Cultivating Grain Spawn

Cultivating grain spawn is an essential step in the process of growing many types of mushrooms, including Psilocybe cubensis. Here are easy-to-follow steps and the supplies required:

Supplies Needed:

• Sterilized grains (e.g., rye, millet, wheat, or brown rice)
• Mushroom spores or culture
• Glass jars with lids and high-temperature-rated silicone injection ports
• Pressure cooker
• Spore syringe or culture syringe
• Still air box or glove box
• Alcohol lamp or torch
• Measuring cups
• Aluminum foil

Steps

Prepare the Grains:

• Measure the desired amount of sterilized grains and place them in a mixing bowl.

Add Water:

• Gradually add water to the grains, ensuring they are evenly moistened. Aim for a moisture content of about 60-65%.

Load Jars:

• Fill the glass jars with the moistened grains, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion during sterilization.

Sterilize Jars:

• Seal the lid with a loose seal leaving room for air to escape to prevent mishaps & moisture from entering during sterilization.
• Place the jars in a pressure cooker, and follow the cooker's guidelines for sterilization. Sterilize at 15 PSI for approximately 90 minutes.

Inoculate Jars:

• After the jars have cooled, transfer them to a clean and sterile environment, such as a still air box or glove box.
• Inoculate the jars with spores or culture using a spore syringe or culture syringe. Inject the spores through the silicone injection port.
• Seal the injection holes with tape or additional silicone.

Incubate:

• Place the inoculated jars in a warm, dark location (around 75-80°F or 24-27°C) for colonization. This process may take several weeks.

Colonization Check:

• Monitor the jars for white, thread-like mycelium growth, which indicates successful colonization. The mycelium should cover the entire substrate.

Grain Spawn Harvest:

• Once the jars are fully colonized, the grain spawn is ready to be used to inoculate a bulk substrate or for further propagation.

Grain spawn serves as the "seed" for mushroom cultivation, allowing you to multiply your mushroom culture and inoculate larger substrates. Proper sterilization and aseptic techniques are crucial to prevent contamination. Always work in a clean and sterile environment to ensure the success of your grain spawn cultivation.