Fungi do not reproduce using seeds like plants do, but rather through microscopic cells called spores, which are released by mature mushrooms. Spores contain the genetic material needed to start a new fungal organism. Cultivation requires obtaining this starter material, which comes in several forms depending on the grower’s experience and goals. The process of acquiring and using these materials varies significantly, from specialized laboratory genetics to ready-to-use home kits.
Understanding the Starting Material: Spores, Spawn, and Culture
Mushroom cultivation materials are available in three primary forms, each representing a different stage of fungal development. Spores are the most basic unit, analogous to plant pollen or seeds, and must first germinate to begin the growth process. Spores are typically used by advanced cultivators or those interested in genetic experimentation because they introduce high genetic diversity and varied traits.
The vegetative stage of the fungus is called mycelium, a network of white, thread-like filaments that acts as the “root system.” When this living mycelium is grown on a nutrient-rich base like sterilized grain or sawdust, it is called spawn. Spawn is essentially the ready-to-grow starting material, used to inoculate a larger substrate and is the preferred choice for most home growers seeking reliable results.
Liquid culture (LC) is a suspension of this live mycelium in a sterile, sugary nutrient broth, often contained within a syringe. Because the mycelium is already actively growing, using liquid culture bypasses the slow spore germination phase, making colonization of the substrate much faster and more predictable than using spores. Liquid culture is a more advanced starting point that offers a head start on growth but typically requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life compared to dormant spores.
Sourcing Spores and Liquid Cultures
Spores and liquid cultures are generally sourced from specialized suppliers, not from general retailers. Spores are most commonly sold in two formats: spore syringes, which contain millions of spores suspended in sterile water, and spore prints, which are a collection of spores deposited onto foil or paper. These formats are primarily intended for microscopy and taxonomic study, which is often stated explicitly by vendors.
Specialized mycology laboratories and online microscopy suppliers are the main venues for purchasing these items. These suppliers focus on maintaining sterile conditions to minimize contamination, which is a significant factor when dealing with microscopic materials. Liquid cultures, also sold in syringes, are favored by experienced cultivators for faster colonization and consistent genetic strains. When purchasing, confirm the supplier’s sterile preparation methods to ensure the viability of the cultures.
Sourcing Ready-to-Grow Kits and Substrate
The easiest and most common way for a beginner to start growing mushrooms is by purchasing a ready-to-grow kit or pre-colonized spawn. Ready-to-grow kits are complete packages that typically include a block of substrate—such as sterilized sawdust or straw—that has already been fully colonized with mycelium. These kits only require minimal effort, such as cutting a hole in the bag and misting with water, to initiate the fruiting stage.
These pre-packaged options are available from a variety of sources. Dedicated online mushroom kit companies and mycology supply retailers specialize in a wide selection of gourmet and medicinal varieties. For more immediate access, some local garden centers, farm supply stores, and large online retailers also stock basic varieties like oyster or shiitake mushroom kits.
Cultivators who prefer to assemble their own growing medium can purchase bulk substrate materials like sterilized grains, straw pellets, or wood chips separately. These components are often sold by the same dedicated online suppliers that offer kits, ensuring professional standards. Purchasing high-quality, pre-sterilized supplies is a sound investment, as contaminated materials can quickly lead to cultivation failure.
Legal Considerations and Safe Sourcing Practices
When purchasing mushroom cultivation materials, understanding the legal distinction between spores and mycelium is important. In many jurisdictions, spores of certain psychoactive mushroom species are legal to possess and sell because the spores themselves do not contain the controlled substances psilocybin or psilocin. However, the moment these spores germinate and begin to form mycelium or fruiting bodies, the material becomes illegal because the psychoactive compounds are produced in the living fungus.
Cultivators must check their specific state and local laws, as a few jurisdictions have banned the sale and possession of spores regardless of the absence of psychoactive compounds. For safe sourcing, it is advisable to choose suppliers with a long-standing reputation for sterile practices, which is particularly important for liquid cultures and spawn. Look for vendors that explicitly label their products for microscopy, research, or gourmet cultivation and review customer feedback to ensure the supplier consistently provides contamination-free materials.