You’ve done it! You have found high quality psilocybin mushroom spores and are now ready to take on the magical growing process. So, how long does it actually take to grow psilocybin mushroom spores from the moment after inoculation? Although most mushrooms grow relatively within a similar time frame, different factors can of course impact their growth cycle. Final mushroom quality, growth cycle time, and yield all depend on how well a grower has monitored and controlled the temperature, humidity, and pests or contaminants. Once the basics of mushroom growing is understood, a cultivator can get a better idea of an accurate time frame for psilocybin spore growth. Before digging deeper into how long it takes to see the magic pop through the soil, let’s take a look at what separates magic mushrooms from their family members found at the local grocery store. Gaining a better understanding of what you are growing will always bring helpful insight for the journey ahead.
What’s Makes Psilocybin Mushrooms Spores Different Than Their Cousins
It is important to clarify that “psilocybin mushrooms,” or “magic mushrooms,” may refer to any number of mushrooms that contain psychedelic compounds like psilocybin or psilocin. Psilocybin is the main ingredient found in several types of psychoactive mushrooms, making it perhaps the best-known naturally-occurring psychedelic drug. Quite different from the cremini mushrooms you just picked up from the grocery store, which have zero psychoactive elements at all. At first glance psilocybin mushrooms, or Psilocybe Cubensis by their scientific name, do not look particularly magical. Magic mushrooms are often small, and are usually color shades ranging between brown and tan, to a golden beige. In fact, the scientific name of this little brown-and-white mushroom roughly translates to “bald head,” befitting the mushrooms’ rather plain-looking appearance. Psilocybin and psilocin are the two major psychoactive substances which naturally occur in psychedelic mushrooms. Psilocin is biologically active, whereas psilocybin is a psilocin prodrug, meaning that it is converted into psilocin when ingested via dephosphorylation. After the gut digests and absorbs these particular magic mushrooms, the body converts it to psilocybin.
Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that works by activating serotonin receptors, most often in the prefrontal cortex. This particular part of the brain affects mood, cognition, and perception for people. It is also important to note that hallucinogens work in other regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses. Psilocybin does not always cause active visual or auditory hallucinations. Instead, it distorts how some people that use psilocybin perceive objects and people already in their environment. Again, very different effects on the body and brain, than those of its cousins such as Portobello or Lions Mane. In the wild, people commonly mistake magic mushrooms containing psilocybin for any number of other mushrooms that are poisonous. Hence the importance of becoming knowledgeable about mushrooms, as well as being able to properly identify them. Especially if collecting spores of your own in hopes of answering the question- how long does it take to grow psilocybin mushroom spores?! Knowledge is power, and knowing what you collect from the wild is of the utmost importance.
So How Long Does It Take To Grow Psilocybin Mushroom Spores?
Most first time cultivators wonder how long does it take to grow psilocybin mushroom spores before actually doing so, and that’s a fair thought. Whether the Golden Teacher, Amazonian, Penis Envy, or another psilocybin mushroom, the cubensis strain is one of the easiest species to cultivate. With proper preparation and research, you should be able to grow your own within two months. Although nothing is set in stone when it comes to Mother Nature, an approximate timeline for the psilocybin mushroom growth cycle can go as follows. Within week 1- spore inoculation to spore germination. Within week 2- spore germination or inoculation to complete colonization of the substrate or cake. Within another 2 to 4 weeks the start of the fruiting cycle, which can then take about two more weeks. Once the substrate or cakes turn a blue color, the mushroom fruiting is complete. All in all, the complete growing cycle for psilocybin mushroom spores takes 4 to 6 weeks from spore inoculation to fruiting harvest. Keep in mind though, the common button mushroom varieties can take up to 15 weeks to complete an entire production cycle for growers. That is from the start of composting to the final steaming off after harvesting has ended. A lot of the growing cycle again depends on the strain and conditions of the mushroom spores. Final mushroom quality and yield depends on how well a grower has monitored and controlled the temperature, humidity, and pests or contaminants. Growing experience and an intuitive feel for the biological rhythms of mushrooms being grown are some of the greatest determining factors for success. Once the basics of mushroom growing is understood, a cultivator can get a better idea of an accurate time frame.
Why Penis Envy Mushrooms Are More Of A Challenge When Growing
As with all mushrooms, spore size, color, and shape are and look the same. Even under the best microscope available, an observer may not be able to see any differences between a Cubensis and Penis Envy spore. But what sets the Penis Envy Mushroom apart from others is in fact, their special spores. Penis Envy mushrooms do not open up their cap in the same way for spore release as other psilocybin mushroom species do. Releasing only about 5% of their spores, their spore collection is far more difficult than their P. Cubensis cousins. Hence explaining why Penis Envy mushrooms are more of a challenge when growing for legal experimentation purposes. What’s even more interesting about the Penis Envy Mushroom is it’s unknown origin, which could explain it’s unique and rare spore profile. No one truly knows where this mushroom came to be, with only theories of their beginnings from famous mycologists like Terence McKenna and Steven Pollock. No specific proof has been found with their discovery, but it is believed by some that the specimens known today derived from a created unique mutation from the Amazonian Cubensis species McKenna carried in his store. So, when it comes to the question of how long does it take to grow psilocybin mushroom spores of the Penis Envy kind, there is no exact answer.
Why Utilizing A Mushroom Grow Kit Can Help
Thanks to the growing knowledge and benefits found with mushroom consumption these days, mushrooms of all kinds mind you, you can now find kits to grow your own. With some of the first on the market being Oyster mushroom kits, growing kits provide an even simpler introduction to mushroom cultivation from home. Psilocybin mushroom grow kits are also great for when you do not want to make your own substrate, or do not have the resources to sterilize materials yourself. It’s typical to find three basic things inside of a psilocybin grow kit: substratum containing living mycelium of the P. Cubensis (spores that have been developed), transparent grow bag with an air filter, and two paper clips. The mushroom substrate in a psilocybin grow kit consists of rye, vermiculite and perlite. Using a psilocybin grow has benefits because the development of the cubensis spores into the mycelium has already been done in a sterile laboratory. The mushrooms have not yet grown inside the kit because the mycelium is in a hibernation stage due to the cold environment. Trusted and reputable sources, such as FungusHead, are the best choice for purchasing a psilocybin mushroom spores grow kit. Also, please keep in mind that growing or germinating psilocybin mushrooms is illegal on a federal level and in most states. This article does not advocate the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms, but more serves as a source for information on psilocybin and mushroom grow kits.
Understanding The Growing Psilocybin Mushroom Spores Process
There is no exact time frame when using psilocybin mushroom spores for growing, and sometimes that is the beauty that comes with anything magical. Learning how long does it take to grow psilocybin mushroom spores comes with experience and luck. A mushroom cultivators experience level, growing environment, and psilocybin strain chosen can all have an effect on the timeline from start to finish. In growing psilocybin mushroom spores, it’s important to understand that mushrooms like dark, cool, and humid growing environments. When you’re growing mushrooms at home, a place like your basement is ideal, but a spot under the sink could also work. But an unused cabinet or closet will also work, anywhere you can create near darkness and control temperature and humidity. Make sure to test out your spot by checking the temperature before embarking on the growing process. Knowing the basic fundamentals of what mushrooms need during their growth and life cycle is key in growing those magical fruiting bodies.
Modern methods that are typically used for finding how long does it take to grow psilocybin mushroom spores, is basically vermiculite mixed with growing matter. Organic materials for substrates such as brown rice, coconut husks, or whole oats seem to be popular choices. The variety of mushroom dictates the most suited material as different types of mushroom grow in different materials (the substrate) from straw to wood chips. Whatever you choose for your psilocybin mushroom spores, make sure your materials and substrate are not contaminated with any other microorganisms. Mushrooms are easily outnumbered and can lose their growing ground, literally if contaminated. Proper sterilization of all equipment and substrates is essential for any mushroom spores to thrive and prosper during their growth time period. Mushrooms are the fruiting body result grown from part of a particular fungus. Research has found that the first fungus stage of growth, the mycelium, is also very beneficial in consumption with the actual mushroom fruit bodies themselves. This part of the mushroom growth cycle is a white web-like structure that first forms, before sprouting the actual mushrooms. Generally though, the process is the same and mushrooms can be seen within two months from inoculation. Speaking of terms used to explain the mushroom growing process, let’s take a look at another timeline and process when growing mushrooms legally.
An Example Timeline For Using Psilocybin Mushroom Spores
Although most mushrooms grow relatively within a similar time frame, different factors can of course impact their growth cycle. Final mushroom quality, growth cycle time, and yield all depend on how well a grower has monitored and controlled the temperature, humidity, and pests or contaminants. To start a flush, or mushroom growth, soak the substrate in water, then keep it moist by misting with water and checking temperature and humidity levels daily for a few weeks. When inoculating, you’re injecting the spore liquid on the surface of the substrate and allowing the spores to seep into your material. The ideal temperature incubating for the next 4 weeks is around 27 degrees Celsius (a warm room in a house). Phase one of your growing is where you’ll create what’s known as a birthing cake, which helps to feed the mycelium. The substrate serves as fertile ground for the spores to develop and consists of brown rice flour and vermiculite. After about a month, the spores will grow into mycelium and colonize the substrate. Technically, a birthing cake is when the mycelium has fully colonized and embedded around the substrate, ready to sprout mushrooms. These substrate “cakes” can then be moved into grow chambers, where they will further develop and eventually fruit. The reproductive cycle of the mycelium is referred to as a flush, during which the fungus produces mushroom fruit bodies. After sprouting, the mushrooms are usually ready to harvest in about a week or two. Lastly, shifting your focus on the entire process, rather than the end result, helps you enjoy the growing journey. To be able to grow anything is a privilege, let alone such an alien and magical organism. Cultivating a substance that can transform your consciousness, possibly heal your mind and soul is the mystery and magic of nature, and thus deserves appreciation! In your search for how long does it take to grow psilocybin mushroom spores, enjoy every minute as the mystery of nature unfolds.
