In a recent interview with the MM Report, Santa admitted that Mrs. Clause had been adding a pinch of magic mushrooms to his diet. St. Nick explained to us how with so many folks to add to the naughty list, micro-dosing has helped him maintain his jolly demeanor.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 cc spore syringe
For the Substrate:
- 12 wide-mouth 1/2 pint jars
- Strainer
- Hammer and small nail
- Mixing bowl
- Large pot with a tight-fitting lid
- Heavy-duty tin foil
- Small towel
- Micropore tape
- 70-120L clear plastic storage box
- Drill with 3/8th-inch bit
- Perlite
- Spray bottle
Hygiene Essentials:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Air sanitizer
- Disinfectant
- Torch lighter
- Latex gloves, surgical mask
- Still-air box (optional)
The Process:
1. Prepare the Jars
Disinfect the hammer and nail and use them to punch four evenly-spaced holes around the lid’s circumference.
2. Prepare the Substrate
Mix ¾ cup vermiculite and ¼ cup water per jar in a mixing bowl.
Disinfect the strainer and remove the excess water.
Add ¼ cup brown rice flour per jar and combine.
3. Fill the Jars
Loosely pack the substrate into the jars to around half-inch below the rims.
Sterilize the exposed glass with rubbing alcohol, then top off with dry vermiculite.
4. Steam to Sterilize
Screw the jar lids on tightly and cover securely with foil.
Ensure that no water or condensation can enter the jar through the holes.
Place the towel in the base of the pan and arrange the jars on top.
Add water to around halfway up the jars and bring to a slow boil.
Steam for 80–90 minutes, adding more hot water if the pan boils dry.
Keep the jars upright throughout.
Allow to cool to room temperature for several hours or overnight.
5. Prepare the Spore Syringe
Use the lighter to heat the syringe’s needle until red hot.
Allow to cool and wipe with rubbing alcohol, taking care not to touch it.
Pull back the plunger slightly and shake well.
Reduce the risk of contamination by wearing latex gloves and a surgical mask, especially if the syringe requires assembly.
6. Inject Spores
Remove the foil from a jar and insert the syringe as far as possible through one of the holes.
With the needle against the jar’s side, inject around ¼ cc of the spore solution.
Repeat for each of the holes, cleaning the needle with alcohol between each one.
Cover the holes with micropore tape.
Repeat for remaining jars.
7. Play the Waiting Game
Place the jars in a clean area where they won’t be disturbed.
Keep at room temperature (72–82-degrees Fahrenheit) and out of direct sunlight.
After 7–14 days, white mycelium should start to appear.
After 3–4 weeks, at least half of the jars should have successful colonies or ‘cakes.’ At this stage, wait an additional seven days to strengthen the mycelium.
If any jars show signs of contamination, dispose of them carefully. Do this outdoors using secure bags, without removing the lids.
8. Prepare the Fruiting Chamber
Drill 3/8-inch holes approximately two inches apart all over the plastic storage container, including its base and lid.
Place the box on four stable objects to allow airflow underneath.
Cover with a towel to retain moisture.
9. Add Perlite
Put the perlite in a strainer and soak it with water by running under the cold tap.
Allow to drain thoroughly, then spread over the base of the chamber.
Repeat the process until you have a 4–5-inch layer of perlite covering the base.
10. Rehydrate the Cakes
Remove the substrate cakes from the jars, taking care not to damage them.
Rinse the cakes under the cold tap to remove loose vermiculite.
Fill your cooking pot with lukewarm water and put the cakes inside.
Use another pot or a plate to keep them under the water’s surface.
Leave at room temperature for 24 hours while the cakes rehydrate.
11. Roll the Cakes
Remove the cakes from the water and put them on a disinfected surface.
Fill the mixing bowl with dry vermiculite and roll the cakes to coat.
12. Transfer
Place the cakes in the fruiting chamber, set upon foil squares big enough to stop them touching the perlite.
Space them evenly and mist with the spray bottle.
Fan with the lid before closing.
13. Wait for Fruiting to Start
Mist the chamber four times a day, but do not soak the cakes in water.
Fan with the lid six times a day to improve air circulation.
Some growers use lights set on a 12-hour cycle, but ambient lighting during the day is sufficient.
Wait for mushrooms to appear.
How Long to Grow Mushrooms?
How long do shrooms take to grow? This can vary according to the variety and conditions.
Keep a close eye on your mycelium cakes, and you should soon start to see them appearing as white bumps, which then sprout into ‘pins.’ The mushrooms should be ready to harvest 5–12 days after this. It is best to pick them before the veil breaks, revealing the gills.
Hopefully this guide on “how long does it take to grow mushrooms indoors” (~1–2 months) has been helpful. Remember, however – it is the responsibility of the reader to know and understand all rules and regulations regarding the cultivation of mushrooms in their specific state or region.
