Mycology is fascinating, but deciding which mushroom spore syringes to purchase can be tricky. Unfortunately, not all Psilocybe cubensis spore syringes are created equal. It’s essential to be a discerning shopper to ensure your research isn’t compromised. In this article, we’ll introduce you to three of the best options on the market. We carefully vetted these syringes and found them to be the highest quality. Each one is pre-loaded with premium mushroom spores, made with lab-grade materials, and ready to help you study mushrooms right from home. Keep reading to check out our selections and useful tips on storing your syringes and getting the most out of them.
Summary of the Best Mushroom Spore Syringes
- Best Overall: Fungushead FH Advanced Syringe Mixpack
- Best for Beginners: Fungushead FH Beginner Syringe Mixpack
- Best for Advanced Research: Fungushead Jedi Mind Fuck Spore Syringe
What Are Mushroom Spore Syringes?
Mushroom spore syringes are syringes filled with mushroom spores, which are similar to seeds and contain a mushroom’s genetic blueprint. The microscopic fungal spores in the spore syringes can be used for scientific, personal purposes, or microscopic research. Thanks to the increased availability and convenience of spore syringes, users can grow various Psilocybe cubensis at home without needing any high-tech equipment or special skills.
Best Mushroom Spore Syringes
1. Best Overall: Fungushead FH Advanced Syringe Mixpack
Diving into the world of mycology can feel like unlocking a hidden kingdom, and the Fungushead FH Advanced Syringe Mixpack is an ideal choice for advanced researchers ready to take their Psilocybe cubensis studies up a notch. The set includes three varieties of exotic mushroom spores. Each strain has a unique origin story and features distinct gills, spore prints, and features for fascinating comparative analysis. The syringes are pre-filled with mushroom spores for optimal convenience, and each strain is packed separately.
The Penis Envy strain is popular for its high psilocybin content, while the Blue Meanine strain is highly adaptable and ideal for competitive ecosystem study. The Jedi Mind Fuck strain has captured the attention of the mycological science community with its distinct genetic composition and is perfect for those seeking to learn more about psilocybin mushrooms. Reviewers noted how pleased they were with the quality and variety of the included mushroom spores.
Pros:
- Includes a diverse strain ensemble
- Syringes are pre-filled with mushroom spores and packed separately
- Perfect for spore print comparison and advanced study
Cons:
- Shipment to some states may be restricted
Fungushead offers no-cost shipping on orders over a minimum cost and backs all of its mushroom spores with a 30-day return policy.
Learn more about the Fungushead FH Advanced Syringe Mixpack today!
2. Best for Beginners: Fungushead FH Beginner Syringe Mixpack
Embrace the intrigue of mycology and embark on your research journey with the Fungushead FH Beginner Syringe Mixpack. With its trio of premium Psilocybe cubensis spores—B+, Golden Teacher, and Malabar—this set stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone diving into the world of mycology. Each strain is packed separately, and the mushroom spores are pre-loaded into laboratory-grade syringes, ensuring purity and ease of use for microscopic research.
While this set is designed with newbies in mind, it doesn’t skimp on quality and versatility. The B+ strain is well-known for its mysterious origin story—a fun anecdote that adds depth to your research sessions. The Golden Teacher strain features a unique cap coloration and offers insights into mushroom growth dynamics by changing shape as it matures.
With three types of mushroom spores to explore, researchers interested in relative study will delight in examining the differences and similarities of various strains in terms of gills, spore prints, growth patterns, and origin. This set is a great way to begin your mycology journey. Customers love the high quality of these mushroom spores and appreciate using the set right out of the box.
Pros:
- Multiple strains included for easy spore print comparison
- Includes lab-grade syringes and detailed instructions
- Each strain offers a unique growth and study experience
Cons:
- Spores aren’t intended for cultivation
Fungushead offers free shipping on orders over a certain cost, and its mushroom spores are covered by a 30-day return policy.
Learn more about the Fungushead FH Beginner Syringe Mixpack today!
3. Best for Advanced Research: Fungushead Jedi Mind Fuck Spore Syringe
For advanced, detail-oriented growers who are interested in the concentrated study of a single strain, we strongly recommend the Fungushead Jedi Mind Fuck Spore Syringe. This product stands out due to its high-quality mushroom spores and user-friendliness. In this kit, you’ll receive a laboratory-grade syringe pre-loaded with premium mushroom spores, an alcohol swab, and a sterile needle to aid you in your research. This Psilocybe cubensis strain’s dark mushroom spores, fascinating genetics, and rapid growth patterns make this kit a top choice for in-depth fungal biology studies. Plus, the strain’s intriguing origin as a possible crossbreed inspires curiosity and prompts further exploration into the complex world of mushroom genetics.
Customers love how easy this set is to use right out of the box. The syringe is filled with polysorbate 20 to keep the mushroom spores from clumping and ensure even dispersion. The strain’s unique physical characteristics—including thick stems and dome-like caps—and make it a popular focus of genetic fungal research.
Pros:
- Polysorbate 20 prevents mushroom spores from clumping
- Kit includes a sterile needle and an alcohol swab
- Fascinating origin as a possible crossbreed
- Each strain is from genetically isolated sources
Cons:
- Not ideal for those who prefer multi-strain sets
Fungushead offers complimentary shipping on orders over a minimum cost, and every purchase is backed by the brand’s 30-day return policy.
Learn more about the Fungushead Jedi Mind Fuck Spore Syringe today!
How We Chose the Best Spore Syringes
There are so many choices available when purchasing mushroom spores. To ensure we recommended only the best options to our readership, we combed through the options, carefully evaluating them according to the following criteria:
Customer Reviews
We only featured spores that earned consistently positive reviews from their buyers. All the mushroom spores mentioned above are backed by positive feedback from satisfied customers who noted how pleased they were with their orders.
Ease of Use
Whether you prefer a kit that contains a single strain or a variety pack with multiple strains, all of the products featured above are easy to use and come with detailed instructions to help you study mushroom spores from the comfort of your home without the need for any special skills or high-tech equipment.
Quality of Included Materials
We only featured sets containing top-quality mushroom spores that are free from contaminants. Furthermore, all of our kits boast durable syringes made from laboratory-grade materials and pre-sterilized needles for convenience and contamination prevention.
How To Find the Best Spore Syringe for You
Shopping for mushroom spores can be tricky, especially for those new to the world of mycology. Before you place any orders, consider the factors listed below to ensure you make an informed choice.
Brand Reputation
It’s essential to purchase your spores from a reputable retailer. Research different brands and read customer reviews to understand how a particular company is regarded in the industry. Ensure the brand you buy from has a demonstrated track record of selling top-quality mushroom spores and lab-grade kit equipment.
Additionally, select a brand that offers excellent customer service if you experience issues with your orders. Reputable companies are typically easy to contact via phone, email, or live chat and have a responsive team of representatives to provide you with information about your orders and address any concerns you may have. The best brands also offer a satisfaction guarantee and a reasonable return window.
Mushroom Strain
Some mushroom strains are more complex than others, and it’s important to remember this as you’re shopping for mushroom spores. Choose a type of mushroom that’s interesting to you and suitable for your level of study. New users may want to explore the mystifying origin story of the B+ strain or the accelerated growth patterns of the Malabar strain from the Malabar Coast of India. Advanced researchers may find themselves more drawn to the unique gills and spore print of the Penis Envy strain or the adaptable nature of the Blue Meanie strain. Read about different strains and their characteristics to help you determine which one(s) you’d like to further explore.
Product Type
As you shop for mushroom spores, consider which product best suits your needs. Are you more interested in a spore kit with a single strain, or would you prefer a variety pack with multiple strains? Also, consider whether a liquid culture or a spore syringe will work best for you. (We’ll explain the differences between the two below.)
Spore Syringe Storage
Properly storing your mushroom spore syringes can help you get the most out of them. When stored under the right conditions, they can generally last from 4 to 12 months in the refrigerator, with higher-quality ones potentially lasting up to 24 months.
Temperature and lighting can greatly impact the longevity of your spores. To maintain optimal quality, place your mushroom spore syringe in a clean, resealable food storage bag. Keep the sealed bag in the refrigerator at 32° to 46° Fahrenheit. Furthermore, exposure to light should be limited, and direct sunlight should be completely avoided.
Liquid Culture Syringes vs. Spore Syringes: Which One Should You Use?
When it comes to studying psilocybin mushrooms, there are two inoculation methods: spore syringes and liquid culture syringes. Let’s examine their similarities and differences so you can decide which is better for your purposes.
A spore syringe is a prepared syringe that’s pre-filled with mushroom spores. It’s ideal for studying the early phases of germination and microcropy. A high-quality spore syringe typically has a long shelf life, a high rate of inoculation success, and better genetic variability. Furthermore, a spore syringe offers a low risk of contamination, making it a great choice for new explorers and growers. On the downside, they’re often associated with longer observatory timelines, which may not be ideal for researchers meeting strict deadlines.
Liquid culture syringes are filled with a live culture consisting of mycelium and a nutrient-rich liquid. This culture can be used to research mushroom spores or colonize a substrate to cultivate mushrooms. These syringes offer fast colonization compared to spore syringes. They’re known to produce repeatable and reliable results, making them ideal for advanced researchers and cultivators. The potential drawbacks of liquid cultures include a shorter shelf life, increased risk of contamination, and maintenance requirements such as daily mycelium agitation for proper oxygenation and healthy growth.
Cultivation Tips
Cultivating mushrooms from a spore syringe can be a rewarding and educational experience. Follow these tips to maximize your chances of a successful crop.
Sterilization
To minimize the risk of contamination and give your mushroom spores the best chance of growing into healthy fungi, keeping your equipment and work area as clean as possible is essential. Sterilize your tools with alcohol or steam, and use disinfectant wipes or alcohol to clean your surfaces. A pressure cooker is a great way to clean most instruments, but keep it handy—you may need it again for the next step.
Substrate Selection and Preparation
Choose a suitable substrate for your specific mushroom strain. Moisten the substrate by mixing it with water, taking care not to saturate it. Once you’ve prepared the substrate, fill the sterilized containers about halfway with the substrate mixture. It’s advisable to sterilize the substrate mixture at this point by steaming it for about 90 minutes in a pressure cooker. Once the jars have cooled, carefully remove them from the pressure cooker and cover them with foil or micropore tape. This will help prevent contamination.
Inoculation and Incubation
Remove your sterile spore syringe from its packaging and shake it to help the mushroom spores spread evenly. Then, inject a small amount of the mushroom spores into the jars through the micropore tape. For optimal results, inject the spores into four or five different spots in each jar, taking care to space the injection sites out. It’s best to dedicate each container to a single strain.
It’s time to incubate your mushroom spores by keeping them in a dark, warm location with a temperature around 75° Fahrenheit. As you would with a plant, it’s important to maintain optimal growing conditions for your particular mushroom strain. You may need to adjust the incubation space’s temperature, lighting, and humidity. Also, you’ll need to mist the jars regularly.
Fruiting
Once the mycelium (white root-like structures) have fully colonized, it’s time to add some light into the mix to help promote fruiting. You can do this using natural sunlight or artificial light if the jars aren’t in their direct path. As your mushrooms grow, continue to maintain optimal growth conditions.
Harvesting
You’ll know the mushrooms are ready to be harvested when their caps are fully open. Remove them from the substrate by carefully twisting the base or cutting it with a sterilized scalpel. You can then clean your mushrooms with a damp paper towel and store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. Some individuals cut a single piece of a mushroom off and place it on agar to create a living culture slide for research and microscopic study, while others examine the mushroom’s spore print or use its spores to grow new mushrooms. Whatever your intended purpose, sterilization, proper conditions, and careful storage will ensure you get the most out of your crop.
Tips for Increasing Yield
Yield is important when growing magic mushrooms—you want to end up with more than just a single viable specimen after all that work! Getting the most out of your mushroom spores requires some know-how. Keep these tips in mind to boost your yield.
- Spore quality: Use high-quality spores from trusted vendors. This ensures minimal contaminants and pure cultures, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest.
- Temperature and humidity: Tailor the cultivation environment to your mushroom spores’ needs. Maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity can go a long way in keeping your spores healthy and increasing your crop. For most mushrooms, a temperature of 75° Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 90% should do the trick.
- Substrate selection: A nutrient-rich substrate—such as grains, rice flour, or compost—can improve your crop by providing spores with the vitamins and nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
- Cloning: If you grow a particularly robust mushroom, you can clone it to produce more crops with the traits you prefer. There are several ways to do this, but one of the easiest is to remove a single piece of the mushroom tissue and place it on agar to grow a pure culture.
- Cleanliness: Maintaining clean materials and a clean workspace will significantly improve your chances of a healthy crop. Wash your hands often, wear gloves if possible, and be sure to sterilize your work environment and tools to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Strain selection: Some strains naturally produce higher yields than others under the same conditions. You may want to experiment with different strains to determine the most productive ones.
- Lighting: During the early stages of germination, it’s crucial to keep your mushroom spores in darkness. Once they’re ready to fruit, you can introduce indirect light.
- Ventilation: Too much carbon dioxide can hinder the growth of your mushroom spores. To prevent an overaccumulation of carbon dioxide, make sure your workspace is properly ventilated.
FAQ
What are mushroom spores?
Mushroom spores are comparable to seeds. They’re microscopic, dust-like particles that contain a mushroom’s genetic information. A single mushroom can contain millions of mushroom spores, depending on size and strain.
What makes a mushroom spore syringe kit high quality?
High-quality mushroom spore syringes should be filled with contaminant-free, dense mushroom spores. Additionally, these syringes should be made with laboratory-grade materials to ensure proper performance and ease of use. The best spore kits often include bonus items such as alcohol swabs, informative booklets, sterile needles, and mushroom spore prints.
How long does it take for mushrooms to grow?
Growth time can vary depending on strain, substrate type, and cultivation conditions. Generally, you should start noticing the growth of mycelium—a white, root-like structure—within a week or two of injecting mushroom spores into the substrate. About two weeks later, you should have fully grown mushrooms ready to be harvested.
Can I buy different types of mushroom spores together?
Absolutely! Many suppliers offer a choice between single syringes and combination packs that include multiple strains of mushroom spores. These variety packs are a great choice for those interested in studying different species and conducting comparative spore print and gill structure analysis.
What are magic mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, also known as Psilocybe cubensis, refer to the 100+ mushroom species (out of 14,000 known mushrooms) that contain psilocybin and its metabolite, psilocin. These two compounds produce hallucinogenic effects comparable to those of LSD, and both are classified as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act.
What’s the best substrate to use for growing mushrooms?
This depends on your chosen mushroom spores, as different strains have different nutritional requirements. The following are some of the best substrate options for growing: coconut fiber, vermiculate, brown rice flour, manure, sawdust, wood shavings, coffee grounds, sawdust, and soy hulls. Instead of using a single substrate, many growers prefer to mix two substrates in a 1:1 ratio for maximum nutritional benefit. For instance, a combination of equal parts of brown rice flour and vermiculate can grow various psychedelic fungi strains.
Are magic mushrooms legal?
Magic mushrooms contain psilocybin and/or psilocin. These compounds are Schedule I controlled substances, meaning they’re illegal on a federal level. State laws often vary, however, with some states allowing the sale of magic mushrooms for specified purposes and others banning them altogether. Before purchasing magic mushroom spores, it’s essential to check your local laws to ensure compliance. Click here for more info on the effects and legal status of psychedelic mushrooms.
Conclusion
With their distinctive features, spore print patterns, and origin stories, the mushroom spores featured above are a great way to begin or further your studies on the wonders of mycology. These sets are designed for convenience and ease of use and are ready to help you take your mushroom cultivation game to the next level. Jumpstart your mycological research today with these top-notch spores!
All psilocybin mushroom spores are intended for microscopy research only. Spores are not intended for consumption. This site does not promote the cultivation of any psilocybe genera mushroom. All information and images contained within this site are for educational reference only.
By entering this site you certify that you are 18 years of age or older and understand the above information. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the terms of use and conditions. Possession of these mushroom spores is illegal in CA, ID, and GA. Any orders attempted to these states will be denied.