Gardening can be one of the best stress busters and a great opportunity to escape from the rest of the world. If you have been thinking of growing psilocybin mushrooms, you are in the right place. Nowadays, small to large scale producers are focusing on growing this mushroom because it is the most popular psychedelic in the United States. However, what you need to understand is that growing magic mushrooms requires patience and it comes with a lot of caution. But if you are up for this challenge, it can be a rewarding experience. Psychoactive mushrooms can be grown successfully only when you choose the right base. Often, this base is the substrate. That’s why many growers are turning to coco coir these days. It’s made from coconut husks and works great as a base for growing mushrooms because it checks all the right boxes.
In this blog, let’s find out how to grow magic mushrooms and why use coco-coir for the same.
Magic Mushrooms: What Are They?
Magic mushrooms are also known as psilocybin mushrooms. These mushrooms usually contain psilocybin and psilocin which are known for having intoxicating properties (in case they are ingested). With more than the recommended dosage, it can induce altered states of consciousness and vivid hallucinations. In the past, magic mushrooms were used for spiritual and shamanic rituals, and their effects vary depending on the species and dosage.
Materials Essential for Growing Magic Mushrooms
It’s essential to know how to grow magic mushrooms. Only then it is possible to have a successful cultivation. To do that, you need to have the right materials which includes:
- High-quality mushroom spawn
- Coco coir as the substrate
- Plastic containers with lids or filter patch bags
- Pressure cooker
- Thermometer/hygrometer
- Spray Bottle
- A low-intensity light like fluorescent bulbs.
Apart from the materials listed above, please make sure to keep the area clean and sterile. This is good for mushroom growth. Remember that growing magic mushrooms involves patience, attention to detail, and adherence to sterile techniques.
How to Grow Magic Mushrooms?
In this section, we’ll give you a detailed walkthrough of how to grow magic mushrooms. Caution: Psilocybin possession and use may be illegal in your area. Thoroughly research your local laws before attempting cultivation.
1. Prepare Grain Spawn:
- Hydrate Rye Berries or Whole Wheat: Soak the grains in clean, filtered water for 12-24 hours to initiate germination.
- Simmer for Starches: After soaking, simmer the grains for 10-15 minutes to gelatinize starches. This will act as a digestible food source for the mycelium.
- Sterilize and Dry: Drain the grains thoroughly and steam them on a food-grade mesh rack within a pot to remove excess moisture without burning.
2. Sterilize Grain:
- Pack Grain Jars: Divide the prepared grains evenly among sterilized glass jars. Tighten lids securely, leaving space for gas exchange.
- Pressure Cook for Mycelial Growth: Transfer jars to a pressure cooker and process them at 15 pounds per square inch (PSI) for 90 minutes. This step eliminates competing microorganisms and ensures a sterile environment for fungal growth.
3. Inoculate Grain Spawn:
- Aseptic Technique: Ensure a sterile work environment to prevent contamination. Use a still-air box or fume hood with a disinfectant solution like 70% isopropyl alcohol to sterilize working surfaces and tools.
- Inoculate with Spore Solution: After jars cool completely, inject each jar with a sterile spore solution containing the desired psilocybin mushroom variety.
- Shake for Even Distribution: Gently shake the jars to distribute the spore solution evenly throughout the grains.
4. Colonize Grain Spawn:
- Maintain Ideal Temperature: Incubate the inoculated jars in a dark place at 70-80°F (21-27°C). Mycelium will begin to colonize the grains and will appear as a white fluffy growth.
5. Prepare Bulk Substrate:
- Hydrate Coir and Vermiculite: In a large container, mix equal parts pasteurized coco coir (coir brick soaked in hot water) and vermiculite, a moisture-retaining mineral.
- Pasteurization: While not always necessary, some cultivators prefer to pasteurize the coir to eliminate some contaminants without complete sterilization. Pour boiling water over the coir, cover, and let it sit for 1-2 hours. Drain any excess water.
6. Spawn to Bulk Ratio:
- Mix Spawn with Substrate: Once the grain spawn is fully colonized (usually white throughout with no visible uncolonized grains), combine it with the prepared bulk substrate in a clean environment. A common ratio is 1 part spawn to 2 or 3 parts substrate.
7. Create a Fruiting Chamber (Monotub):
- Modified Tub with Ventilation: Drill small holes in a large plastic storage container (monotub) for air exchange. Cover the holes with micropore tape to allow air exchange while filtering out contaminants.
8. Spawn Run in Monotub:
- Spread Substrate Evenly: Spread the mixture of colonized grain spawn and bulk substrate evenly inside the monotub.
9. Fruiting Conditions:
- Light Exposure: Introduce fruiting conditions by placing the monotub in a warm, dark location (70-80°F) and exposing it to indirect light for 12 hours per day.
- Maintain Gas Exchange: Increase fresh air exchange by slightly enlarging the micropore tape holes or adding additional holes.
- Humidity Control: Maintain high humidity by misting the monotub with clean, filtered water and fanning it gently to remove excess moisture and prevent mold growth.
10. Harvest and Dry Mushrooms:
- Harvest at Peak Potency: When the mushroom caps begin to open but before the veil between the cap and stem breaks, they are ready for harvest. Psilocybin content is highest at this stage.
- Dehydration for Storage: Dry the harvested mushrooms thoroughly using a dehydrator or a well-ventilated space with low humidity and circulating air. Proper drying is essential to prevent spoilage and preserve potency.
Growing Mushrooms on Coco Coir
Compared to traditional mediums like peat moss, coco coir offers several strategic advantages for growing magic mushrooms. Let’s find out what makes Gro-Med coco coir ideal for mushroom cultivation.
- Resistance to contaminants
Many substrates that work well for mushrooms are susceptible to contaminants like mold, fungi, and bacteria. High-quality coco coir can resolve this issue since it is produced from the husk of coconuts. - Water retention capacity
The high water retention capacity of coco coir is one of the key reasons cultivators use it as a substrate to grow mushrooms. - pH neutrality
Coco coir is pH-neutral and this eases up the farming process, particularly for beginners. This eliminates the need to carry out pH adjustments. - Better aeration
The amazing aeration properties of coco coir make it popular as a substrate for mushroom farming. It offers adequate levels of oxygen, which helps in the growth of mycelium and mushrooms. - Low nutritional content
Being a by-product of coconut husk, coco coir is naturally low in nutrients. This turns advantageous for mushroom cultivators since the fruiting bodies and mycelium largely depend on nutrition that come through supplements like compost or grain spawn. It allows cultivators to control the nutritional value of the substrate.
Which Coco Coir Products are Needed for Growing Mushrooms?
Now that you are aware of the benefits of coco coir to grow psychoactive mushrooms, let’s have a look at different coco coir products that you can use as substrate.
- Coco Coir Blocks
Compressed coco coir blocks that can be easily used as substrates. These portable blocks are made of compressed coco coir. They serve as the base for mushroom mycelium to colonize and fruit. Coco coir blocks can expand up to 75-80 quarts. This creates the ideal environment to grow mushrooms. - Coco Coir Bales
While coco coir comes in various forms, we recommend using coco coir bales for its convenience. You can use them right away. They’re loose coco coir and it is perfect for immediate use after just being moistened. This makes them a great time-saver for farmers. Simply add water, and the coco coir is ready to provide excellent growing conditions for your plants. - Coir Bricks
Made from recycled coconut husks, coco coir bricks offer an eco-friendly and readily available substrate for mushroom cultivation. These compact bricks expand when soaked in water (10-12 quarts), transforming into a fluffy material ideal for growing fungi. The neutral pH and high water retention capacity of coco coir bricks ensure that the moisture levels remain optimal without becoming waterlogged. This reduces the risk of mold and bacterial growth. Their sterility and lack of nutrients make them less prone to contamination which offers a clean environment for mushroom growth.
Safety and Legal Considerations When Growing Magic Mushrooms at Home
By now, you have already got your answer on how to grow magic mushrooms. But it’s important to keep your safety in mind. Here are a few tips you must follow:
- Check local and federal laws before starting. Laws vary by state, so know your area’s regulations to avoid legal issues.
- Maintaining a clean and sterile environment is essential to reduce the risk of contamination from molds and bacteria.
- Be aware of the potential health risks associated with handling and consuming psychoactive mushrooms. Improper dosages can lead to negative psychological effects, including anxiety and paranoia.
Get Bulk Coco Coir Products for Growing Mushrooms from Gro-Med
Gro-Med is a trusted coco coir supplier in the USA. For bulk coco coir substrates, you can directly purchase the products from our online store. We are also one of the largest suppliers of coco coir in the country and offer a wide range of high-quality products like substrate blocks, growing bags, and bricks as per your requirements. Gro-Med carries the legacy of a highly trusted brand company partnering cultivators, gardeners, and farmers. We deliver coco coir in bulk quantities and they are rigorously packed to ensure safe delivery to your destination.
