Psilocybe cubensis growkit fruiting process - principles and limitations
Legal and ethical information
This text is for educational purposes only and does not constitute an invitation to grow Psilocybe cubensis. Such activity may be illegal and subject to penalties. By purchasing a growkit from this website, you agree to its immediate disposal within 72 hours of receipt of shipment.
Environmental and thermal conditions
The fruiting process of Psilocybe cubensis growkit requires the maintenance of appropriate environmental and thermal conditions. The temperature range in which this process is possible is 20-25 degrees Celsius, with an optimum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. The Growkit should be protected from direct UV radiation by placing it in a shaded area and protected from sunlight.
Stages of fruiting body development
The fruiting body process of the Psilocybe cubensis growkit consists of several stages, which can be observed through changes in the appearance of the mycelium and fruiting bodies. The first stage is the appearance of primordia, or fruiting body ovules, which are shaped like small balls of polystyrene. Then the primordia develop into pines, or young fruiting bodies, which are cone- or hat-shaped. The final stage is the maturation of the fruiting bodies, which can be assessed by observing the zasnówka, the membrane that connects the stem and the cap. A cracked veil indicates a fully mature fruiting body that is ready to shed spores. Fruitcakes that have not shed their spores should be assessed by hardness. Soft ones are ripe, hard ones need time. Please refer to the product sheet for exact information on the maturity of a particular fruiting body.
Picking and hydration of the fruiting bodies
Harvesting the fruiting bodies involves removing the mycelium from the bag and detaching the mature fruiting bodies. Removing the mycelium from the bag can be done in two ways: by cutting the bag at the top or at the bottom around the mycelium. This should be done so that the smallest possible part of the bag is cut off. Detaching the fruiting bodies involves twisting and pulling out the fruiting body without touching the mycelium. This operation is best done with disinfected gloves, although it is not necessary. Once the fruiting bodies have been harvested, the mycelium should be irrigated to allow it to develop further. Irrigation involves generously spraying the bag and mycelium with water that has been previously filtered or boiled and cooled under a lid. Spray so that the water does not form puddles. Another way to rehydrate is to inject 15 ml of water directly into the mycelium using a syringe.
Preparation for the next fruiting cycle
Once the mycelium has been rehydrated, place it back in the bag and close it, restoring it to its original state. If the bag has been incised at the top, it can be closed using office clips, rolling it up tightly but with as little shortening as possible. If the bag has been incised at the bottom, it should be gently wrapped and sealed with tape so that it does not directly touch the mycelium. The fruiting body process of the Psilocybe cubensis growkit can be repeated several times, but with each cycle the number and size of fruiting bodies decreases. After the second cycle, only a few fruiting bodies can be expected, although they can be very large.
Hygiene and safety rules
All activities related to the fruiting process of the Psilocybe cubensis growkit should be carried out under hygienic and safe conditions. Hands should be disinfected and a protective mask used to avoid contamination of the mycelium and fruiting bodies. The fruiting body process is not a sterile process, but general cleanliness should be maintained and contact with potential sources of infection should be avoided.