All about 100% mycelium grow kits
What is mycelium?
Every mushroom grower knows the term mycelium. It is a network of fungal threads that grows underground and from which the mushrooms above ground emerge. When a grow kit consists of 100% mycelium substrate, it means the substrate is completely filled with potential magic mushrooms. Most of the work has already been done for you and you can harvest sooner. In most cases even within three weeks.
With an ordinary grow kit you first have to inoculate the substrate with spores yourself and wait weeks until the mycelium has fully colonised it. With a 100% kit you skip that step. The mycelium is already active and ready to form fruiting bodies as soon as the conditions are right: the right temperature, enough humidity and indirect light.
Advantages of a 100% mycelium kit
You can simply set up a 100% mycelium kit without really having to water the mushrooms. That reduces the risk of contamination, the worst thing that can happen to you when growing. For the first flush (harvest) you do need to keep the inside of the filter bag moist. You do this by spraying in a little water now and then. For the second flush, you soak the grow kit for about 12 hours by placing it upside down in cold water. Most kits give you three good flushes.
The advantages at a glance: you start right away without preparation time, the risk of contamination is lower thanks to the closed system, and the first harvest comes considerably sooner than with kits you inoculate yourself. If you are growing for the first time, this is by far the most accessible method.
Which strains are available?
Most 100% mycelium kits at Dutch-Smart contain Psilocybe cubensis varieties. This is the most widely grown species in the world, known for being relatively robust and for its consistent yields. Within cubensis there are dozens of strains with small differences in growth speed, fruiting body size and potency. Popular strains include B+, Golden Teacher, Ecuadorian and McKennaii.
Want to work with stronger species? The Copelandia Hawaiian grow kits contain Panaeolus cyanescens, a species with higher psilocybin concentrations than cubensis. These kits are better suited to growers with some experience, because Copelandia needs more precise handling and is less forgiving of mistakes.
The best magic mushrooms, grown at home
As you probably know, buying and selling magic mushrooms is no longer legal in the Netherlands. That doesn't mean you can't eat them, because with our handy, legal grow kits you simply grow the best magic mushrooms at home. While professional growers spend months on it, you can grow hundreds of grams of psychedelic mushrooms within a few weeks. With the ready-to-use 100% mycelium kits you don't need to be an expert. Most of the work has already been done.
What is very important: set up the kit as soon as you receive it. Start following the instructions straight away to get the best quality. The longer you wait after receiving it, the greater the risk that the mycelium loses its vitality.
Step by step: how do you use a 100% mycelium kit?
1. Preparation: Disinfect your hands thoroughly or wear gloves. Rinse the outside of the grow kit with clean water. Remove the plastic lid, but don't throw it away, you will need it later.
2. The filter bag: Place the grow kit in the filter bag supplied. Spray the inside of the bag with clean water and shake out the excess water. Fold the bag closed above the kit.
3. Placement: Put the kit in a warm spot, ideally between 23 and 26 degrees Celsius. Avoid direct sunlight, but make sure it gets indirect light for a few hours a day. This steers the mycelium towards fruiting.
4. First flush: After 1 to 3 weeks the first pins appear. Harvest the mushrooms just before the veil under the cap breaks. This is the moment of maximum potency. Harvest by gently twisting and pulling the mushrooms.
5. Next flushes: After the first harvest, fill the grow kit with cold water for 12 hours to rehydrate the mycelium. Then pour off the water and repeat the process. Most kits produce 2 to 4 flushes.
Sterility is everything
Most failed growing attempts can be traced back to contamination. Green, yellow or black spots on the substrate are signs of mould infection, usually Trichoderma. Once contaminated, a kit can hardly be saved. Throw contaminated kits away in a sealed plastic bag and disinfect your workspace.
Use clean hands or disposable gloves for every step. Open the filter bag as little as possible, and preferably not near vents or open windows. For additional growing supplies such as alcohol wipes, gloves and disinfectant, go to our growing supplies page.
Harm reduction: safe use of psilocybin mushrooms
Psilocybin is the active substance in psychedelic mushrooms. The effects start 30 to 60 minutes after taking them and last 4 to 6 hours on average. The intensity depends on the amount taken, the species and personal sensitivity.
Beginner's dose of dried Psilocybe cubensis: 1 to 1.5 grams. A medium dose is between 1.5 and 3 grams. Above 3.5 grams the experience is unpredictably strong for inexperienced users. Fresh mushrooms contain about 10 times more moisture and therefore weigh about 10 times more than the dried dose. A fresh beginner's dose is therefore around 10 to 15 grams.
Never combine psilocybin with MAO inhibitors, lithium or antidepressants. Only use if you are 18 or older. Never use alone, especially not the first time. Make sure you have a sober, trusted companion (a trip sitter) and calm surroundings. Don't drive or operate machinery during or after use.
Intended exclusively for people aged 18 and over. Dutch-Smart sells grow kits for legal growing purposes. Always check the laws in your country before placing an order.
