There are few things more rewarding than growing and cultivating your own medicine. Seeing something grow from a tiny seed into a fruiting plant—especially when you were the one that planted it—is incredibly fulfilling.
Similarly, growing one’s own psychedelic mushrooms has satisfying outcomes on many levels and could potentially even deepen one’s reverence for the medicine before a trip.
Psychedelics in general are storming the stage, as results from new research are revealing just how powerful these substances are for deep healing and personal transformation.
From anxiety to depression and the whole spectrum of mental health struggles in between, intrigue around the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic medicines is as prevalent as ever before.
In this article, we are addressing your common question of how long it actually takes to grow psychedelic mushrooms. It’s a lot easier than you think!
Keep reading to learn about the growing process, how the “seeds” of mushrooms are planted, and expected timeframes for cultivation!
Explore more topics like this one in The Encyclopedia of Psilocybin Mushrooms: From Cultivation to Therapy.
Understanding Psilocybin & Psychedelic Mushrooms
In the lush corners of our world, beneath the shade of ancient trees and hidden within the rich earth, thrives a remarkable group of fungi known as psilocybin mushrooms.
These unassuming organisms, often colloquially referred to as “magic mushrooms,” harbor a potent secret within their fibrous mycelial threads—a compound called psilocybin.
This remarkable molecule possesses the power to alter human consciousness in profound ways. When ingested, psilocybin undergoes a transformation within the body, becoming psilocin.
Interacting with the brain’s serotonin receptors, it opens the door to a spectrum of perceptual shifts and emotional experiences that transcends our average human experience.
And within the realm of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, a diverse array of species exists. Each species boasts its unique characteristics, habitats, and levels of potency.
For instance, Psilocybe cubensis, often encountered in tropical and subtropical regions, is one of the most well-known species and is renowned for its potency.
Meanwhile, Psilocybe semilanceata, commonly known as the “liberty cap,” thrives in temperate grasslands and is celebrated for its appearance in various cultures throughout history.
Psilocybe cyanescens, with its mycorrhizal associations with certain trees, is a species admired for its potency and adaptability.
The use of psilocybin mushrooms dates back centuries and holds immense cultural significance in many indigenous societies.
Various tribes and cultures throughout history have revered these mushrooms for their capacity to induce altered states of consciousness, which are often associated with spiritual insight, healing, and communion with the divine.
For example, indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica have a long history of using Psilocybe cubensis in sacred rituals, most notably by the Aztecs who referred to them as “teonanácatl,” meaning “flesh of the gods.”
And it is unsurprising why they were crowned with such a name. Let’s jump into where the magic starts: spores.
Mushroom Spores: The Starting Point
These tiny, seemingly unremarkable specks play a pivotal role in the entire cultivation process, bearing the genetic blueprint for the magnificent fungi that will later grace our presence.
Spores are the lifeblood of the psilocybin mushroom cultivation process. Within these minuscule capsules, one finds the genetic information that defines the species, appearance, and potency of the mushrooms that will eventually sprout.
It’s as if these spores carry the very essence of the fungi themselves, waiting to be awakened and transformed into the vibrant, otherworldly mushrooms we seek.
Before we jump into some details about spores, we wanted to point out our past article on spore vendors for those looking to get started and discover the many benefits of growing from spores rather than just purchasing mushrooms from a dealer.
We also partnered with Inoculate the World which provides top quality spore syringes for all you cultivators out there, so be sure to check them out!
To kickstart the cultivation journey, one can choose between two primary methods of acquiring spores: spore syringes or spore prints.
Spore syringes are crafted by suspending spores in a sterile liquid solution, usually distilled water. This method ensures that the spores remain viable and free from contaminants, making them a convenient choice for novice cultivators.
When using a spore syringe, one simply injects a small amount of the spore solution into the prepared substrate, initiating the colonization process.
Spore prints, on the other hand, involve allowing a mature mushroom to release its spores onto a clean surface, typically a sheet of sterile paper. Once the spores have been deposited, they are carefully collected and stored until needed.
Cultivators can then use these spores to inoculate their substrate. While spore prints offer a more natural approach, they require a higher degree of sterile technique to prevent contamination.
When embarking on the quest for spores, it is paramount to source them from reputable vendors and know the legality around growing spores. The integrity and purity of the spores greatly impact the success of the cultivation endeavor.
Reputable vendors ensure that their spores are free from contaminants and accurately labeled, allowing cultivators to confidently begin their journey
Download Our Free Psilocybin Sourcing Guide
For harm-reduction purposes, we provide links to online psilocybin vendors, local stores, delivery services, and spore vendors for growing your own medicine at home.
The Growing Process: Cultivating Magic Mushrooms
Growing psilocybin mushrooms involves several key steps that transform spores into the enchanting fungi sought after for their psychedelic properties. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
1. Substrate Preparation
The journey begins with preparing a suitable growing substrate. This substrate serves as the nourishing environment for the mycelium, the vegetative part of the mushroom.
Common substrates include grains like rice or wheat, or even materials like vermiculite mixed with brown rice flour. It’s crucial that the substrate is clean and sterilized to prevent contamination.
2. Inoculation
Once your substrate is ready, it’s time to introduce the spores. Using a sterile syringe or spore print, you inoculate the substrate with the spores. This step kickstarts the growth process as the spores germinate into mycelium.
3. Colonization
The mycelium begins to spread through the substrate, colonizing it entirely. This can take some time, depending on factors like temperature and humidity.
During this phase, cleanliness and sterile techniques are paramount to prevent competing microorganisms from taking hold.
4. Fruiting
After the substrate is fully colonized, it’s time for the magic to happen. The mycelium shifts its focus from colonization to the formation of mushroom fruiting bodies.
With the right environmental conditions—typically lower temperatures and increased humidity—tiny mushroom pins will emerge, eventually growing into mature mushrooms ready for harvest.
5. Cleanliness and Sterile Techniques
Throughout the entire growing process, maintaining a clean and sterile environment is essential. Contamination by molds, bacteria, or other fungi can thwart your cultivation efforts.
Practicing sterile techniques, such as washing hands thoroughly, using disinfectants, and working in a clean space, helps ensure the success of your mushroom cultivation.
6. Storing
Once you’ve successfully cultivated and harvested your psilocybin mushrooms, proper storage is crucial to maintain their potency and prevent degradation.
Check out our articles on if psychedelic mushrooms go bad and how to properly store them for additional information.
Timeframes for Psilocybin Mushroom Growth
Generally, from inoculation to harvest, the process could take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, although the following factors play a role in how quickly or slowly that process unfolds:
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- Temperature — Warmer temperatures tend to accelerate growth, while cooler temperatures can slow it down. Maintaining the right temperature range is essential for optimal results.
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- Humidity — Psilocybin mushrooms thrive in a high-humidity environment. Proper humidity levels are crucial for healthy growth and the prevention of issues like drying out or stunted mushroom development.
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- Light — While psilocybin mushrooms don’t require light for growth, they do need light cues to trigger the formation of fruiting bodies. This is typically achieved with indirect natural light or low-intensity artificial light.
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- Variety — Different species of psilocybin mushrooms may have slightly different growth timelines and environmental preferences. It’s essential to research the specific species you’re cultivating.
The Stages of Growth
1. Inoculation to Colonization
After inoculating your substrate with spores or mycelium, the mycelium will begin to colonize the substrate.
This phase typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, although it can vary based on factors like temperature. A warm and consistent environment promotes faster colonization.
2. Colonization to Fruiting
Once the substrate is fully colonized, you’ll transition to the fruiting stage. This phase usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. The mycelium will shift its focus to forming mushroom fruiting bodies during this time.
3. Fruiting to Harvest
During the fruiting stage, tiny mushroom pins will emerge and begin to grow into mature mushrooms. The time from the appearance of pins to harvest-ready mushrooms can take another 1 to 2 weeks.
In summary, several key factors influence the growth rate, but by carefully monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions, you can optimize the growth process and look forward to a bountiful harvest of these remarkable fungi!
What If I Fail?
One last consideration is that growing your own psychedelic mushrooms sometimes doesn’t render the most potent product, especially if it’s your first time. We recommend using potency tests prior to dosing for the most intentional experience.
Most importantly, if you try your mushrooms and the potency is lacking or not much happens, it’s important to remember that failure is often one of the most important steps to take before reaching the desired outcome.
There really is no failed psychedelic experience, and we encourage you to check your expectations going into any experience, accepting that the trip could be lackluster, unexpected, intense, uncomfortable, or difficult and that is ok.
The Best Spore Vendor & At-Home Mushroom Grow Kits
Choosing the right method for cultivating mushrooms at home can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available. To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve narrowed down our focus to two companies: North Spore and Midwest Grow Kits. In addition, Inoculate The World takes first place as our top recommendation for premium mushroom spores.
Our selection is based on their reputation for offering straightforward, cost-effective, and efficient mushroom cultivation solutions. It’s crucial to note that our recommendation is not influenced by affiliate partnerships; rather, these companies have become affiliates due to their commitment to providing valuable and reliable information to our readers.
Explore Harm Reduction Products:
- The Best Mushroom Grow Kits for Psychedelic Therapy
- The Best Spore Vendors for Psychedelic Therapy
- The Best Purity Test Kits for Psychedelic Therapy
- How to Test The Potency of Psychedelics At Home: Mushrooms, LSD, MDMA
North Spore (10% Off With ‘PSYCHPASSAGE’)
Founded in 2014 by a mycologist, an organic farmer and a photojournalist, North Spore is dedicated to making mushroom cultivation accessible to all. They offer a diverse range of products, including premium sawdust, plug, and grain spawn, mushroom grow kits, fruiting blocks, sterile substrates, and medicinal mushroom supplements.
North Spore places a strong emphasis on customer service, ensuring swift order processing, multiple contact options, and a hassle-free return policy.
Boomr Bin Monotub Grow Kit – $150
Shop ‘Boomr Bin’ Monotub Grow Kit
Their ‘Boomr Bin’ Monotub Grow Kit, priced at $150, is a standout choice for manure-loving mushrooms, reusable housing, improved humidity control, and enhanced airflow.
Midwest Grow Kits (5% Off With ‘PPVIP5’)
In partnership with Midwest Organics, Midwest Grow Kits has been a leading supplier of bulk mushroom substrate and automated cultivation kits for over 18 years. Established in 2011, they aim to make mushroom cultivation accessible to hobbyists.
Midwest Grow Kits prioritizes customer satisfaction with fast shipping, diverse contact options, and reasonable return and refund policies.
All-In-One Mushroom Grow Bag – $19.99
Their ‘All-In-One Mushroom Grow Bag,’ priced at $19.99, is perfect for compact setups, offering a “set it and forget it” approach with easy disposal after harvest.
Mega Mushroom Growing & Incubator Kit – $124.99
Shop Mega Mushroom Growing & Incubator Kit
For serious growers seeking precision, Midwest Grow Kits offers the ‘Mega Mushroom Growing & Incubator Kit’ at $124.99. This advanced kit provides precise control over variables like lighting, heating, and humidity, making it ideal for high-volume production.
Inoculate The World – Your Trusted Spore Source
Inoculate The World, established in 2016, is our top recommended medicinal mushroom spore vendor. Known for their legitimacy and excellent support, they offer a wide range of psilocybin mushroom strains.
With a commitment to open-sourcing genetics and timely shipping, they provide reliable spore syringes for both novice and experienced researchers.
Explore the world of mushroom cultivation with confidence, guided by our recommendations for the best grow kits and spore vendors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cultivator, these companies offer solutions tailored to your needs.
Find the Right Psychedelic Guide for You
Hi there! We sincerely hope that you’ve found valuable takeaways that resonate with your current intentions. To explore research-based education, stay updated with psychedelic news, and benefit from practical how-to articles, we encourage you to head over to our resources page.
If you’re seeking personalized advice and are prepared to take the first step toward a therapeutic psychedelic experience, we invite you to book a consultation with our team of experienced psychedelic concierges.
This consultation is more than just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to be matched with a trustworthy local facilitator. You’ll be seamlessly connected to our rigorously vetted network of psychedelic guides, ensuring potential matches align with your needs.
Psychedelic Passage offers confidence and peace of mind by alleviating the burden of having to guess who’s right for you. If you want to discover how Psychedelic Passage can help you, we empower you to learn more about our services and check out client testimonials from those who’ve gone before you.
Your healing path is uniquely yours, and our commitment is to serve you at every juncture. Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic assisted therapy near you in the United States.
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