Disclaimer:
Growing Psilocybe mushrooms can be illegal depending on your location. We do not encourage or condone breaking the law, but until the sale of mushrooms is regulated, the safest and most cost-effective way to obtain them is by growing them yourself. For that reason, this guide from Spores Lab describes the most popular methods for cultivating Psilocybe mushrooms.
Introduction
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used by various cultures for thousands of years. These mind-altering mushrooms grow naturally in many regions, and some are relatively easy to cultivate indoors. Since cubensis mushrooms grow in a variety of mediums, they are the most widespread and commonly found species in the Psilocybe genus. However, they are also one of the least potent species.
Before we explore the different Teks, you should be familiar with the mushroom life cycle and some common mushroom terminology. Mycelium consists of a mass of branching root-like strands and each strand has a single cell thick, called hyphae. Mushroom mycelium will continue to grow and spread as long as nutrients are available until it reaches the fruiting stage, where mushrooms sprout out of the mycelial mat.
A Note on Sterility
Laboratory sterility is crucial when growing mushrooms, as the ideal environment for fungi to grow is also ideal for the growth of unwanted species such as bacteria. One must pay close attention to the sterility of surfaces and tools used and must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including surgical masks, gloves, and hairnets when cultivating mushrooms. It is also important to practice good hygiene in general to reduce the risk of contamination.
Now, let’s get into some Teks! In this article, you will learn about three Teks – the PF Tek, the Spawn + Bulk Substrate Tek, and the Uncle Ben’s Tek.
PF Tek
The PF Tek is one of the simplest methods for growing Psilocybe mushrooms, developed by a cultivator named Robert McPherson. This Tek is the best choice for the beginner cultivator since it requires relatively common tools and materials. Materials include vermiculite, brown rice flour, distilled water, spore syringe, wide mouth glass jars, sterilization equipment, PPE, plastic totes, and a heating pad.
The general process to complete the PF Tek includes preparing the substrate, sterilizing it, inoculating it with a spore syringe, incubating the culture, birthing the culture, and fruiting. This Tek is simple and inexpensive but results in lower yields, smaller mushrooms, and more labor in relation to the amount of product produced.
Spawn + Bulk Substrate Tek
The Spawn + Bulk Substrate Tek is an intermediate-advanced level Tek that involves using a container that has been fully colonized with mycelium (the spawn) and adding hydrated, high-nutrient fruiting substrate (bulking with substrate), which produces higher yields of mushrooms. Materials include spore syringe, rye grain, fruiting medium, sterilization equipment, glass jars, inoculation port lids, PPE, plastic totes, garbage bags, micro pore tape, and cotton batting.
The process involves preparing/inoculating the spawn, preparing the substrate, combining the spawn with the substrate, and incubating the inoculated substrate. This Tek is more complex and has a higher risk of contamination, making it less suitable for beginner cultivators.
Uncle Ben’s Tek
The Uncle Ben’s Tek is a great choice for beginner cultivators since it requires minimal materials, is inexpensive, and is resistant to contamination. Materials include Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice (brown or white but no flavor), spore syringe, isopropyl alcohol, PPE, micropore tape, large plastic to