If all goes well, you can have your very own crop of little trippy fungi. But first, you need patience and alertness. When you grow Amanita muscaria yourself, you are expected to select an ideal substrate and environment, properly sterilize the crop, maintain mushroom-friendly humidity, and more. However, your diligence will be rewarded with a successful harvest.
Though challenging, caring for Amanita muscaria can be an enlightening and fulfilling endeavor. Read on to arm yourself with the knowledge and reinforce your passion for mycology. You’ll learn to nurture fungi from spores to obtain crispy goodies that can give you an unforgettable journey.
Amanita muscaria: Where does it grow in the wild?
For a new mind-expanding experience, fly agaric is a fascinating fungus to try. Unlike its psilocybin-containing cousins, it produces muscimol that induces a trippy trance-like state.
If you hope to hunt A. muscaria in its natural habitat, head to boreal forests. Look for them in North America, Europe, Asia, and other areas with acidic, sandy soil and plenty of decaying pine needles.
The season of these iconic red-and-white mushrooms lasts from late summer through fall as they fruit under:
- Pines
- Spruces
- Firs
- Hemlock trees
Reindeer and other hoofed animals are major fans of A. muscaria and help spread its spores far and wide. So much so that some scientists believe Siberian shamans once used the mushrooms to induce a trance and ‘fly with the reindeer.’ If you spot reindeer scat in the forest, fly agaric is likely nearby.
If you are a hunter at heart and want to do everything naturally, prepare for an epic fungal hunt in the boreal region in your area. With some persistence, you can be ‘frolicking’ during the upcoming fruiting season.
Can you grow Amanita muscaria in your backyard?
If there are no coniferous forests in your state, you may want to grow fly agaric in the garden. To this end, you will need to procure some supplies to give your fungi friends a habitation worthy of their psychedelic status.
First, you must know there are several varieties of A. muscaria, from yellow-orange to bright red caps. For cultivation, opt for a species that grows in your climate and has high muscimol content.
Second, order spores from specialty retailers. However, ensure that the retailer tests them to verify the species and potency. Some offer ‘muscimol-enriched’ spores for more intense trips.
Once you have mushroom spores, you can begin the first growth stage. Pay attention to:
- Soil. So, where do they grow Amanita muscaria? It’s logical to choose the ‘forest floor,’ a mixture of humus, leaf litter, and wood chips to make your mushrooms feel at home. Make sure the soil is pH-neutral or slightly acidic.
- Container. Use a wide container with drainage holes, like a wooden planter box or a plastic storage bin. Fill the bottom third with gravel or perlite for drainage before adding your soil medium.
- Location. Keep your eyes on a shady spot outdoors with dappled sunlight for your mushroom patch, preferably near trees or shrubs. It must be moderately moist there. If you’re growing Amanita muscaria indoors, place the box in a room with ambient lighting away from direct sun exposure.
- Spawn. To inoculate your medium, procure some A. muscaria spawn (also known as mycelium) that is acclimated to your conditions. Sprinkle the spawn over the top of your soil and cover it with a thin layer of additional soil or hardwood chips.
- Moisture and humidity. Mist your mushroom patch with a spray bottle and cover it with a humidity tent to keep growth conditions damp as mycelium colonizes the medium. Check moisture levels regularly and ensure your soil is always slightly wet.
Now comes the most challenging part of growing Amanita muscaria – waiting for your psychedelic fungi to fruit. They can take 18 months or more to produce their signature red caps. You should never disturb the patch during the growth period.
Because your mushrooms may be prone to mold, bacteria, and insects, inspect them regularly for spots, webs, or crawling critters. Remove contaminated fly agaric immediately.
Your growing area must have good airflow and humidity below 85%. You can also spray your mushrooms with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. Keep the area clean, and any pests will stay far away from your fungal friends.
Cropping your home-grown fly agaric
When you grow Amanita muscaria and wait a long time for the harvest, the most exciting moment comes sooner or later. While picking, look for caps that have fully opened and flattened out. At this point, the gills under the caps have turned from white to pale yellow. Gently twist or cut the caps from the stem, taking care not to damage mycelium in the soil, which will produce future flushes. Collect the caps, stems, and all stray spores to leave no waste.
Once harvested, dehydrate your Amanita shrooms. Air drying works well and helps preserve potency. Make sure your fungi are cracker-dry because they can get moldy.
Stash the prepared mushrooms in a closed-system container, such as a Mason jar with a two-piece lid. Include a desiccant pack to absorb excess moisture. Kept in a cool location with no sunlight, dried Amanita muscaria mushrooms can last 6-12 months. Don’t forget to label and date your jar so you know when to replace them.
Consuming your trippy delights
Some fans like to turn fly agaric into a tincture for microdosing. If that’s your goal, grind up your dried caps and stems and soak them in high-proof alcohol for at least a month. Strain and bottle – one dropperful equals one microdose.
Other trip enthusiasts prefer to experience full psychedelic effects without the hassle of growing and preparing the fungi for consumption. If this is your case, all eyes are on Venera Amanita muscaria gummies. They provide a unique spectrum of effects, from euphoria to sensory enhancement.
When all is said on how to grow Amanita muscaria, remember that consuming these mushrooms can cause nausea and confusion in high doses. But with responsible use, fly agaric can provide a magical trip into your garden wonderland.
