How Fast Do Magic Mushrooms Grow? A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Introduction: The Magic of Growing Mushrooms

Growing magic mushrooms at home can be a rewarding experience for enthusiasts who want to cultivate their own psychedelic fungi. While the process requires some patience, understanding the typical timeline for growing magic mushrooms can help you plan and monitor their growth. In this guide, we’ll break down each stage of the growing process, so you know exactly how fast magic mushrooms grow and what to expect along the way.

Stages of Magic Mushroom Growth

Before diving into the timeline, it’s important to understand the key stages of magic mushroom growth. These stages include:

• Inoculation: Introducing the mushroom spores or liquid culture into a sterilized substrate.
• Colonization: The mycelium (the mushroom’s root-like structure) spreads throughout the substrate.
• Fruiting: The mycelium produces mushrooms (also called “fruiting bodies”) that will eventually be harvested.

Each of these stages takes varying amounts of time and depends on several factors, such as the type of magic mushrooms you are growing and the conditions in which they are cultivated.

How Long Does It Take to Grow Magic Mushrooms?

The time it takes to grow magic mushrooms varies depending on several factors, including the mushroom strain, growing conditions, and the method you use. On average, the entire process from spore to harvest typically takes 4-8 weeks.

Here’s a general breakdown of the time required for each stage:

• Inoculation to Colonization: 1-2 weeks
• Colonization to Full Substrate Colonization: 2-4 weeks
• Fruiting (Mushroom Growth): 1-2 weeks
• Harvesting: As soon as mushrooms mature, usually within 5-7 days of fruiting.

This means that from the day you inoculate the substrate, it usually takes about 4-8 weeks until the mushrooms are ready to harvest. Let’s dive deeper into each stage to understand the full timeline.

Factors That Affect Growth Time

Several factors can influence how fast your magic mushrooms grow. These include:

• Strain: Different strains of magic mushrooms grow at different rates. Some strains, like Golden Teachers, may take longer to colonize, while others, like B+, are known for faster growth.
• Substrate: The type of substrate you use (such as brown rice flour, straw, or manure) can affect the speed of colonization and fruiting. Properly prepared and sterilized substrates promote faster growth.
• Temperature: Mushrooms thrive in specific temperature ranges, typically between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during colonization and 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during fruiting. Keeping the temperature stable speeds up the growing process.
• Humidity and Fresh Air Exchange: High humidity and proper airflow are crucial for fruiting. Maintaining 90-95% humidity in the fruiting chamber helps the mushrooms grow faster and healthier.
• Light: While mushrooms don’t require direct light, exposure to indirect light or a low-level grow light can help trigger fruiting.

Step-by-Step Timeline of Growing Magic Mushrooms

1. Inoculation (Day 0)

Inoculation is the first step in the growing process, where you introduce spores or liquid culture to a sterilized substrate. This stage is quick and usually takes about an hour. After inoculation, the substrate needs to be placed in a warm, dark area for colonization.

2. Colonization (Week 1-4)

Once the spores are introduced, the mycelium will begin to grow and colonize the substrate. This process takes 1-2 weeks for the mycelium to become visible, and another 2-4 weeks for the substrate to be fully colonized. Full colonization is marked by the substrate turning white as the mycelium spreads throughout the entire substrate. This phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for healthy mushroom growth.

3. Pinning and Fruiting (Week 4-6)

After full colonization, the mycelium is ready to enter the fruiting phase. To encourage fruiting, you’ll need to introduce light, maintain high humidity, and increase fresh air exchange. Small mushroom pins (tiny buds) will start forming, and within 1-2 weeks, the mushrooms will grow and mature. During this phase, mist the fruiting chamber regularly to maintain high humidity levels and monitor the temperature closely.

4. Harvesting (Week 6-8)

Once the mushrooms have matured, it’s time to harvest. Mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps start to open but before they fully flatten. This typically occurs within 5-7 days after the mushrooms begin to fruit. Use a clean knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base.

Tips for Speeding Up the Growing Process

While growing mushrooms takes time, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:

• Optimize Temperature: Keeping the growing environment in the ideal temperature range (70-80°F for colonization and 65-75°F for fruiting) can promote faster mycelium growth and fruiting.
• Use High-Quality Substrate: Make sure your substrate is well-prepared and sterilized. Using a nutrient-rich substrate like manure or compost can speed up colonization.
• Maintain High Humidity: Mushrooms thrive in humid environments. Ensure your fruiting chamber maintains 90-95% humidity to encourage faster fruiting.
• Proper Air Exchange: Make sure your mushrooms have fresh air exchange during the fruiting phase. Stale air can slow down growth and lead to poor fruiting.
• Keep the Process Clean: Contamination can slow or halt mushroom growth, so always work in a clean environment, use sterile tools, and monitor the growing area for signs of mold or bacteria.

Harvesting Your Magic Mushrooms

When your mushrooms are ready to harvest, it’s important to pick them at the right time. Mushrooms should be harvested when the caps start to open but before they fully flatten. If left too long, the mushrooms will release spores, which can reduce the quality of the next flush.

• How to Harvest: Use a clean knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base. Avoid pulling or twisting the mushrooms, as this can damage the mycelium and affect future growth.
• Multiple Flushes: After harvesting the first flush of mushrooms, continue misting and caring for the substrate. With proper care, the substrate can produce multiple flushes over the following weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Magic Mushrooms

• Q: Can I speed up the colonization process?
  A: Yes, keeping the temperature stable (between 70-80°F) and ensuring the substrate is properly sterilized can help speed up colonization.
• Q: How many flushes can I get from one grow?
  A: You can typically get 2-3 flushes from a single grow, depending on how well you care for the substrate after the first harvest.
• Q: Do magic mushrooms need light to grow?
  A: Mushrooms don’t need direct sunlight but require some indirect light during the fruiting stage to trigger pinning and growth.
• Q: How do I know when my mushrooms are ready to harvest?
  A: Mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps begin to open but before they fully flatten. If you wait too long, the mushrooms will release spores, which can affect future flushes.