​Phase 1: Spore Inoculation

1. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need:

   • Psilocybe cubensis spore syringe or print.

   • Sterile substrate jars or bags (typically containing sterilized brown rice flour, vermiculite, or rye grain).

   • Isopropyl alcohol (70%).

   • Sterile gloves.

   • Face mask.

   • Lighter or alcohol lamp.

   • Micropore tape.

2. Sterilize Your Work Area: Clean a small, enclosed space (like a still air box or a thoroughly cleaned room) with isopropyl alcohol. This minimizes contamination.

3. Prepare Your Hands and Tools: Wash your hands thoroughly and put on sterile gloves and a face mask. Wipe down all your tools (syringe needle, jar lids/bag injection ports) with isopropyl alcohol.

4. Flame Sterilize the Needle (if using a syringe): Heat the syringe needle with a lighter or alcohol lamp until it glows red. Let it cool completely before proceeding. Repeat this between inoculating each jar or bag.

5. Inoculate the Substrate:

   • Jars: Remove the lid of a sterilized jar slightly. Insert the sterile needle through the self-healing injection port (if present) or through a small hole you've made and covered with micropore tape. Inject a small amount (around 0.5-1cc) of spore solution near the side of the jar. Cover the injection point with micropore tape if needed.

   • Bags: Locate the injection port on the bag. Wipe it with alcohol, then insert the sterile needle and inject the spore solution. Cover the injection point if necessary.

6. Incubation: Place the inoculated jars or bags in a clean, dark, and temperature-controlled environment (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C). Avoid disturbing them.

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Phase 2: Colonization

1. Monitor for Mycelial Growth: Over the next few days to weeks, you should observe white, cottony growth (mycelium) spreading throughout the substrate. Look out for any signs of contamination (green, black, or other unusual colors). Discard any contaminated jars or bags to prevent the spread.

2. Full Colonization: Allow the mycelium to fully colonize the substrate. This means the entire contents of the jar or bag should be white and solid. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on factors like temperature and substrate.

3. Consolidation (Optional but Recommended): Once fully colonized, allow the jars or bags to sit for an additional week. This "consolidation" period can help the mycelium strengthen.

 

Phase 3: Fruiting

1. Prepare the Fruiting Chamber: You'll need a container that can maintain high humidity and allow for fresh air exchange. Common setups include modified plastic tubs or terrariums. Ensure it's clean.

2. "Birthing" the Cakes (for jars): In a clean environment, remove the fully colonized substrate "cakes" from their jars. You can gently tap the bottom of the jar or use a sterile implement to help dislodge them.

3. Preparing the Substrate (for bags): If using bags, you can either fruit directly from the bag (by cutting the top open and providing airflow) or transfer the colonized substrate to a fruiting chamber.

4. Hydration: Dunk the colonized cakes (from jars) in cool, clean water for 12-24 hours to rehydrate them. After dunking, drain excess water.

5. Setting Up the Fruiting Chamber: Place a layer of perlite or vermiculite at the bottom of your fruiting chamber and saturate it with water. This will help maintain humidity. Place the colonized cakes or substrate blocks on top of the perlite or vermiculite.

6. Maintaining Conditions:

   • Humidity: Aim for 90-95% humidity. You can achieve this by misting the sides of the chamber (not directly on the cakes) several times a day.

   • Fresh Air Exchange (FAE): Provide adequate fresh air exchange to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide. This can be achieved through small holes in the fruiting chamber or by fanning it several times a day.

   • Light: While not strictly necessary for pinning (the formation of small mushrooms), indirect light can help with directional growth.

7. Pinning and Growth: Over the next week or two, you should see small mushroom "pins" forming on the surface of the mycelium. These pins will then grow into mature mushrooms.

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Phase 4: Harvesting

1. Harvest at the Right Time: The ideal time to harvest Psilocybe cubensis is just before or as the veil (the thin membrane under the cap) begins to tear. Harvesting at this stage encourages subsequent flushes.

2. Harvest Gently: Gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the substrate. Avoid damaging the surrounding mycelium.

3. Subsequent Flushes: After harvesting, you can "re-dunk" the substrate cakes (if using jars) for a few hours and then return them to the fruiting chamber for subsequent flushes (crops of mushrooms). You can typically get several flushes from a single substrate.

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Important Considerations:

• Sterility is Key: Contamination is the biggest threat to successful cultivation. Meticulous attention to sterile techniques is crucial.

• Patience is Required: The entire process can take several weeks to months.

• Environmental Control: Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity levels is essential for each stage.

• Research Local Laws: Be aware of and comply with the laws in your jurisdiction regarding the cultivation of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.

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There are various techniques and modifications within each step. Further research and careful attention to detail will increase your chances of success in your informational and research endeavors.

 

Let us know if you have any more questions! Always Happi to help!