How To Grow Golden Teacher Mushrooms

Introduction of Golden Teacher Mushrooms

Growing Golden Teacher mushrooms (a popular strain of Psilocybe cubensis) requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of the process involved in cultivating magic mushrooms.

The refers to a specific brand or type of substrate, often used to facilitate the growth of these mushrooms.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover the basics of growing Golden Teacher mushrooms, along with details on using or similar products for cultivation.

This guide is divided into several key sections for ease of understanding:

1. Understanding Psilocybe Cubensis Golden Teacher Mushrooms
2. Preparation Before Growing
3. Creating a Sterile Environment
4. Inoculation: Introducing the Mushrooms to the Substrate
5. Incubation Phase
6. Fruiting Conditions and Care
7. Harvesting the Mushrooms
8. Post-Harvest Care
9. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
10. Legal and Safety Considerations

1. Understanding Psilocybe Cubensis Golden Teacher Mushrooms

Golden Teacher mushrooms are one of the most popular varieties of Psilocybe cubensis, a species of psychedelic mushroom. Known for their golden-yellow caps and wide, rounded appearance, these mushrooms are renowned for their mild and introspective psychoactive effects. Golden Teacher Mushrooms are often chosen by beginners due to their forgiving nature during cultivation and their moderate potency.

2. Preparation Before Growing

Before starting your cultivation, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. The following items are essential:

Equipment and Supplies:

• Mushroom Spores: Spores are the starting point for growing mushrooms. You’ll need to buy a syringe of Psilocybe cubensis Golden Teacher Mushrooms spores. These are legal to purchase in many places for research purposes but illegal to grow or consume in others.
• Sterile Substrate: A growing medium such as is commonly used to provide nutrition for the mushrooms. It often contains a mixture of organic ingredients like coir, vermiculite, and nutrients for the mycelium (the fungal root structure) to thrive.
• Growing Containers: You can use jars or a monotub for growing mushrooms. Jars are often used during the colonization stage, while monotubs are ideal for fruiting.
• Pressure Cooker (PC): This is used for sterilizing the substrate and jars.
• Glovebox or Still Air Box (SAB): A sterile workspace where you can inoculate the substrate with spores.
• Incubation Chamber or Warm Area: Mushrooms need a consistent warm temperature for colonization.
• Humidity and Temperature Control: For the fruiting stage, you’ll need to maintain high humidity (80-90%) and a consistent temperature of around 70°F (21°C).
• Spray Bottle: For spraying water to maintain humidity levels.
• Fresh Air Exchange (FAE): Fresh air is crucial during the fruiting stage to promote mushroom growth.

3. The Role of Golden Teacher Mushrooms

Is a substrate mix designed for the cultivation of mushrooms. It contains essential nutrients that support mycelial growth, providing an optimal environment for your Golden Teacher mushrooms to thrive. Substrates like usually contain a mix of:

• Coconut Coir: This is an excellent base material for the substrate as it holds moisture well and is free from contaminants.
• Vermiculite: Helps to retain moisture and aerate the substrate.
• Gypsum: Provides essential minerals to promote healthy growth.

While is commonly used, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully for proper preparation and sterilization to avoid contamination.

4. Creating a Sterile Environment

Sterility is key to successfully growing mushrooms. Contamination from bacteria or other fungi can ruin your cultivation efforts. Therefore, when preparing and handling your growing materials, take extra care to maintain cleanliness:

• Work in a Clean Area: Ensure your workspace is as clean as possible. Wipe down surfaces with alcohol and disinfect tools.
• Sterilize Your Substrate: Substrate sterilization is critical for eliminating any potential contaminants. Use a pressure cooker (PC) to sterilize your substrate in jars for at least 90 minutes at 15 PSI.
• Use a Still Air Box (SAB): For inoculation, work inside a SAB to limit exposure to airborne contaminants. This box helps create a still, sterile environment where you can safely inject the spores into the substrate.

5. Inoculation: Introducing the Mushrooms to the Substrate

Once your substrate is sterilized and cooled down, it’s time to inoculate it with spores:

• Inject the Spores: Use a sterile syringe to inject the Golden Teacher Mushrooms spores into the substrate. For jars, you’ll inject 1-2 cc of spore solution into each jar through the lid or through holes that are sealed with tape.
• Seal and Shake: After inoculation, seal the jars and shake them gently to distribute the spores evenly through the substrate.

Remember to always work with clean hands, and use gloves to avoid transferring any bacteria or other contaminants onto your substrate.

6. Incubation Phase

After inoculation, the jars should be placed in an incubator or a warm area (ideally between 75-80°F or 24-27°C). During this phase, the spores will germinate and start to colonize the substrate, growing into white, thread-like mycelium.

• Wait for Full Colonization: The incubation phase usually takes 3-4 weeks. You’ll know the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate when the jar looks completely white and fluffy. If you see any other colors (such as green or black), that could be contamination.
• Avoid Disturbance: During this phase, try not to shake or disturb the jars as the mycelium needs to grow uninterrupted.

7. Fruiting Conditions and Care

Once the substrate is fully colonized, it’s time to initiate fruiting. This involves introducing the colonized substrate to conditions that will trigger mushroom formation:

• Prepare a Fruiting Chamber: You can use a monotub or a fruiting chamber. Make sure the chamber has proper air exchange (fresh air) and humidity control.
• Temperature: Keep the temperature in the fruiting chamber around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
• Humidity: Maintain a high humidity level (80-90%) to support mushroom growth. A spray bottle can help to keep the humidity high, and using a hygrometer will help you monitor the levels.
• Light: Provide indirect light for around 12 hours a day. Mushrooms don’t need direct sunlight, but they do require some light to initiate fruiting.
• Fresh Air Exchange (FAE): Ensure that the fruiting chamber has enough airflow to prevent carbon dioxide from building up, which could stunt mushroom growth.

8. Harvesting the Mushrooms

Golden Teacher mushrooms will begin to fruit in 1-3 weeks after the initiation of the fruiting phase. When they are ready for harvest, you’ll notice the caps beginning to flatten out and the gills turning from light to dark brown. Harvest them before the spores begin to drop, as this ensures the highest potency.

• Use Clean Hands: Gently twist the mushrooms off the substrate or cut them with a sterile knife.
• Store the Mushrooms Properly: Fresh mushrooms should be dried if you plan to store them for long periods. You can use a food dehydrator or silica gel to speed up the drying process.

9. Post-Harvest Care

After harvesting, you’ll need to maintain the fruiting chamber to encourage additional flushes of mushrooms. Many strains of Psilocybe cubensis, including Golden Teacher Mushrooms, produce several flushes. After each flush, allow the substrate to rest for a few days and then continue the cycle of misting and fresh air exchange.

10. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

• Contamination: Contamination is the most common issue when growing mushrooms. Always ensure a clean working environment, sterilize tools, and use proper technique to avoid contamination.
• Low Yield: If the yield is lower than expected, check your environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and airflow). You may need to adjust your setup or the care provided to the substrate.
• Mold: If you notice green or black patches on the substrate or mushrooms, it’s likely mold or mildew, which should be discarded immediately.

11. Legal and Safety Considerations

Psilocybin mushrooms, including Golden Teacher Mushrooms, are classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries, including the United States. Make sure you are aware of the local laws in your area regarding the cultivation, possession, and use of psychedelic mushrooms. Always follow the law and proceed with caution.

By following these steps and guidelines, you should be able to successfully grow Golden Teacher mushrooms using  other similar substrates. Keep in mind that patience, cleanliness, and attention to detail are key factors in a successful grow.