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 preferred.
- 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 the equipment to fully reach these perfect conditions. But as said before, they are ‘ideal’. Psilocybe Cubensis in particular is easy to grow and it tolerates a lot when it comes to ideal growing circumstances.