The ideal growing circumstances

You can divide the growing process into 3 periods. Here below are described the ideal circumstances for the Psilocybe cubensis. Some circumstances are a little bit different for other species.

Incubation period.

This is the period when you have inoculated your substrate with spores and placed them in a warm and dark place so they can germinate and grow to healthy mycelium.

- temperature 28-30°C
- total darkness
- humidity 97-100 %
- fresh air exchange: 0
- period: 2-4 weeks

Pinhead formation

The period when you place the mycelium for the first time in a place with (indirect) sunlight and a lower temperature. The mycelium will start to form mushrooms. The mushrooms in their smallest state are called pinheads.

- temperature 22-24 °C
- indirect sunlight
- humidity 97-100 %
- fresh air exchange: 0
- period: 5 - 10 days

Cropping

When the first pinheads have shown up it's time for cropping, growing up to adulthood. A lot of fresh air and a somewhat lower humidity is required.

- temperature 22-24 °C
- indirect sunlight
- humidity 90 - 95 %
- fresh air exchange: 3 times a day (minimum)
- period: 3 - 7 days

Of course we understand that not everybody has all the equipment at home to achieve these ideal circumstances for 100%. But as we said, they are 'ideal'. Especially the Psilocybe cubensis is easy to grow and it tolerates a lot if it comes to his ideal growing circumstances.