Growing mushrooms from a spore print is like taking a small piece of nature and bringing it to life right in your own home.

When I first tried this method, I wasn’t sure what to expect—it seemed more complicated than other ways I’d grown mushrooms before, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences.

If you’re curious about how to turn those tiny spores into full-grown mushrooms, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.

Why Grow Mushrooms from a Spore Print?

For me, the biggest draw to growing mushrooms from a spore print was the ability to create an entire colony from scratch.

A spore print is essentially the genetic blueprint of the mushroom, and starting from this point gives you more control over the entire growing process. Plus, it’s a fascinating, almost magical experience watching the transformation from spore to mushroom.

Another bonus? You can collect spore prints from wild mushrooms or even store-bought ones, making this method budget-friendly and sustainable.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before diving into the process, here’s a quick list of what you’ll need. I found that having everything ready before I started helped avoid any last-minute rushes:

• Spore print (collected from a mushroom cap)
• Sterile water (for creating a spore solution)
• Syringe (for inoculating the substrate with the spores)
• Growing substrate (such as sterilized grain or sawdust)
• Mason jars or grow bags (to hold the substrate)
• Pressure cooker (for sterilizing the substrate)
• Sterile gloves and a face mask (to avoid contamination)

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Mushrooms from a Spore Print

Step 1: Collecting the Spore Print

If you don’t already have a spore print, this is where the process begins.

To collect a spore print, take a mature mushroom cap (I used a shiitake, but many varieties work) and place it gill-side down on a clean piece of paper or glass.

Cover the mushroom with a glass or jar to prevent contamination, and let it sit for 24 hours.

When you remove the mushroom cap, you’ll see a fine pattern of spores left behind.

This is your spore print, and it’s the starting point for growing new mushrooms.

You can store it in a sterile envelope if you’re not using it right away.

Step 2: Creating a Spore Solution

Once you have your spore print, it’s time to create a spore solution. This is how you’ll introduce the spores into the growing medium.

Using sterile water, carefully scrape some of the spores from the print into a small container of water.
I used a sterilized syringe to mix the spores evenly in the water.

Make sure you’re working in a clean environment, and wear sterile gloves during this step—contamination is one of the biggest challenges when growing mushrooms from a spore print.

Step 3: Preparing the Substrate

Next, you’ll need to prepare the substrate where your mushrooms will grow.

I’ve found that sterilized grain or sawdust works really well, especially for beginner-friendly mushrooms like oyster or shiitake.

You’ll want to sterilize the substrate using a pressure cooker to eliminate any bacteria or mold.

After sterilizing the substrate, let it cool before moving on to the next step.

When I first started, I rushed this part and ended up with a mess because the substrate was still too hot.

Patience is key here!

Step 4: Inoculating the Substrate

Now comes the exciting part—introducing your spores into the substrate.

Using the sterilized syringe filled with your spore solution, inject small amounts into the substrate at several points.

I made about four or five injections per jar to ensure even colonization.

After injecting the spore solution, seal the jars or bags and place them in a warm, dark place.

The ideal temperature for colonization is between 21°C and 27°C (70°F to 80°F).

The mycelium will start to spread through the substrate, which usually takes about two to three weeks.

Step 5: Monitoring the Mycelium Growth

During this stage, you’ll start to see white mycelium spreading through the substrate.

It looks like a fine, web-like structure. For me, this part is always exciting—it’s the first sign that things are working!

Make sure to check on the jars or bags daily, but don’t open them.

If you notice any odd colors or smells, it could be a sign of contamination. The mycelium should be pure white, so anything green or black could mean trouble.

If so you need to get rid of the contamination at once. And start over again, with everything sterile.

Step 6: Fruiting Stage

Once the substrate is fully colonized with mycelium, it’s time to move to the fruiting stage, where the mushrooms will actually grow.

Transfer the colonized substrate to a fruiting chamber—a simple setup with high humidity and indirect light works well.

I kept mine in a large plastic container with holes for airflow, misting it daily to maintain moisture.

After about a week, you’ll start to see small mushroom pins forming. These will quickly develop into full-sized mushrooms, ready for harvest in another week or two.

Step 7: Harvesting the Mushrooms

When the mushrooms are mature and the caps start to flatten, it’s time to harvest.

I like to twist them gently at the base to avoid damaging the rest of the setup.

Fresh mushrooms straight from your grow setup are unbeatable in terms of flavor and texture.

Don’t forget, you can often get multiple flushes from the same substrate if you keep it moist and well-maintained after the first harvest.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Growing mushrooms from a spore print can be tricky, especially if you’re new to it.

The most common challenge I faced was contamination.

To avoid this, make sure everything is sterilized—from your tools to your hands—and work in a clean environment.

Another issue is managing the temperature and humidity levels.

Mushrooms need just the right balance of warmth and moisture to thrive.

A small humidity tent or regular misting can go a long way in ensuring success.

My Final Thoughts

Growing mushrooms from a spore print is an incredibly rewarding way to cultivate your own mushrooms.

While it might seem more involved than using a grow kit or spawn, the level of control and the sense of accomplishment are totally worth it.

Watching the transformation from tiny spores to full-grown mushrooms is like witnessing nature’s magic unfold right in your home.

If you’ve ever wanted to take your mushroom-growing skills to the next level, I highly recommend trying this method.

It might take a little extra time and care, but once you see those first mushrooms fruit, you’ll know it was all worth it.

Have you ever tried growing mushrooms from a spore print?

If not, give it a go—it’s a project you won’t regret!