four days, and it should be maintained above 85% during this period. As the mushrooms develop, they become more resilient, and the humidity can be gradually lowered after about three days of pinning.
The substrate used for growth also impacts the incubation time. For instance, stumps require a longer incubation period of 24-36 months, while woodchips are faster, taking 2-12 months. Oyster mushrooms grown on straw have a shorter incubation time of 14-28 days. These variations in incubation time across different species and substrates provide flexibility in choosing the most suitable option for cultivating psilocybin mushrooms.
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Spawn run time varies by substrate density
Spawn runtime varies by substrate density, which is a critical stage in the cultivation of mushrooms, specifically in the context of growing edible and medicinal mushrooms. The substrate is the material on which the mushroom mycelium will grow, and common substrates include straw, wood chips, sawdust, or a combination of these. The substrate is often pasteurized or sterilized to eliminate competing organisms that could hinder the growth of the mushroom mycelium.
The spawn run is the phase during which the mycelium from the inoculated spawn starts to colonize the new substrate. It typically takes place in a controlled environment with specific temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions that are favorable for the growth of the particular mushroom species. The mycelium starts to spread throughout the substrate, breaking down complex organic compounds and converting them into simpler substances.
The colonisation process can take several weeks, depending on the type of mushroom and environmental conditions. The success of the entire mushroom cultivation process, from substrate preparation to harvest, depends on the health and vigor of the mycelium during the spawn run. A stable temperature will prevent premature fruiting before colonisation is complete. This is especially important for Oyster mushrooms and Shiitake, as drops in temperature are a natural fruiting trigger. If these are experienced during the spawn run, the mycelium can stop colonisation and move to the fruiting stage, which can lead to lower yields, fruiting within the container, and possible contamination of the substrate.
Limiting light during the spawn run can help prevent premature fruiting, as one of the fruiting stimuli is removed. During substrate preparation, the substrate should have received all the necessary water for the spawn run. Temperature during incubation should not exceed 80 degrees F and is ideally around 70 degrees F. By decreasing the amount of time spent in incubation, more bags can be produced in the same amount of space. Playing with variables like temperature, inoculation rate, strain, and substrate can have big impacts on incubation time, allowing more mushrooms to be produced in the same amount of space.
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Baby mushroom pins fruit in days
Producing psilocybin mushrooms can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the growing conditions and species. The time it takes for baby mushroom pins to fruit varies, but typically ranges from 5 to 12 days.
Mushroom pinning, also known as primordia formation, marks the transition from vegetative growth to the formation of fruiting bodies. It is a crucial stage in the mushroom cultivation process. During this stage, the mycelium starts to differentiate and form tiny, initial structures called pins. These pins eventually develop into mature fruiting bodies or mushrooms.
To encourage healthy pinning, certain environmental conditions must be met. For example, maintaining high humidity (around 95% RH) and providing regular air exchanges (5-8 times per hour) are crucial for optimal pin development. Additionally, exposing the pins to indirect light for 12 hours per day is recommended.
The specific pinning requirements may vary depending on the mushroom species. For instance, shiitake mushrooms often need a "cold shock"—a sudden drop in temperature—to stimulate pinning, while oyster mushrooms benefit from regular misting and increased air circulation.
Once the pins have formed, it typically takes around 5 to 12 days for them to develop into mature mushrooms. However, this duration can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. Maintaining optimal environmental factors during this period is essential for the healthy development of the fruiting bodies.
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High temperatures reduce productivity
Psilocybin is a chemical compound found in certain types of mushrooms, often referred to as ""magic mushrooms" or "psychedelic mushrooms". The use of psilocybin mushrooms dates back centuries and holds immense cultural significance in many indigenous societies. In the present day, they are used for therapeutic or recreational purposes. As of October 2023, psilocybin mushrooms are fully decriminalized in Oregon and the District of Columbia, and decriminalized in certain cities in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington. In the United States, the possession of magic mushroom spores is not prohibited, as the spores do not contain psychoactive constituents. However, it is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding psilocybin use vary across different jurisdictions, and federal laws can be superseded by state regulations.
Psilocybin mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including fresh or dried mushrooms, extracts, or food products such as mushroom edibles or tea. When ingested, psilocybin is metabolized by the body into its active form, psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perception, mood, and cognition. The principal component of magic mushrooms, psilocybin, varies in composition from genus to genus and species to species. The exact species and specific active compounds in these mushrooms are not yet known.
To maximize the potential effects of psilocybin, it is essential to understand how to handle and prepare mushrooms containing this compound. While moderate cooking temperatures do not significantly impact psilocybin, prolonged exposure to heat can gradually break down the compound. High temperatures can reduce the productivity of mushroom growth, affecting their quality and quantity. Therefore, it is advisable to cook at moderate temperatures and avoid lengthy cooking times to preserve the potency and psychoactive properties of psilocybin. Eating raw mushrooms provides a higher concentration of psilocybin, but they can be challenging to digest and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Accurate dosage determination in raw mushrooms can also be difficult.
Drying mushrooms is a common preservation method, but high heat during this process can lead to psilocybin degradation. To maintain potency, low-heat or desiccant-based drying methods are recommended. Additionally, creating the ideal environment for mushroom growth is crucial. For most species, temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit are ideal for good fruiting speed and quality. Lower temperatures result in slower fruiting, meatier textures, and reduced yields. As temperatures rise above 75°F, many species reduce their productivity and exhibit lower quality.
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Frequently asked questions
The time it takes to grow psilocybin mushrooms varies depending on the substrate and species of mushroom. For example, the incubation time for shiitake logs is 6-18 months, while oyster logs take 4-12 months.
Humidity is critical during the first four days after initiation, with ideal humidity in the 80% range. During the pinning stage, which occurs after a few days, humidity can be as low as 60%. Temperature is also important, as many species reduce their productivity and quality when temperatures rise above 75°F.
A grow kit can be purchased that includes everything needed to grow psilocybin mushrooms, such as a substrate, spawn, and humidity control.
You will know your mushrooms are ready to harvest when you see white hyphae strands stretching through the casing layer and thousands of tiny water droplets on the mycelium, indicating good health.
