Psilocybin mushrooms are attracting considerable interest in the scientific community. Researchers from various fields are examining them primarily because they contain an alkaloid – psilocybin – which offers potential and unparalleled support in the treatment of depression and other mental ailments. It’s worth noting, however, that they are not the only group favorably considering this species and its varieties. Psilocybe cubensis develops in a fascinating way at every stage, including as mycelium. For this reason, growkits, which allow for a microscopic view of their unique world, are very popular. But which ones are the best? Find out below!
A few words about what a grow kit is
Grow kits, as the name of this type of product translates from English, are – simply put – a package containing a substrate with inoculated mycelium. Of course, this can come from various species, but in this case, we’re primarily talking about mushrooms from the Psilocybe cubensis family. The substrate is usually a type of seed on which a given type grows best.
How to care for a growkit?
It’s worth knowing that growkits differ from each other. Some products require more attention. Others simply require positioning them in the right place. Every package you’ll find on my website is a so-called full auto growkit. This means that all you need to do is provide it with the right conditions, including: The right temperature, usually between 21° and 25° Celsius, is essential for the mycelium to begin colonizing.
However, the right temperature isn’t everything. It’s also important to ensure it doesn’t fluctuate and to avoid drafts. It’s also best to place the container away from the flowers, as they can be a source of infection. Does the grow kit need light? Much depends on the mushroom species. In most cases, however, mushrooms prefer shaded areas.
Legal status of grow kits in Poland
Some species of these organisms are illegal in Poland. This is the case with Psilocybe cubensis, for example. However, it’s worth knowing that this only applies to the fruiting bodies, as they produce the psychedelic alkaloids. So, when asked if grow kits are legal in Poland, I can answer with complete certainty – absolutely! It doesn’t contain any prohibited substances, but it can provide incredible observational experiences.
Just remember one thing – you shouldn’t allow pins or larger fruiting bodies to develop. If you keep this rule in mind, everything will be fine.
Which grow kit is best for beginners?
Let’s now take a look at which grow kits would be best for beginners. By definition, a growkit full auto is definitely the best option for beginners. In my store, you’ll primarily find these products.
So, which variant is best for beginners? In this situation, I definitely recommend the classic – Golden Teacher. The Golden Teacher is very forgiving. It’s an interesting mushroom whose “roots” develop dynamically, characterized by high resistance. In the lab, this variety produces numerous fruiting bodies, characterized by a classic appearance – brown caps on long, rather thin legs. Their “caps” flatten as they mature and shed spores.
Beginners will also appreciate the Malabar strain. Growkits are a real treat for those looking for more exotic strains. They originate from India. Compared to Teacher, they produce relatively small fruiting bodies, but on long legs. The mycelium itself, which you’ll be able to observe on the slide, behaves very unpredictably.
Growkits for advanced users?
Are you more experienced in amateur mycology? Then it’s time to reach for the kits for more ambitious users! Which ones are best? For example, growkit Penis Envy Full auto is a very good choice. It colonizes a bit slower than many other varieties, but still quickly and unpredictably enough to delight you with the incredible performance of its mycelium. PE was created thanks to Terrence McKenna, who conducted research on original strains from the Amazon. This is where its unique originality comes from. Penis Envy also requires constant humidity, making it a package for those more familiar with mycology. It’s worth noting that it’s one of the mushrooms richest in the alkaloids characteristic of this species.
And if you think there’s not much to surprise you… Then let me help you change your mind! Yellow Umbo Full Auto is a hybrid few expected, but every mycologist needed! It combines the benefits of Psilocybe cubensis mycelium from the Jack Frost strain with Psilocybe natalensis, an African species of “magic mushroom”! It’s the result of a collaboration between two distinguished researchers in this field – Yoshi Amano and Kilor Diamond. I guarantee that watching the mycelium aggressively push itself along the medium will be an incredible spectacle!
How should professional labs choose grow kits for research?
Okay. Now you know which grow kits are suitable for amateur and experienced mycologists… But how do labs choose them? In this case – with a high degree of probability – the most important factor is the abundance of alkaloids characteristic of Psilocybe cubensis. Therefore, growkits selected for research by specialists must have the highest psilocybin content.
Compared to the previous strains, the following strains, among others, stand out – APE Full Auto and Yeti M2M Full Auto. Both strains, due to their slow maturation of fruiting bodies, produce very large amounts of the aforementioned substance. However, it is needed for research, including in medicine. However, it’s important to remember that only licensed centers are authorized to cultivate this species of mushroom.
Choose from the many available grow kits!
Above, I talked a bit about which types of grow kits are suitable for amateurs, experienced mycologists, and professionals. However, each of them will certainly provide a wealth of experience while observing the growth of mycelium. Just remember to treat the grow kits properly, maintain sterility… and avoid fruiting body growth. So, if you have a mycological bent and want to observe the extraordinary world of these organisms under a microscope, consider one of the above-mentioned kits now. products!
Check also: Growkits for amateurs – our list