If you’ve ever wondered how long magic mushrooms take to grow, you’re not alone.

Growing magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms, can be a fascinating and rewarding process, but it does require some patience.

The exact growth time can vary depending on the strain, the growing conditions, and the substrate you use.

However, I’ll walk you through the typical timeline and share some tips for getting the best results.

How Long Do Magic Mushrooms Take to Grow?

“On average, magic mushrooms take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to grow from start to harvest.
This timeline includes the initial colonization of the substrate, the development of mycelium, and finally the fruiting phase, where the mushrooms grow and mature.”

Here’s a breakdown of each stage:

  1. Spore Inoculation and Colonization:
    After inoculating your substrate with psychedelic mushroom spores, the first step is colonization, where the mycelium (the root-like network of the fungus) begins to grow and spread. This stage typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the strain and the temperature conditions. Warmer environments within the range of 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) tend to speed up colonization.
  2. Fruiting Stage:
    Once the substrate is fully colonized, the next step is the fruiting stage, where you’ll see mushroom “pins” starting to form. This phase is often the quickest, usually taking about 1-2 weeks for the mushrooms to fully mature and be ready for harvest. During this stage, maintaining high humidity (around 85-95%) is crucial for healthy growth.

So, from spore inoculation to harvest, the total time for growing magic mushrooms can range from 4 to 6 weeks, with faster-growing strains sometimes finishing on the earlier side of that range.

Pro tip: Did you know that you can also use a Magic Mushroom Grow kit, to speed up the growth, and make growing of magic mushrooms easier.

How Long Do Psychedelic Mushrooms Take to Grow?

“If you’re asking how long do psychedelic mushrooms take to grow, the answer is essentially the same as for magic mushrooms, as these terms are often used interchangeably to describe species like Psilocybe cubensis. These mushrooms follow a similar growth cycle, with colonization taking 2-4 weeks and fruiting happening over 1-2 weeks.“

Some faster-growing strains of psychedelic mushrooms might fruit quicker, while others may take a bit longer depending on the environmental conditions and strain.

Patience is key, but keeping an optimal environment can shorten the timeline slightly.

Tips for Faster Growth

If you’re looking to speed up the process, here are a few tips I found helpful:

  • Maintain optimal conditions: Keep the temperature between 21°C to 27°C and ensure your growing space stays humid.
  • Choose fast-growing strains: Some strains of psychedelic mushrooms grow quicker than others. Psilocybe cubensis is one of the most popular strains for beginners because it grows relatively fast and is more forgiving of minor mistakes.
  • Use fresh spawn: Using high-quality, fresh spore syringes can help speed up colonization times.
  • Use one of our Mushroom Grow kits.

Final Thoughts

“To answer the question, how long do magic mushrooms take to grow—expect a timeline of about 4 to 6 weeks. Whether you’re growing magic mushrooms or referring to psychedelic mushrooms, the process is the same. With the right conditions and a bit of patience, you’ll have your first flush of mushrooms in just over a month.”