Information and tips for growing magic mushrooms

Once you've decided to grow your own magic mushrooms, it pays to be well prepared. You need a few things to get fully started, and Dutch Smart has lined that information up for you. The easiest option is a grow kit. Most of the ingredients and supplies are already included, so you don't have to hunt down separate materials. There are also different grow kits, for example for beginners and for more advanced growers. A grow kit usually contains a growing tray, spores, a spore syringe, a grow bag with air filter, an alcohol wipe and a manual.

Growing magic mushrooms isn't always easy. Professionals sometimes spend months on it. Luckily, with a magic mushroom grow kit you only have to wait a few weeks before you can harvest. So the ready-to-use kits really are recommended if you've never grown mushrooms before.

Choose your growing material

Dutch Smart carries several types of grow kits and additional supplies, matched to different levels and goals. Below is an overview of what's available.

Work as sterile as possible

You don't actually need a large space or special lighting to grow magic mushrooms. What matters most is using the right materials, and above all that they are clean. At Dutch Smart you'll find various growing supplies so you can work cleanly and effectively. Think of an apron, gloves, face masks and disinfectant lotions.

That same category also includes a heating mat: it warms the substrate and keeps the activity of the growing medium up to level. Handy in winter, when room temperature drops too low for optimal growth. The heating mat is available in 5 or 7 Watt.

Always read the instructions

Whatever products you use to grow magic mushrooms, make sure you read up properly from the start. Using materials incorrectly costs you your harvest, time and money. On the manuals page you'll find step-by-step explanations including videos. For more background, read the knowledge base, for example about the right time to pick. Got questions? Feel free to contact our customer service.

Spore syringes and spore ampoules: start from scratch yourself

If you want to go through the full growing process yourself, you start with spore syringes or spore ampoules. A spore syringe contains a suspension of spores in sterile water and is used to inoculate substrate or growing medium. Spore ampoules contain the same suspension but are sealed airtight, which makes them last longer.

This is the most time-intensive method, but also the most instructive. You see the entire colonization process from start to finish. Preferably use liquid culture syringes if you want the mycelium to grow faster: the spores are already germinated in these, which shortens colonization time considerably.

Safe use: harm reduction with magic mushrooms

Psilocybin mushrooms are psychoactive substances. Responsible use starts with good preparation. A few basic rules:

Never use magic mushrooms on your own, certainly not the first time. Make sure there is a sober trip sitter who can keep an eye on the situation if needed. Choose a familiar setting, preferably at home or in nature, and avoid busy or unfamiliar places.

Dosage depends on the species. Dried Psilocybe cubensis contains on average 0.6 to 1% psilocybin per gram of dry weight. A common beginner dose is between 1 and 1.5 grams dried. Copelandia species are considerably stronger and require lower doses, usually 0.5 to 1 gram dried. Read more about dosage and effects in our knowledge base or check the latest articles on the blog.

Never combine magic mushrooms with lithium, MAO inhibitors or antidepressants. Only use if you are 18 years or older. Do not drive and do not operate machinery during or after use.

Age limit: this product is intended exclusively for people aged 18 and over. Dutch Smart does not sell products to minors.