Laura Smith
Growing psychedelic mushrooms is a rewarding endeavour that has recently gained popularity, especially with the emergence of mushroom-growing kits. Psychedelic mushrooms have been receiving attention for their potential medicinal benefits, such as treating depression, PTSD, and anxiety. The process of growing these mushrooms involves several steps, including strain selection, substrate preparation, inoculation, incubation, initiation, fruiting, and harvest. The choice of substrate, such as rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, or coco coir, is crucial for providing essential nutrients and the right environment for mushroom growth. Maintaining high humidity, adequate ventilation, and proper light conditions are also key factors in cultivating healthy psychedelic mushrooms. While the sale of mature psychedelic mushrooms is illegal in most places due to the presence of psilocybin, a controlled substance, growing mushrooms for personal use can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience with the right knowledge and attention to detail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Species | Psilocybe cubensis, also known as "cubes" |
| Legal Status | Illegal in most places due to the presence of psilocybin, a Schedule I drug |
| Cultivation Difficulty | Easy for beginners; does not require expertise |
| Substrates | Rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, coffee grounds, logs, cardboard |
| Tools | Fruiting chamber, hygrometer, thermometer, light source, sterile gloves, scissors/knife |
| Conditions | High humidity (90-95%), fresh air exchange, optimal temperature, light |
| Harvesting | Twist and pull gently when caps fully open; avoid damaging underlying mycelium |
| Strains | B+, Golden Teachers, Grey Oyster, Shiitake, Lion's Mane, Pink Oyster |
| Vendors | SporeStock.com (USA), OrangutanTradingCo.com (UK) |
| Resources | Psilocybin Mushroom Handbook: Easy Indoor and Outdoor Cultivation |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a strain
For 99% of hobbyists, the species to cultivate is Psilocybe cubensis, also known as "cubes". These are the easiest and most cultivated species of psilocybin mushrooms. However, the sale of cubensis mushrooms is illegal across most of the world, not because the mushrooms themselves are a controlled substance, but because they produce psilocybin, a Schedule I drug. Therefore, cultivating mushrooms containing this chemical is considered a felony under federal law. However, the spores of these mushrooms do not contain psilocybin and are legal to sell, purchase, and possess in most locations.
When choosing a strain, it is also important to consider the desired yield and the growing conditions. Some strains may produce higher yields than others, and some may be more suitable for certain growing environments or substrates. For example, oyster mushrooms grow very well on straw, which is a common substrate for home and beginning commercial growers.
It is also worth noting that different strains of psychedelic mushrooms may have different potencies. Most exhibit "standard" potency, while the more mutated and albino strains can be very potent. For beginner cultivators, it is recommended to start with B+ or Golden Teachers strains, as these are common strains that are often offered by vendors.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the legal status of the chosen strain and the associated risks. While psychedelic mushrooms themselves may not be illegal in some places, it is the psychoactive compounds (psilocybin) that they contain that are illegal. Therefore, it is crucial to research the specific laws and regulations regarding the cultivation, possession, and use of psychedelic mushrooms in your area.
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Preparing the substrate
When preparing the substrate, it is important to start with the right materials. Common substrate materials include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, coco coir, straw, hardwood sawdust, and manure. Each material has its own advantages and suitability for different mushroom species. For example, rye grain is rich in nutrients and often used for initial colonisation, while coco coir is preferred by more experienced cultivators due to its moisture retention and resistance to contamination. Straw is an inexpensive and effective option that can be easily sourced from farm shops or pet stores.
The next step is to add water to the substrate to ensure proper hydration. The amount of water added is crucial, as too much water can encourage bacterial growth, while too little can result in slow growth or failure to colonise the substrate. For straw substrates, hydration occurs during the pasteurisation process, where the straw is soaked in hot water. Similarly, supplemented sawdust fruiting blocks require an appropriate amount of water to be mixed into the sawdust before sterilisation.
After adding water, additional nutrients can be incorporated into the substrate if needed. This step is especially important if using straw as the substrate, as it may require additives to provide extra nutrients. Soy hulls, for instance, can be mixed with hardwood sawdust to create a high-yielding substrate for growing oysters.
Once the substrate is properly hydrated and supplemented with nutrients, it must be pasteurised or sterilised to eliminate any mould, bacteria, or unwanted fungi that may compete with the mushrooms for resources. Pasteurisation involves heating the substrate to temperatures between 65-85°C for a few hours, either using a hot water bath or steam. This process is crucial in ensuring that the mushrooms have an optimal environment to grow and thrive.
Finally, the substrate is ready for inoculation, where pieces of mycelium-covered grain or "grain spawn" are evenly mixed into the substrate. With the right conditions, the mycelium will rapidly grow and colonise the substrate, leading to the formation of mushrooms.
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Inoculation and incubation
Inoculation is the process of adding mushroom spores or spawn to a suitable growth medium. Depending on the growing method and location, inoculation may need to be performed in sterile conditions to prevent contamination. Before inoculation, it is important to ensure that your work surface, hands, and tools are clean and sterilized. This can be achieved through the use of masks, gloves, and isopropyl alcohol for sanitization.
There are several methods of inoculation, including dry inoculation and liquid inoculation. Dry inoculation utilizes grain, sawdust, or plug spawn to introduce mycelium to the substrate. Sawdust spawn is commonly used for larger substrates like mushroom beds or bulk pasteurized straw when growing outdoors. Liquid inoculation, on the other hand, involves using a nutrient-rich solution or sterile solution containing mushroom spores to inoculate the substrate.
After inoculation, the spawn needs time to grow through the substrate, and this process is called incubation. Incubation begins with "leap off," when the mycelium initially grows from the spawn onto the new substrate. This typically occurs around four days after inoculation. During incubation, the mycelium expands and fuses together, eventually forming a single mycelial organism.
The rate of spawn run and incubation time can vary depending on factors such as substrate density, species of mushroom, temperature, inoculation rate, and strain. For example, oyster mushrooms have a faster growth rate than shiitake. Maintaining proper temperature during incubation is crucial, with an ideal range of around 70 degrees F.
Incubation is a critical period in the mushroom cultivation process, as it sets the foundation for the subsequent stages of growth and fruiting. By optimizing variables such as temperature, inoculation rate, and substrate selection, growers can improve incubation outcomes and increase overall mushroom production.
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Fruiting and harvesting
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. 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, and a pair of sterilized scissors or a sharp knife may be used to cut the mushrooms at the base if they cannot be twisted off easily.
Each step in the cultivation process of magic mushrooms is crucial and requires careful attention to detail and sterility. Cleanliness is key to successful mushroom cultivation, as it is a constant fight against competing molds or other fungi. It is essential to establish a cleaning routine that includes sterilizing all container surfaces, growth substrates, inoculant, and work areas.
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Avoiding contamination
The air is another very likely source of contamination. Mold spores and other contaminants are everywhere, just waiting to ruin your project! To reduce airborne contaminants, you can use a laminar flow hood, which provides a clean stream of air for mycological work and can effectively eliminate airborne contaminants. Another option is a still air box (SAB), which is a large clear tote with arm holes cut into the sides. You can clean the inside of the tote with alcohol and slide your arms through the holes to work.
Your cultivation tools can also harbour contamination. To prevent this, make sure you have a clean, tidy, and sterile work environment. Sterilise your tools, including syringes and scalpels, and follow a chosen sterilisation technique consistently. Check the pressure regularly when using a pressure cooker to achieve heat sterilisation.
The substrate, or growing surface, is another common source of contamination. It needs to be properly treated through pasteurisation or sterilisation, or it will become a breeding ground for unwanted microbes. Different species prefer different treatments, but some options include pasteurising using a tek for growing mushrooms in buckets and containers, and sterilising using a pressure steriliser.
Finally, it's important to learn how to identify early signs of contamination. Spend time getting to know what your mycelium is supposed to look like so you can better identify unhealthy or contaminated patches. While mycelium is typically white and filamentous, contamination generally takes the form of green, blue, grey, or black patches or discolourations in your substrate. Contamination can also take the form of slimy patches on your substrate, which can be the result of excess moisture fostering unwanted bacterial growth. As soon as contamination is spotted, the contaminated item should be completely removed from the growing area.
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Frequently asked questions
You can refer to online communities such as r/unclebens on Reddit, which provides simple and beginner-friendly methods for cultivating psychedelic mushrooms. You can also refer to books such as the Psilocybin Mushroom Handbook: Easy Indoor and Outdoor Cultivation, which offers a wealth of information about the use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms and insights into how these principles can be put into practice.
Common substrates used to grow psychedelic mushrooms include rye grain, brown rice flour, vermiculite, and coco coir. Rye grain is often the first choice due to its rich nutrient content, while brown rice flour is easy to use and ideal for beginners. Vermiculite is used for its excellent water retention abilities, and coco coir is preferred by experienced cultivators due to its moisture retention and resistance to contamination.
Some essential tools for growing psychedelic mushrooms include a fruiting chamber, such as a shotgun fruiting chamber, made from a large, clear storage box with holes drilled in it for ventilation. You will also need tools like a hygrometer to monitor humidity, a thermometer for temperature control, and a light source. Grow tents are also recommended as they provide precise regulation of temperature, humidity, and light, enhancing air exchange and reducing the risk of contamination.
The legal status of growing psychedelic mushrooms varies depending on your location. In the United States, psychedelic mushrooms are banned at the federal level due to the presence of psilocybin, a Schedule I drug. However, several states and municipalities have decriminalized or legalized psilocybin mushrooms, such as Oregon and the District of Columbia. It is important to check the specific laws and regulations in your area before attempting to grow psychedelic mushrooms.
Beginners should consider starting with growing strains such as B+ or Golden Teachers, which are commonly offered by vendors. Additionally, it is recommended to use Liquid Culture (LC) syringes instead of spores due to their superior sterility, growth speed, and guaranteed genetics. Remember to maintain high humidity levels (around 90-95%) and ensure proper air exchange to stimulate growth. Finally, be mindful of contamination by mold, which is a common issue even for experts, and take precautions to maintain a clean and sterile environment.
