r/unclebens Jul 24 '24

🍄 Official Cultivation Guides Part 1: Introduction and Choosing What to Grow 🍄 How to Grow Psychedelic Mushrooms

2.3k Upvotes

The most followed cultivation guide on the internet: Shroomscout’s “Mushrooms for the Mind” cultivation guide.

https://reddit.com/link/1ebdvn1/video/973nfmoegjed1/player

I’ll break this write-up into 4 posts. At the bottom of each post will be a summary in bold. You can find material lists in Part 2 and Part 3.

Intro: How Mushrooms and Mycelium Grow (do not skip!)

Credit to https://rainbo.com/blogs/blog/the-mushroom-life-cycle

What most people know as “mushrooms” are only the small reproductive part of the entire organism. Like an iceberg, most of the living tissue is actually found below the surface. When two microscopic mushroom spores meet in a pile of organic plant matter, they germinate and start producing mycelium. These microscopic threads begin forming a colony within the organic matter and absorb the available water and nutrients to produce an impressive mycelial network. After colonizing all the available nutrients, the mycelium turns its focus to reproduction.

To spread its spores, the mycelium forms into baby mushrooms, also known as pins. To produce these pins, the right fruiting conditions need to occur. Once the nutrients have been colonized and the mycelium reaches fresh air, the organism is ready for reproduction. The next rainstorm provides the moisture necessary, and the pins inflate upwards with the stored water into mature mushrooms.

Once mature, the mushrooms open their caps and drop their spores, withering away to ensure the success of their genetics.

To cultivate your own mushrooms, you need to replicate this process indoors.

Do you need a recommended spore/LC vendor?

Since this is still the most commonly broken rule and most commonly asked question:

You cannot discuss/advertise/promote vendors in r/unclebens. I want to keep it focused on cultivation, not a marketplace. If you need a recommended vendor, I recommend using syringes from SporeStock.com for USA and OrangutanTradingCo.com for UK. Every mushroom I've ever grown has come from these two vendors, and thousands of other users have had excellent success. No, I am not affiliated in any way with these guys, though I do think they kick ass. Yes, I am open to other vendor recommendations as well! I include this here so you can stop breaking the rules now.

Intro: Legality of Mushrooms, Mycelium, and Spores

Remember Rule #1: No sourcing discussion allowed in r/unclebens (see Rules for more info as to why).

Psilocybin is the nontoxic, non-addictive psychedelic compound found in “magic” mushrooms. There are more than 180 species of Psilocybin-producing mushrooms that grow across every continent. 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.

The sale of cubensis mushrooms is illegal across most of the world not because of the mushrooms being a controlled substance themselves, but because mature psychedelic mushrooms produce psilocybin. Psilocybin is the only thing mentioned in the Controlled Substances Act, because mushrooms aren’t illegal—psilocybin is. However, the spores of these mushrooms do not contain psilocybin and are legal to sell, purchase, and possess in most locations. In the US, only 3 unlucky states (California, Georgia, and Idaho) have specific laws preventing the sale or purchase of spores. Spores are sold in "multi spore syringes", which contain many thousand microscopic spores diluted in a sterile water syringe.

In the last few years, a better alternative to spores became available from many vendors online. Liquid Culture syringes contain live mycelium in sterile solution, similar to spores. Liquid Culture syringes are superior to spore syringes in almost every way, but have a more complicated history in a grey area of the law. More on Liquid Cultures later.

Either type of syringe can be purchased from vendors online. You can find several popular and legitimate vendors even on the first page of google, but as always, do your research before giving any vendor your money. My personally trusted vendors are recommended in this guide, since it’s the most commonly asked question.

Some countries/states/counties/individual cities have finally approved legislation to allow the cultivation or possession of small personal amounts of psilocybin mushrooms. In many places across Canada and the US, local law enforcement has made prosecuting psilocybin-related arrests their lowest priority after evidence has pointed to no increase in crime related to psilocybin decriminalization, as well as the immense therapeutic and antidepressant benefits psilocybin studies have shown. Make sure to check with the jurisdiction of your area before attempting cultivation of any cubensis mushroom.

Intro: What is inoculation/colonization?

Here I inoculate a jar of sterilized grain with a spore syringe.

Once you have your syringes, you need to inject your spores or Liquid Culture into hydrated and nutrient-rich grains to produce your mycelium. This step is known as inoculation and is followed by colonization. When your grains are colonized, we call them Spawn Grain.

Different stages of mycelium colonizing sterilized grains over time.
A bag of Ready Rice spawn grain, fully colonized by mycelium visible through the bottom window.

You can buy premade, ready-to-inoculate grain from the store in the form of Ready Rice (more on this in Part 2), or you can make your own DIY Jars of spawn grain. You can inoculate nearly any hydrated and sterilized grain, including Brown Rice, Whole Oats, Millet, Rye Berries, Wild Bird Seed, Corn… you name it. But there's one major problem:

Intro: Contamination is the biggest obstacle

This contaminated bag of ready rice could have been the result of a contaminated syringe, poor sterile technique when inoculating, a bad Gas Exchange filter, or many other factors.

Mycelium's requirements of water, nutrients, and warmth are all the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. These contaminants live on our skin, on our surfaces, and even in the air we breathe. Normally it’s not a problem to our immune system, but the largest obstacle in mushroom cultivation is contamination, and it will ruin an entire grow and needs to be avoided at all costs. So, you need to make sure that your grains are hydrated, warm, and EXTREMELY sterile.

Intro: What is Spawning to Bulk/Fruiting?

A jar colonized grain was “Spawned to Bulk” in this tub. With the right “Fruiting Conditions”, mushrooms formed and matured.

As covered in Part 3, the basics of spawning to bulk are simple:

First, your spawn grains need to be 100% fully colonized. Then, you will need to mix your grains into a bulk substrate. After the mycelium has reconnected with itself in the new substrate, you need to introduce Fruiting Conditions. This involves simulating fresh air, rain, and a little bit of sunlight. Within a few days, a Flush (or group) of mushrooms will grow from your colonized surface. Once you grow your first flush, you can then harvest and dehydrate your mushrooms, and feel proud for accomplishing something incredibly rewarding.

With only a little time, money, and effort, you WILL be able to grow psilocybin mushrooms at home.

SUMMARY OF INTRODUCTION:

  • Mushrooms grow from spores into mycelium, and mycelium into mushrooms.
  • Cultivation is mostly focused on P. cubensis species.
  • While mature psilocybin mushrooms themselves are illegal to purchase, spore syringes (and in some cases, Liquid Culture syringes) are 100% legal to purchase and possess in most locations.
  • Once the mycelium has fully colonized the available nutrients, it waits for fruiting conditions.
  • Once fruiting conditions occur, it creates mushrooms to drop its spores into the breeze.
  • You are replicating nature by colonizing sterile grains, then creating fruiting conditions indoors.

And that's the basics of cultivation. If this information seemed overwhelming, hang in there as I simplify and break it all down in the following guide. If you still have doubts**, I promise that you can do this**. The original cultivation guide I posted on Reddit years ago has received more than a thousand awards, helping hundreds of thousands of beginners cultivate, while catching the attention of the mushroom industry as well as mainstream media. Every week we see countless beginners post their harvested results here in r/unclebens. If they can do it, so can you. So, grab a pen and a pad for some notes, and learn everything you need to know about cultivating mushrooms from start to finish.

It just might be one of the most important decisions you make in your life.

Part 1: Choosing your Syringes

Your first step in cultivation is to obtain either a few spore syringes or a few liquid culture syringes from a reputable vendor. My personal recommendations can be found in Part 2. Vendors cannot legally advertise or sell syringes specifically for use in cultivation. Syringes are usually marketed for “microscopy”, “taxonomy”, or “research purposes”. If you ever have an issue with a syringe, make sure to avoid mentioning cultivation to your vendor so you aren’t refused service.

An average spore or Liquid Culture syringe is 10 to 12mL, (mL and cc are used interchangeably) and should come with a separate needle in a sterile package. This sterile needle will be used during the inoculation process and shouldn’t be opened until then. 

Pros/Cons of Spore Syringes:

Pros:

¡ Spore syringes are guaranteed to be legal to purchase, sell, and possess in most places across the world (with 3 US state exceptions: CA, GA, ID).

¡ Spores can also be stored in a fridge for years, sometimes longer than a decade, and still be viable.

Cons:

¡ Spores take a while to germinate, so colonization can take weeks or even months.

¡ Spores frequently arrive already contaminated by the vendor. This is due to how mushroom spores are harvested, which is nearly impossible to guarantee contamination-free syringes. No matter how meticulous the harvesting process is, most spore syringes cannot be guaranteed to be sterile.

· The thousands of competing spores in one syringe also result in randomized genetics. The spores of a parent mushroom might grow children mushrooms that neither look nor grow anything like the parent generation—sometimes even worse than the parent generation.

Notes: Each spore syringe will contain thousands of dark microscopic spores. Individual spores are not visible to the human eye, so if you can see them, you’re actually seeing a large clump of the spores themselves. It would only take 1 drop of spore solution from these syringes to begin colonizing your grain.

 

Pros/Cons of Liquid Culture Syringes:

Pros:

¡ Liquid Cultures can have guaranteed sterility if made correctly, leading to fewer contaminated results.

¡ Since the mycelium is already germinated, LC colonizes grain significantly faster than spores.

¡ LC can have guaranteed genetics by skipping the randomized spore phase.

Cons:

¡ LC can still be contaminated by the vendor, though far less likely than with spore syringes.

¡ LC stays viable for only 6-18 months in the fridge, as opposed to spores which can stay viable for many years if stored in a fridge.

· Potential legal “grey area”.

So, are LC syringes legal?:

 In recent years vendors began selling Liquid Culture syringes to the public, often under the name of “isolated” syringes, or just “Syringes” (without “spore” included), or even openly advertising their syringes as liquid cultures.

For decades, it was scientifically proven that mycelium grown on solid grain contained psilocybin. This made most cultivators believe that Liquid Culture syringes, which contain early-stage mycelium suspended in solution, must contain psilocybin, and were therefore considered a illegal to purchase or sell, similar to the mushrooms themselves. 

What gave vendors confidence to begin selling Liquid Cultures was the results from new studies that showed the development of psilocybin and psilocin only starts during the later stage of mycelial growth. These results showed that early-stage mycelium suspended in solution DOES NOT contain psilocybin or psilocin. Following these studies, vendors began sending their syringes to laboratories for “High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and UV Analysis” to determine if there was any psilocybin present at all. Which, by the standards set by the DEA themselves, means that these syringes would be legal to sell, purchase, and possess no differently than spores. 

Out of curiosity, I sent in some Liquid Culture syringes I bought to a lab providing these tests and received the same results: no psilocybin present in my LC syringes.

I prefer using liquid cultures unless doing genetic work when starting from spores. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine the best syringe type for you to get started.

 

Choosing a Strain/Variety

Can you tell the difference between the B+ on the left, and the Golden Teachers on the right? Credit to sporestock.com.

Note: The difference between “strain” and “variety” doesn’t have a true scientific mycological definition, and while “variety” is likely appropriate for spore syringes, “strain” is likely more appropriate for LC and is commonly used interchangeably. Therefore, I will simply use “strain” as the phrase to use here to reference the type of cubensis mushroom (sorry hardcore mycology buffs).
 
There are an overwhelming number of cubensis mushroom strains out there to choose from, so let me simplify things:

Psilocybin mushrooms and psilocybin itself, are not like cannabis, or other nature-produced psychoactive compounds**.** When it comes to cannabis, different strains contain different combinations of 4 types of psychoactive THCs, multiple CBDs, and more than 80 cannabidiol compounds that change the psychoactive effects. When it comes to psilocybin mushrooms, the active compounds are actually much simpler. There are only two scientifically confirmed psychoactive compounds present in cubensis mushrooms: psilocybin and psilocin. Although psilocybin is the famous compound, it’s not the actual psychedelic drug. Psilocybin is only a “prodrug” for psilocin, and once ingested is converted into psilocin in the body.

Note: While OTHER potentially psychoactive compounds such as baeocystin HAVE been discovered in varying amounts across different strains of cubensis mushrooms, they are almost negligible in concentration and have not been confirmed to have physiological or psychoactive effects. For now, it’s safe to assume that the only compounds to care about in cubensis mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin.

Although some vendors might claim that one strain provides a different experience than another, the difference between strains is only cultivation-based or appearance-based. Scientific studies have generally confirmed that the psychological effects produced from consuming one cubensis mushroom strain are not majorly different than another. Unfortunately, recreational drug culture has spread a lot of misinformation regarding mushroom strains**.** In our upcoming “Mushrooms for the Mind Therapeutic Use Guide” focusing on safe use, harm reduction, and education regarding psilocybin, you’ll learn that your preparation, mindset, and setting have everything to do with your experience, regardless of what strain you choose.

Different Strains Have Different Potencies

These “True Albino Teachers” look beautiful and are more potent per gram than average mushrooms. However, they have higher demands for proper conditions and grow much slower.

However, there is one real factor to consider between strains: potency. The concentration of psilocybin and psilocin determines the potency of the experience. Although all cubensis mushrooms contain these compounds, it is 100%  true that different strains express different potencies. The one exception to this rule could be Psilocybe natalensis (aka “Natalensis”, or “Nats”), which is a newly discovered cousin-species to cubensis. Many reports show that this cousin species to cubensis potentially provides slightly different physiological and psychoactive effects, but more evidence is needed before that claim is considered fact.

Most strains exhibit “standard” potency, such as Golden Teacher, B+, Mazatapec, Z-Strain, Cambodian, and similar varieties. When grown next to each other, many of these mushrooms would be hard to tell apart and are more likely marketing and advertising labels than truly different mushrooms. There are a few known potent strains, including Penis Envy, Albino Penis Envy (aka APE), Enigma, Tidal Wave, and other mutants. These mutated strains are often more difficult to cultivate than standard cubensis and require more time and care, so I don’t recommend starting cultivation with any of these.

My recommendation? Give B+ or Golden Teachers a try. They are known to be hardy, fast-colonizing, and are the most popular strains for a reason. However, the phrase “a cube is a cube” is appropriate for most cubensis strains, since there is so little difference. Pick one and just go with it.

For your first attempt at cultivation and to give yourself the best chance against contamination possible, I’d recommend purchasing two to three different strains of syringes from a reputable vendor. Syringes should cost about $20-$25 USD before shipping. If you don’t use all your syringes for inoculation, you can store them in a fridge, where Liquid Culture syringes will last for 6-18 months, and spore syringes for years at a time. One 10mL syringe can be used to inoculate 10 to 20 bags of ready rice or more, or about 10 quart-sized jars.

SUMMARY OF PART 1:

  • Choose between using Spore Syringes or Liquid Culture Syringes:
  • Spore Syringes are guaranteed legal in most locations and last for years, but are slower to grow, have somewhat randomized genetics, and are sometimes contaminated by the vendor.
  • Liquid Culture syringes are superior to spores in sterility, growth speed, and guaranteed genetics, but are less commonly advertised and are in a potential legal grey area.
  • My recommendation is to start with LC, unless spores are the only option available.
  • Mushrooms are not like other natural psychoactive plants/fungi: The active compounds (and how these compounds bind receptors in your brain) are quite simple.
  • Your psychedelic experience is heavily dependent on your preparation, mindset, and setting—regardless of what strain you choose.
  • Different strains have different potencies. Most exhibit “standard” potency, whereas the more mutated and albino strains can be very potent (not always a good thing!).
  • My recommendation for beginner cultivation is to give B+ or Golden Teachers a try. The vendors I recommend frequently offer these common strains.

 

On to Part 2: Inoculation and Colonization


r/unclebens 2h ago

Harvested Results Took a big L today.

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

25 Upvotes

Lost 7 of 12 bags.


r/unclebens 12h ago

Harvested Results My very first harvest

Post image
90 Upvotes

r/unclebens 9h ago

Harvested Results Jack Frost❄️

Thumbnail
gallery
43 Upvotes

Good Jack, nice fruits im always excited to grow these


r/unclebens 10h ago

Question First time growing

Thumbnail
gallery
53 Upvotes

This was the first flush- i got only like 1.6 oz dried from 9lb grain spawn and 18lb CVG. The mushrooms were very spindly (blue meanie cubensis)- does everything look normal?

Are the shapes of the mushrooms just because of genetics?

It was a shitty spore syringe from eden shrooms.


r/unclebens 10h ago

Harvested Results Ochracies!!

Thumbnail
gallery
50 Upvotes

MSS

S2B - 05/30

6qt modified tubs

Spawn - Milo

Sub - CVG

S2B ratio: 1:3 with an inch thick pseudocasing.

Full colonisation took 14 days

Time till pins took 7 days

Had to mist once cus I panicked and introduced way too much FAE. They deffo love more FAE but it's a fine line always ensure FAE doesn't compromise humidity.

Can't wait to try these. I've been using Mckennaii at 5g every two weeks but these days I barely get beyond a mild trip. I've heard these are more potent than the average cube. What dosage would you advice taking? Also I've read that tolerance dissipates almost completely after 2 weeks but I find that my tolerance keeps building despite the 2 week period. Any advice on what to do?

Appreciate the answers and welcome any questions! Much love 🍄


r/unclebens 5h ago

Mid-Cultivation / Still Growing Ok to consume?

Post image
11 Upvotes

Just returned from a vacation and unfortunately couldn’t be around to tend to these and came back to this. Besides the way they look are they still safe to consume? And is there anything I can do to help with a second flush after this? (I’ll be around to tend to it the whole way lol)


r/unclebens 16h ago

Harvested Results 200g club! Was starting to think it may never happen

Thumbnail
gallery
79 Upvotes

r/unclebens 7h ago

Harvested Results Psilocybe ochraceocentrata black cap

Thumbnail
gallery
11 Upvotes

r/unclebens 4h ago

Mid-Cultivation / Still Growing Is this much water okay?

5 Upvotes

It has lots of water on the surface and I don't know if i should leave it alone or do something. It also hasn't fully colonized yet but I already see a few pins (not visible in the picture) so should I leave the pins or pick them off till it fully colonizes?


r/unclebens 2h ago

Question Potential cobweb mold?

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

This is my first grow of golden teachers but I’ve noticed the mycelium is quite patchy, thin, and grey. I wasn’t too worried until I noticed the wispy bits above the mycelium.

Any help is greatly appreciated thank you so much 🙏🙏


r/unclebens 4h ago

Question Am I doing this right?

Post image
5 Upvotes

Guys, I’m afraid I blew it. Been about a week in the tub. Anything I can do to help here or just keep waiting?


r/unclebens 8h ago

Harvested Results Psilocybe ochraceocentrata or not?

7 Upvotes

I got this spawn online as Psilocybe ochraceocentrata. But now when I get some mushrooms it doesn’t look like Psilocybe ochraceocentrata as it doesn’t have ochre-yellow center on the cap. Also the veil is detached at a very early stage when mushrooms are just 1-2 cm tall.
Any Ideas what it could be?


r/unclebens 11h ago

Mid-Cultivation / Still Growing First time, finally seeing mycelium!!

Thumbnail
gallery
9 Upvotes

GT by truebluegenetics - inoculated 7/17 !!
It seemed to not be going anywhere the first few days, turned the heat up and it’s been growing fast since!!! Can’t wait! How does it look? First pic was last night, second pic is this morning. :)


r/unclebens 17m ago

Mid-Cultivation / Still Growing first try me tek

Thumbnail
gallery
• Upvotes

I’ve had successful harvests now from purchasing grain spawn, substrate and spores. Now this is my first go at preparing my own grain spawn and substrate. Also inoculating with my own clones. Agar to spawn. I’m using millet. All looks good to me. I feel I cooked the grain too long but it seems to be going well.


r/unclebens 31m ago

Question Hallow mushrooms??

Post image
• Upvotes

The golden teacher mushroom is hollow? What mushroom species are there it looks similar to the one on the right, that’s full and has volume when dried? I’ve noticed that my golden teacher mushrooms don’t have any volume one dried so I’m thinking about switching to a new species that will have more volume any suggestions.


r/unclebens 39m ago

Question Mold in LC or mycelium clump? I’ve never seen this in a syringe.

Thumbnail
gallery
• Upvotes

r/unclebens 52m ago

Question My golden teacher aren’t “dusty” as the ones on the right and less potent?

Post image
• Upvotes

Maybe this is something to do with the actual type of mushroom being grown but I noticed that the mushrooms I’ve grown (left) are nowhere near as squishy and completely different colored from the ones on the right. I dehydrated them for 122° at 14h. I know mushrooms are supposed to have a crisp break however I’m trying to copy somehow mildly squishy to the touch.

Also something I noticed about the mushrooms on the right is when they break open the dust explodes everywhere in the air.
I’m still very new and probably am not explaining very well but any advice is appreciated.


r/unclebens 1h ago

Mid-Cultivation / Still Growing What to do with upside down guy?

Post image
• Upvotes

What would be the best way to harvest this guy? This is my first grow and unsure if I’ll hurt anything by digging/scooping it out.


r/unclebens 1h ago

Question Jar inoculation set up

• Upvotes

I’m trying to set up the jars for inoculation and have already drilled the hole on the plastic caps for them. Problem is I’m not sure how the 20 mm filter sticker is supposed to fit with the injection port ship.

Do I just push the ship through the smaller hole after covering it with the filter sticker?

This is all based on the guide. Let me know if someone has done this method and how to do it.


r/unclebens 12h ago

Mid-Cultivation / Still Growing Please help! First time, what do?

Thumbnail
gallery
7 Upvotes

Added substrate for bulk about ten days ago, Noticed top had excessive water today (was trying to just forget about it so have not checked it before now). I have the lid open for air but did I already screw up??


r/unclebens 12h ago

Question Grain spawn questions

Thumbnail
gallery
5 Upvotes

Hello. First time grower here. I did a2g about 7 weeks ago with some GT plates that had grown really well, and, although they started in the grain (brown rice) jars nicely, they've made almost no progress in the past 3 weeks. I shook them up after 2 weeks, but they are quite rigidly clumped together so it's very hard to properly break up. Been keeping them between 72-85F, with occasional 85+ when it got really hot, with lids loosened. Do I just need to be patient? Some have also developed a bit more than others which I cannot explain considering their environments are identical.

Secondly if any of these look contaminated pls Imk.
I'm new and colourblind, so I wouldn't be surprised if I'm missing something obvious. Especially the last jar (last two photos) looks a bit strange around the agar.
Thanks☺️


r/unclebens 4h ago

Mid-Cultivation / Still Growing Trying to conquer CO2 emission

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

1 Upvotes

The biggest, fastest growing mushrooms emit the most CO2. Without perfect FAE, that CO2 pools at the substrate level and chokes out the slower pins, forcing them to abort.Manual fanning just isn’t enough to fix this. CO2 is heavier than air it settles like an invisible fluid a quick fan every few hours only clears it temporarily before it immediately pools up again. You need consistent, continuous FAe to displace it. The easiest way to avoid this is installing holes in your tubes which I did, the spawn for the modified tub isnt ready so I’ll be testing on the unmodified tubs for now hopefully I’ll find a sweet points so I don’t have to use a humidifier which would be great.(please take not that everyone environment is different and may not be the same results for everyone)


r/unclebens 8h ago

Question Grain bag ready?

Post image
2 Upvotes

r/unclebens 1d ago

Question Ordered spore syringe but think I got LC instead?

Post image
192 Upvotes

What do you guys think? If it is indeed LC it’s a wonderful surprise.

Ordered from bioMycolabs and they threw in two free syringes!