How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Take to Grow?

Reading Time 4 minutes

 

 

A computer screen with a clock in the center showing the life cycle of magic mushrooms
A computer screen with a clock in the center showing the life cycle of magic mushrooms
Alan Martínez Benito
CEO of Pev Grow, expert grower with more than 20 years of experience.
In constant struggle for the regulation of cannabis, mainly in the medicinal field.
12-04-2024 08:00:00 - Updated: 12 April, 2024

 

 

Growing magic mushrooms is both a fascinating and educational experience that can vary considerably in terms of time and effort required, depending on the chosen cultivation method. Methods range from using commercial cultivation kits, which significantly simplify the process, to growing from scratch, which offers a deeper and more personalized experience. Below, we will detail the necessary times for each of these methods.

 

 

🔥 Time Needed with Commercial Cultivation Kits

 

 

First Harvest:

Commercial cultivation kits or Magic Mushrooms are designed to be an easy and accessible way to grow magic mushrooms, as they come pre-inoculated with spores. The time from opening the kit to the first harvest typically varies between 2 to 4 weeks. This includes the emergence of the first primordia or “pins” and the development of the mushrooms until they are ready to be harvested.

 

 

Subsequent Harvests (Flushes):

After the first harvest, cultivation kits can produce several additional harvests (known as flushes). Each flush requires about 1 to 2 weeks of time to develop after the previous harvest. The number of flushes can vary, but typically 2 to 5 additional harvests can be expected, with a gradual decrease in the amount of mushrooms produced in each new cycle.

 

 

🎯 Growing From Scratch

 

Preparation and Inoculation Phase

*Substrate Preparation

Before starting the cultivation, it is necessary to prepare a nutritious substrate for the mushrooms. The most commonly used magic mushroom cultivation substrate is a mixture of vermiculite and brown rice flour, known as PF Tek. This stage can take approximately 1-2 days, depending on the amount you prepare.

*Inoculation

Inoculation involves introducing Psilocybe cubensis spores into the substrate. This is generally done using a magic mushroom spore syringe. After inoculation, the substrate must be kept in a dark place with a stable temperature of about 23-27°C. The time from inoculation to the first signs of mycelium (the white root network of the fungus) is usually 1 to 2 weeks.

 

*Incubation Phase

During incubation, the mycelium fully colonizes the substrate. This process can take 2 to 4 weeks. It is crucial to keep the substrate out of direct light and under stable temperature conditions to promote healthy mycelium growth.

 

Fruiting Phase

Once the substrate is fully colonized, it is time to expose it to conditions that induce fruiting. This includes increasing exposure to light (indirect natural light or fluorescent light) and maintaining high humidity (between 90% and 95%) and a slightly lower temperature, around 22-25°C.

The first signs of fruiting, known as primordia or “pins,” will appear approximately one week after initiating fruiting conditions. From the appearance of the primordia until the mushrooms are ready for harvest, it usually takes 5 to 12 days.

 

Total Cultivation Time

Adding up all the phases, the total time from inoculation to the harvest of magic mushrooms or monguis varies from 4 to 8 weeks. It is important to note that these times can vary depending on the specific conditions of the cultivation environment, the strain of Psilocybe cubensis used, and the care and attention provided during the cultivation process.

 

 

 

👾 Conclusion

 

In summary, commercial cultivation kits offer a quick and simple way to grow magic mushrooms, with the first harvest available in just 2 to 4 weeks and the possibility of multiple subsequent harvests. On the other hand, growing from scratch offers a more involved experience and can take from 5 to 8 weeks for the first harvest, but also allows for greater customization and potentially a higher long-term yield. Regardless of the chosen method, growing magic mushrooms requires patience, care, and a deep respect for the natural process. Now that you know the time needed for the growth of the laughing mushrooms, I recommend reading this other article that talks about how to identify contaminations in magic mushroom cultivation.

 

 

⚠️ FAQS

 

Is it legal to grow magic mushrooms?

The legality of growing magic mushrooms varies significantly from country to country and, in some cases, between different regions within the same country. It is crucial to inform yourself about local laws before starting a cultivation.

 

Can I speed up the cultivation process?

Maintaining optimal growth conditions is the best way to ensure an efficient cultivation. Altering the process to speed it up may compromise the health of the mycelium and the quality of the mushrooms. Cleanliness is also crucial, both to speed up the process and to achieve a higher yield, as well as to avoid losses due to contamination of course.

 

What substrate is best for growing magic mushrooms?

The PF Tek, a mixture of vermiculite and brown rice flour, is widely recommended for beginners due to its simplicity and high success rate. However, there are other cultivation mediums such as whole grains and compost, which may offer better yields for more experienced growers.

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  1. Avatar for Dror Aviran

    Well, look, I just read this article about how long it takes for magic mushrooms to grow and I was amazed! I’ve always been fascinated by the world of these little creatures, and now, thanks to this reading, I feel like I have a much deeper understanding. The author explained everything so well and in such detail that even a dunce like me could understand without any problem. It’s appreciable when someone takes the time to share their knowledge in such a clear and entertaining way. Now, with the enthusiasm I have, I might even try to grow a few at my own home. Many thanks and greetings from Lugo!