Growkit FAQ: all your questions answered about growing your own Magic Mushrooms

A healthy growkit from DutchGrowKits with a nice amount of mushrooms

Growing magic mushrooms with a growkit is not difficult, can yield a substantial harvest, and is most of all fun. However, it can sometimes happen that you run into questions or issues during your shroom cultivation. From setting up your growkit to the harvest: this growkit FAQ answers all the questions and problems you may encounter when growing your own magic mushrooms.

Common problems and solutions

Why does my growkit have mold or white fluffy growth?

White fluffy growth on the substrate is usually normal and is part of the development of the mycelium. However, if the fungal growth is excessive and has a different color, this may indicate contamination. In that case, keep a close eye on the kit and remove contaminated parts if necessary.

Examples of normal white mycelium in a growkit - no reason to worry right away

My growkit looks green, yellow, brown or blue. Is this normal?

Discoloration can indicate contamination by molds or bacteria. Green, yellow or brown spots are often a sign of contamination and can hinder the growth of your mushrooms. However, a blue discoloration is almost always normal and is caused by the oxidation of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms.

Why are my mushrooms growing downwards or on the side of the growkit (side pins)?

This can happen if the kit does not contain enough water, the humidity is too low, or if there is too much ventilation. Make sure you spray the growkit sufficiently and keep the growbag closed until the first pins appear. If the mushrooms continue to grow on the sides, you can carefully turn the kit on its side or upside down.

Side pins (and a dried out substrate)

Why do my mushrooms suddenly stop growing?

It can sometimes happen that some mushrooms in your growkit stop growing before they are fully grown ("mushroom aborts"). They can often be recognized by their smaller size and darker or discolored caps. But what actually causes this growth stop?

A common cause is environmental stress. Fluctuations in temperature, humidity or CO2 levels can quite upset your mushrooms, resulting in a growth stop. Contamination of your growkit, for example by working non-sterile during setup, can also lead to aborts. A third possible culprit is insufficient ventilation, which causes the CO2 levels to become too high for proper mushroom development.

You can reduce the risk of aborts by closely monitoring your growing conditions. Use tools such as a thermometer and hygrometer to check the temperature and humidity and adjust where necessary. Also ensure sufficient ventilation in your growing area and always work sterile to prevent contamination.

If you do find mushroom aborts in your growkit, in many cases you can still use them, unless they are clearly moldy or black discolored, for example. Despite their small size, they are often still perfectly usable and sometimes even contain more psilocybin than fully grown mushrooms. If the growkit is not clearly contaminated with unwanted molds, you can try to restart the kit after removing the aborts by means of a cold shock.

Mushroom aborts: a sudden growth stop

What is a 'cold shock' and how do I reset my growkit?

A cold shock is a technique where you temporarily lower the temperature of your kit to about 5-10°C for 12-24 hours. This mimics the temperature drop in nature, which stimulates fruiting. You can do this between flushes to reset your kit and stimulate new growth.

I only see a few mushrooms growing. Is my growkit working properly?

The number of mushrooms that grow can vary per kit and per flush (harvest). Many factors influence this, so it is not always easy to determine what causes it; temperature, humidity, light conditions etc. can all play a role. You can assume that with each subsequent flush the amount of shrooms will decrease somewhat, this is normal.

Growkit with only a few mushrooms. In this case, the too low
temperature was the main culprit, but the causes can vary

Sometimes it can also just take a little longer for the pins to appear. Be patient and ensure the right growing conditions. If there are still no mushrooms after 3-4 weeks, or your growkit gives very few shrooms from the 1st flush onwards, contact our customer service for advice.

I think my grow kit has dried out. What should I do?

If your kit dries out, thoroughly spray it with water and close the growbag again. Check daily and spray if necessary to keep the substrate moist. It can take several days to weeks for the mycelium to recover.

Dried out growing medium in a growkit

What should I do if I have given my growkit too much water?

Too much water can lead to drowning of the mycelium and unwanted mold growth. If you notice that your kit is too wet, let the excess water drain off and place the kit in a well-ventilated spot to dry out until the substrate feels moist but no longer drips. Adjust the frequency of spraying in the future.

Why do I have to keep the growbag closed until the first pins appear?

Keeping the growbag closed helps to maintain the humidity and keep the CO2 level high, which is essential for the development of the mycelium and the formation of primordia (pins). Once the first pins are visible, you can open the growbag for ventilation and to give space to the growing mushrooms.

What are the most common mistakes when growing mushrooms?

Some common mistakes are: giving too much or too little water, exposing the kit to direct sunlight or drafts, opening the growbag too early, and not maintaining a hygienic working environment. Pay close attention to these factors and follow the instructions from the growguide carefully for the best results.

How should I store my magic mushroom growkit and how long does it keep?

Store your growkit in the refrigerator (5-10°C and not colder than 2°C) until you are ready to start your grow. Unopened growkits usually keep for several months, but we always recommend setting up your growkit as soon as possible after receipt for the best results.

Growing conditions and care

What preparations should I make before starting my shroom grow?

Before you start, it is important to set up a suitable growing space. Choose a clean, draft-free spot with a stable temperature around 22-24°C. Make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand, such as a spray bottle with clean water and disinfectant to clean your hands.

What are the best conditions for my growkit and what temperature is ideal?

Mushrooms thrive best at a temperature between 20-25°C and a humidity of 90-100%. Place your growkit in a spot without direct sunlight and avoid drafts. If necessary, use a heating mat to keep the temperature stable, but do not place the kit directly on the mat to prevent drying out.

How do I ensure that my growkit stays clean and hygienic during the growing process?

Thoroughly wash your hands with soap or use disinfectant and / or latex gloves before working with your growkit. Use a clean growing area and tools to prevent contamination. If your kit starts to give off a strange smell or shows signs of contamination after a while, isolate it from other kits.

Should I use a heating mat for my magic mushroom growkit?

A heating mat can be useful to keep the temperature stable, especially if you are growing your growkit in an environment where the temperature fluctuates too much or often dips below 18°C. Mushrooms grow best at a constant temperature between 20-25°C. If you cannot guarantee this temperature, a heating mat can provide a solution. However, never place the growkit directly on the heating mat, as this can lead to drying out of the substrate. Always place a temperature-resistant barrier between the heating mat and the kit, such as a piece of styrofoam, wooden slats or a towel. Check the temperature regularly and adjust the space between the mat and the kit if necessary. Also keep in mind that the temperature inside the growkit can be higher than the ambient temperature. When in doubt, it is better to go for a slightly lower temperature than to expose the mushrooms to too much heat.

How often should I spray or moisten my shroom growkit?

Spray your kit 1-2 times a day with clean, boiled water to maintain humidity. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the mycelium. The substrate should be moist, but not soaked. Reduce the frequency if too much condensation forms in the growbag.

Is light essential for the growth of my mushrooms, or can I place my grow kit in the dark?

Magic mushrooms do not depend on direct sunlight for their development - in fact, this is strongly discouraged. However, light does play a crucial role in the growth of mushrooms. We advise placing your grow kit in a spot where sufficient indirect daylight enters, such as near a window. Be careful, though, that direct sunlight never falls on the kit or the mushrooms, as this can negatively influence or even completely stop growth.

It is also important not to leave your grow kit in complete darkness, as a lack of light can slow down or prevent the development of your mushrooms. Therefore, aim for a balance where your kit receives enough indirect daylight to promote growth, without exposing the mushrooms to direct sunlight, total darkness, extreme heat, or drying out.

Harvesting and yield

How do I know when to harvest the mushrooms?

The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps are fully opened. If you wait even longer until the caps are flat and the edges turn up, they will release black spores and leave spore prints on the substrate. This is not harmful, but can interfere with or delay the next flush.

Healthy growkit just before harvest time

What is the best way to harvest mushrooms without damaging the growkit?

Gently twist the mushrooms loose at the bottom of the stem, as close to the substrate as possible. This way you do not damage the mycelium and can do a successful next grow with the same kit. Use clean hands or gloves and / or a clean knife if the stems are difficult to remove.

How many grams of mushrooms can I harvest from my kit and how often can I harvest?

The yield per kit varies, but averages between 20-100 grams fresh weight per flush (harvest), depending on the growing conditions, the experience of the grower and the quality of the kit. With DutchGrowKits you can be sure that you have the best quality growkit in your hands!

Most kits produce 2-4 harvests with intervals of 1-2 weeks. After each harvest you let the kit rest and start again with the submersion phase or cold shock. When you work hygienically and follow all instructions from the growguide meticulously, you can harvest up to 7 times(!) from one and the same kit. Do keep in mind that later flushes usually yield less than the first.

Are there ways to increase the yield of my shroom growkit?

Although the yield is mainly determined by the genetics of the mushroom, the professionalism of the producer and the quality of the substrate, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances. Ensure optimal growing conditions in terms of temperature, humidity, light and ventilation. Always follow the instructions from our growguide: this gives you the best chance of good harvests.

Other frequently asked questions

What does the growing medium of my shroom growkit consist of?

The growkits from DutchGrowKits contain a carefully composed formula of grains and nutrition (substrate) that give the mycelium an ideal growing medium to produce fruiting bodies (shrooms).

Are your growkits organic?

Our growkits are not certified organic but are made completely naturally and without pesticides or other chemical agents.

I see shiny particles in my kit. Are these harmful if I ingest them?

The shiny particles are one of the nutritional components for the mycelium. These are in principle harmless, but of course do not consume them. If one happens to stick to your mushroom, you can easily remove it by hand.

Can I compost or reuse the leftover substrate after harvesting?

You can add the substrate to your compost bin or dispose of it in the green waste (minus the plastic container of course). We do not recommend reusing the substrate for another mushroom grow; the nutrients are then largely used up and the risk of contamination becomes greater. If you want to do a new shroom grow, we recommend ordering a new kit.

I have a problem with my growkit and I can't figure it out. What should I do?

Contact the DutchGrowKits customer service if you still can't figure it out despite the above solutions. We are here to look together at what we can do for you!

We hope that this comprehensive guide has helped you to gain more insight into growing magic mushrooms with a growkit. With the right care and attention you can successfully grow your own mushrooms. Keep learning, experimenting and enjoy the magical process!