Introduction
Curious about growing your own Psilocybe cubensis, or “cubes,” from home? Whether you’re looking to dive into the world of mycology or simply want to experience the satisfaction of growing your own fungi, cultivating cubes is a rewarding process. While it might seem complex at first, it’s more about creating the right environment and maintaining a good setup. And don’t worry—once you understand the basics, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting your very own batch of mushrooms.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of growing cubes, introduce you to the concept of CVG (a common substrate mix), and walk through each step so you can get started on your own home-growing project.
Understanding the Basics
Psilocybe cubensis (often shortened to cubes) is one of the most popular mushroom species for home cultivation. Known for its distinctive appearance and psychoactive properties, it’s also one of the easier varieties to grow, making it perfect for beginners. That said, growing mushrooms isn’t just about tossing some spores into soil and waiting—these little guys need a specific balance of moisture, temperature, and nutrients to thrive.
One of the keys to growing healthy cubes is using a suitable substrate for your mushrooms to colonize. This is where CVG—short for Coco Coir, Vermiculite, and Gypsum—comes into play. CVG is a tried-and-tested substrate mix that’s rich in nutrients and easy to prepare. The combination of coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum provides an ideal environment for cubes to spread their mycelium and eventually fruit into beautiful mushrooms.
Gathering Your Supplies
To grow cubes at home, you’ll need a few specific items. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
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Spore Syringe or Liquid Culture
This is your starting point. Spore syringes are widely available from reputable vendors and contain millions of tiny spores. Alternatively, you can use a liquid culture, which already has some mycelium growing, speeding up the colonization process. -
CVG Substrate
CVG stands for a blend of coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum. You’ll mix these three ingredients together to create a nutritious base for your mushrooms. Coco coir provides structure and moisture retention, vermiculite helps aerate the substrate, and gypsum adds essential minerals for healthy growth. -
Grain Spawn
Before cubes can colonize your CVG substrate, they first need to grow on a grain substrate. Millet, rye, or brown rice are common choices. You’ll inoculate jars of sterilized grain with your spores, and once fully colonized, mix the grain spawn into the CVG. -
Jars or Containers
Wide-mouth mason jars are perfect for the grain spawn stage. They’re easy to sterilize and work with. -
A Pressure Cooker
To sterilize your grain jars and make sure no unwanted contaminants sneak in, you’ll need a pressure cooker. This is a crucial step—sterilizing your materials helps ensure a clean grow. -
A Grow Box or Fruiting Chamber
For the fruiting stage, you’ll need a container with good airflow and high humidity. Clear plastic storage bins work great for this. You’ll modify it slightly to allow for proper ventilation and humidity control. -
Cleanliness Supplies
Growing mushrooms requires a sterile environment. Keep some isopropyl alcohol, gloves, and face masks on hand to reduce the risk of contamination. Even a tiny spore of mold can ruin an entire batch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Cubes
Step 1: Preparing Your Grain Spawn
Start by prepping your grain jars. Fill each jar with your chosen grain (millet, rye, or brown rice), add water, and then sterilize them in your pressure cooker at 15 PSI for 90 minutes. Once cooled, you’ll inject your spore solution into the jars, making sure to work in a clean, sterile space. Shake the jars gently to distribute the spores evenly.
Step 2: Creating Your CVG Substrate
While your grain is colonizing (this can take a few weeks), prepare your CVG mix. Break apart a brick of coco coir into a large container, add vermiculite, and sprinkle in some gypsum. Then, pour boiling water over the mix and stir it well. Cover the container and let it sit for a few hours until the substrate is fully hydrated and cool. This process also helps pasteurize the substrate, keeping unwanted pests at bay.
Step 3: Colonizing the CVG
Once your grain spawn is fully colonized and covered in white mycelium, it’s time to introduce it to your CVG. Mix the colonized grain evenly into the prepared substrate inside a large, clean grow box. Spread the mixture out evenly, creating a level surface. Cover the top with a thin layer of plain CVG to keep everything clean.
Step 4: The Waiting Game
Cover your grow box and let the mycelium do its thing. This phase is called “bulk colonization.” Store the box in a warm, dark place (21°C to 27°C is ideal), and wait for the mycelium to spread and cover the entire surface. This can take up to two weeks.
Step 5: Fruiting Time
Once the substrate is fully colonized, it’s time to introduce fresh air and light to trigger fruiting. Move your box to a spot with indirect sunlight or use a 12-hour light cycle with a soft LED. Keep the temperature around 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F). Maintain high humidity by misting the sides of the box daily and fanning it gently to provide fresh air exchange.
Step 6: Watch Your Mushrooms Grow
Over the next week, you’ll see tiny pins starting to form. These baby mushrooms will rapidly grow into mature fruit bodies. Make sure to keep the humidity up and introduce fresh air regularly. You’ll notice the caps of the mushrooms start to flatten out as they mature.
Step 7: Harvesting Your Cubes
Harvest your mushrooms when the caps begin to separate from the stems but before the veil under the cap completely tears. Use a sterilized knife or scissors to cut them at the base, being careful not to disturb the substrate. Fresh cubes can be eaten, dried, or stored for later use.
Avoiding Common Issues
- Contamination: The most common problem growers face. If you see green, blue, or black spots, it’s likely mold. Unfortunately, this usually means the affected jar or grow box needs to be tossed.
- Poor Fruiting: If your mushrooms aren’t fruiting well, it could be a sign of low humidity, poor airflow, or a lack of light. Try adjusting these variables and give it time.
Conclusion
Growing cubes at home with a CVG substrate is a fascinating and rewarding hobby. With the right environment and a little patience, you’ll be harvesting your own mushrooms in no time. Just remember: cleanliness is key, and the more care you put into your setup, the better your results will be. Enjoy the process, and happy growing!