With a 100% mycelium grow kit, it takes an average of 1 to 3 weeks to reach the first harvest, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. The ideal temperature is between 23 and 26 degrees Celsius. If temperatures are too low, growth slows significantly; if temperatures are too high, the risk of fungal infection increases.

Most grow kits yield 2 to 4 flushes. The first flush is usually the largest. After each harvest, soak the kit in cold water for 12 hours to rehydrate the mycelium. The total yield across all flushes varies by strain and kit, but is generally higher for XL kits than for standard kits.

Green mold (Trichoderma) is a sign of contamination, often caused by insufficient sterility during inoculation or harvesting. An infected kit can almost never be fully recovered. Dispose of the kit in a sealed bag, disinfect the workspace, and start over with a clean set. Prevention is key: always work with clean hands and gloves, and disinfect all your materials beforehand.

A spore syringe contains spores suspended in sterile water that have yet to germinate. This process takes two to four weeks and carries a slightly higher risk of contamination in the early stages. A liquid culture already contains active, pre-germinated mycelium: colonization occurs more quickly and is more reliable. Liquid cultures are more suitable if you’re managing multiple batches at once or want to harvest as quickly as possible.

Harvest just before the membrane under the cap begins to tear. Once it tears, the mushroom releases spores and loses weight and potency. Read more about the right time to harvest in the knowledge base: Harvesting magic mushrooms: how, where, and when

Fresh magic mushrooms (fruit bodies of Psilocybe species) are prohibited in the Netherlands. Mycelium and spores are exempt from this ban: they do not contain psilocybin. Dutch Smart sells cultivation kits for legal mushroom species. Always check local laws before you get started. Truffles (sclerotia) are legally permitted and freely available.