How To Grow Magic Mushrooms, Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are a species of fungi that contain psychoactive compounds known for their mind-altering effects. Due to their popularity among psychonauts and spiritual seekers, many individuals are interested in learning how to grow magic mushrooms at home. While cultivating these mushrooms requires careful attention to cleanliness, temperature, and humidity, it can be a rewarding experience when done correctly.
Legal Warning
Before diving into cultivation, it’s crucial to research your local laws. In many countries and states, growing magic mushrooms is illegal. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not encourage illegal activity.
Step 1: Gather Supplies
To begin your cultivation journey, you’ll need the following materials:
- Spore syringe or spore print of a psilocybin mushroom strain
- Jars with lids (preferably mason jars)
- Brown rice flour (BRF) or whole grain rye
- Vermiculite
- Distilled water
- Pressure cooker
- Growing chamber (like a plastic tote)
- Perlite (for humidity)
- Spray bottle, gloves, and face mask for hygiene
Step 2: Prepare the Substrate
The substrate is the nutrient base for the mushroom mycelium. One popular method is the PF Tek (Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique), which uses brown rice flour and vermiculite.
- Mix 2 parts vermiculite, 1 part BRF, and 1 part water.
- Fill jars loosely with the mixture, leaving a gap at the top.
- Add a dry layer of vermiculite on top to act as a contamination barrier.
Step 3: Sterilize the Jars
Sterilization is crucial to prevent contamination:
- Place the filled jars in a pressure cooker.
- Heat at 15 PSI for about 45–60 minutes.
- Let the jars cool overnight before the next step.
Step 4: Inoculate with Spores
This is where the magic begins:
- Wipe the spore syringe with alcohol and flame-sterilize the needle.
- Insert the needle through the jar holes and inject spores into the substrate (usually at four points around the jar).
- Seal the holes with micropore tape.
Step 5: Incubate the Jars
Store the jars in a dark, warm place (around 75–81°F or 24–27°C).
- Over the next 2–4 weeks, white mycelium will spread through the substrate.
- Once fully colonized, wait a few extra days to allow the mycelium to strengthen.
Step 6: Prepare the Fruiting Chamber
A basic fruiting chamber (also called a Shotgun Fruiting Chamber) includes:
- A plastic tote with holes drilled on all sides.
- A few inches of moist perlite at the bottom to maintain high humidity.
Step 7: Fruit the Mushrooms
- Carefully remove the colonized “cakes” from the jars and rinse under cold water.
- Dunk them in cold water for 12–24 hours to rehydrate.
- Place them on aluminum foil or jar lids inside the fruiting chamber.
- Mist and fan the chamber several times a day to maintain humidity and airflow.
Step 8: Harvest
- Mushrooms typically appear within 5–14 days after entering fruiting conditions.
- Harvest just before the veil underneath the cap breaks open.
- Twist and pull gently or cut at the base with a sterile blade.
Conclusion
Learning how to grow magic mushrooms at home requires patience, cleanliness, and attention to detail. While the process may seem complex at first, following proper steps can lead to a successful and safe harvest. Always respect the potency of magic mushrooms and understand their legal implications in your region.
