John Miller
Growing magic mushrooms is a delicate process that demands meticulous attention to detail and a highly sterile environment to prevent contamination. It requires more patience and attention to detail than growing other plants. The process begins with the preparation of substrates and the selection of appropriate tools. Substrates provide the essential nutrients and environment for mushroom growth, and the choice of substrate is crucial for healthy mushroom growth. Common options include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, and coco coir. The next steps include inoculation, incubation, initiation, and fruiting. Grow tents are versatile and adaptable to different mushroom varieties and scales. The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps are fully open and before the veil underneath the cap breaks. After harvesting, the mushrooms must be properly dried and stored to maintain their potency and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | "Magic" or psychedelic mushrooms |
| Mushroom species | Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe cyanescens |
| Mushroom strain | Similar to a plant breed; influences factors like growth speed, fruiting body colour, shelf life, fruiting temperature, and yield |
| Substrate | Provides essential nutrients and environment for mushroom growth; common options include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, wood chips, compost, coffee grounds, sawdust, or hardwood fuel pellets |
| Tools | Sterile containers, pressure cooker, growing tent, sterile gloves, sterilized scissors or knife, hygrometers, temperature-regulating equipment |
| Environment | Adequate humidity, proper light conditions, suitable temperatures |
| Harvest | Mushrooms are ready to harvest when caps fully open and before the veil underneath breaks; gently twist and pull mushrooms from the substrate |
| Drying and Storage | Lay fresh mushrooms on absorbent paper in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight; use a food dehydrator or oven at a low temperature to remove moisture |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right species
Firstly, it is important to understand that different species of magic mushrooms have distinct characteristics. For example, Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as "Liberty Cap," thrives in moist grasslands and produces strong psychedelic effects. On the other hand, Psilocybe cyanescens is renowned for its intense potency and is better suited for experienced cultivators. Each species varies in appearance, growth environment, and psychedelic potency, so selecting one that aligns with your goals and capabilities is essential.
Secondly, the choice of substrate, or growing medium, is influenced by the species you choose. Common substrates include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculate, coir (coconut fibre extract), manure, straw, wood chips, and compost. Some species are particular about their substrate, while others are more flexible. For instance, the PF Tek method, suitable for beginners, uses brown rice flour, vermiculate, and water as a substrate. In contrast, the grain spawn method, ideal for those with some experience, uses grains like rye or wheat.
Thirdly, the growth environment plays a crucial role in the success of your cultivation. Magic mushrooms generally thrive in warm, humid environments with plenty of organic material and indirect light. Ideal conditions include temperatures between 22-27°C (72-80°F), high humidity around 90-95%, and nutrient-rich substrates. However, specific temperature requirements may vary depending on the species, with some preferring temperatures in the low 60°F range for optimal fruiting.
Lastly, it is essential to consider legal compliance when choosing a species. The cultivation and use of magic mushrooms are strictly regulated in many countries and regions. Always ensure that you are compliant with local laws and regulations before proceeding.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about choosing the right species of magic mushroom to grow. Remember, each species has unique characteristics, substrate preferences, and environmental requirements, all of which will impact your cultivation experience and outcomes.
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Preparing the substrate
Choosing the Right Substrate
The choice of substrate depends on various factors, including your experience level, the desired mushroom species, and your goals. Common substrates include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, coffee grounds, and wood-based substrates like sawdust or hardwood fuel pellets.
Rye Grain Substrate
Rye grain is a popular choice for initial colonization due to its rich nutrient content. After soaking, boiling, and sterilizing the grains, you can inoculate them with spores. Once the grains are fully colonized with mycelium, they can be transferred to a bulk substrate for fruiting.
Brown Rice Flour and Vermiculite Substrate
This method, known as the PF Tek method, is suitable for beginners. It involves mixing brown rice flour with vermiculite and water to create a balanced substrate. The mixture is placed in glass jars, sterilized using a pressure cooker, and then injected with spores. The jars are stored in a warm, dark place for mycelium growth before being transferred to a high-humidity environment for fruiting.
Coco Coir Substrate
Coco coir is a more advanced technique, known for its resistance to contamination and excellent moisture retention. After preparing and sterilizing the coco coir, spores are introduced, and the mycelium is allowed to grow. Once colonization is complete, the coco coir can be mixed with other substrates or used as is for fruiting.
Straw Substrate
Straw is a common substrate for home growers, especially for oyster mushrooms. While it may be challenging to work with, pre-treated and chopped straw is available to make the process easier. The straw can be treated through fermentation, pasteurization, or a lime soak before inoculation.
Coffee Grounds and Wood-Based Substrates
Coffee grounds are an interesting option as they are inherently sterilized during the brewing process. However, they must be inoculated on the same day as brewing. Wood-based substrates like sawdust or hardwood fuel pellets can also be used, but they may take some time for native fungi to establish themselves. These substrates should be inoculated within a month of cutting the wood.
Remember, each substrate has its own unique preparation and sterilization techniques, and it's important to follow specific instructions for each. Maintaining a sterile environment and controlling temperature, humidity, and light conditions are critical to the success of cultivating magic mushrooms.
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Sterilisation techniques
Sterilisation is critical to successfully growing magic mushrooms. The process of sterilisation aims to kill all bacteria and pathogens, while pasteurisation reduces the number of competing organisms within the substrate. Magic mushrooms and the mycelium are vulnerable to contamination with microorganisms, so it is important to minimise the number of microbes in the environment.
There are several ways to sterilise equipment and substrates. One way is to use a pressure cooker, as in the PF Tek method, which is suitable for beginners. Another way is to heat the substrate to temperatures above 120°C under pressure to kill any living or dormant contaminants. Additionally, instruments can be sterilised with a lighter or torch, and disinfectant can be used on surfaces. When using a grow kit, it is important to follow the instructions and maintain adequate humidity to protect the kit from microbes.
It is also important to handle equipment correctly and assume that objects are contaminated if you are unsure. This includes wearing clean clothes, washing your arms and hands with disinfecting soap, and wearing gloves, a mouth cap, and possibly a hairnet.
Using sterile techniques can reduce contamination rates, protect your grow from external threats, and increase your chances of success.
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Harvesting and drying
Harvesting magic mushrooms at the right time is crucial to maximising their potency and quality, as well as ensuring that subsequent fruiting or flushes are successful. The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. If you don't harvest your mature mushrooms early enough, they will drop a black blanket of spores, which can make it harder to get another flush from the same area.
Harvesting before the veil breaks can ensure the best potency per gram while preventing an unsightly and smothering drop of spores. However, it is worth noting that the release of spores is related to potency. Studies suggest that mushrooms produce less psilocybin relative to their total weight as they grow, with the peak of active compound production ending around the time of the tearing veil.
When harvesting, it is important to handle the mushrooms very carefully to maintain their integrity and avoid contamination due to the release of spores. The mushrooms should be twisted and pulled gently from the substrate to avoid damaging the underlying mycelium, which can produce further flushes of mushrooms. Clean hands or sterile gloves are important to prevent contamination. A pair of sterilised scissors or a sharp knife may be used to cut the mushrooms at the base if they cannot be twisted off easily.
After harvesting, the next crucial steps are proper drying and storage. These processes are key to maintaining the mushrooms' potency, preventing degradation of the psychoactive compounds, and avoiding the growth of mould and bacteria. Magic mushrooms can be consumed fresh, but they can be stored for months if dried, and they will take up much less space.
There are several ways to dry magic mushrooms:
- Air drying is the cheapest and easiest method, but it won't always dry the mushrooms completely and is unreliable in humid environments.
- Dehydrators use a gentle heat source and constant airflow to gradually and evenly remove moisture. They can be expensive to buy.
- A food dehydrator should be set between 95-105°F (35-40°C). The low temperature ensures that the psychoactive compounds are not degraded while effectively removing moisture.
- If a dehydrator is not available, you can use an oven on the lowest setting with the door slightly open.
- Buying or making your own desiccant is another way to dry mushrooms. First, the mushrooms should be pre-dried as much as possible, then placed in an airtight container with the desiccant to absorb the remaining moisture.
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Legal compliance
The legal status of magic mushrooms (psilocybin mushrooms) varies across the world and even within countries such as the US and Canada. In the US, the federal Controlled Substance Act classifies psilocybin as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, consume, grow, or sell under federal and most state laws. However, some states like California, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., have decriminalized the possession, sale, purchase, and cultivation of magic mushrooms, while others like California, Georgia, and Idaho have specifically prohibited the possession and sale of psilocybin mushroom spores.
In Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) classifies activities involving magic mushrooms, psilocybin, and psilocin as illegal unless authorized by Health Canada through a licence, exemption, or regulation. The Canadian province of Alberta has allowed the use of psilocybin for medicinal purposes in drug-assisted psychotherapy.
In the UK, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 regulates psilocybin mushrooms, while Australia has the Poisons Standard, and Japan has the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law. The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, requires its members to prohibit psilocybin, and parties to the treaty must restrict the drug's use to medical and scientific research under controlled conditions.
Given the varying legal statuses of magic mushrooms worldwide and the potential for harsh legal penalties, it is essential to understand the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction before considering growing or using them.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms need the right nutrients, suitable temperatures, adequate humidity, and proper light conditions to grow.
The PF Tek method is suitable for beginners and involves using brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water as a substrate. The grain spawn method is ideal for growers with some experience and involves using grains such as rye or wheat as the substrate. The liquid culture method is a highly efficient option for advanced growers and involves using a nutrient-rich liquid medium to propagate mycelium.
Common options include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, coffee grounds, and wood chips or sawdust.
It is important to ensure legal compliance and maintain a sterile environment to prevent contamination. Clean hands or sterile gloves should be used during the process.
The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps are fully open and just before the veil underneath the cap breaks. Harvesting at the right time is crucial for maximizing potency and yield.
