So, you’ve performed your research, and you realize you’ve got a lot more mushroom spores left over than you thought.
Many mushroom spore enthusiasts find themselves in this position and at a loss of what to do with the excess.
Do you throw your syringe away?
Definitely not!
Instead, you can store your mushroom spores and use them again in the future. Not only will you save loads of money, but you can also start putting together your own strain library.
While this process may sound appealing, you can’t just toss a psilocybe spore syringe into your cupboard and leave it there.
You’ve got to preserve the mushroom spores correctly if you want to guarantee viability in your research in the months to follow.
Join us as we investigate how to store psilocybin spores effectively and how long you can expect them to last.
Without further ado, let’s venture down this rabbit hole.
How Long Do Spore Syringes Last?
The first thing to understand is how long mushroom spores can last in a syringe.
A few factors determine the expiration date, like the temperature and quality of the container. For the most part, spores in a laboratory-grade syringe left out at room temperature could last up to 30 days.
A recent discovery shows a single mycelium spore staying dormant for over 250 years, so anything is possible. The shelf life of unused spores could be extended significantly by storing them in a cold, dark place.
When preserved in a fridge, syringes filled with mushroom spores can last between four and twelve months. This time could be extended by preventing light exposure and maintaining a constant temperature.
How to Store Mushroom Spores
Researchers and enthusiasts may apply a unique twist to spore storage, but the process remains straightforward with basic steps:
- After research, the syringe should be sterilized with an alcohol wipe.
- The protective cap should be secured to prevent the solution from leaking.
- The syringe should then be placed in a sterilized sealable plastic bag, with most air removed upon sealing.
- The mushroom spore syringe should be stored in a fridge, where it won’t be disturbed.
- When the time comes to use them again, just remove the syringe and proceed as normal.
Labeled syringes and bags are a handy tip to prevent mixing up samples, especially for microscopy research.
Why Freezing Spores is a Bad Idea
There’s a common misconception among amateur mycologists suggesting that storing a spore syringe in a freezer is ok.
Mycelium seeds don’t die when exposed to extreme temperatures. Instead, they go into a dormant phase.
That said, freezing a spore syringe is a bad idea as ice crystals form, disrupting the structure of the spores.
While some strains of fungi can survive this method, it’s not advisable.
When Do Spores Lose the Ability to Germinate?
Mycelium spores begin germinating when they’re exposed to water and oxygen, much like a plant seed.
It begins with a single mushroom releasing over a billion spores from its gills. These seeds then travel, usually via wind, until they land in a moist area.
Temperature plays a vital part in the germination of spores. Anything too hot or too cold prevents this growing process from triggering.
Once the spore senses that the conditions and moisture levels are favorable, a network of individual threads, known as hyphae, spreads out.
As a collective, these growing tentacles are known as a gametophyte. It’s during this stage that the mycelium begins producing its reproductive cells and spreads.
The time it takes spores to germinate depends on the strain and can range anywhere from 5 minutes to 19 days.
This initial growing process occurs without the need for any external equipment. Everything the spores need to survive and germinate is located within them.
Resources and More for Amateur Microscopy and Mushroom Spores
For many years, the teachings of magic mushrooms and their benefits have been covered up.
Through the perseverance of the mycelium community, these incredible strains are finding their way back into our lives.
To avoid any confusion and advance your understanding of mushrooms, we invite you to check out our blogs. We provide expert information and advice that remains up-to-date with mushroom-related legislation in the US.
Discover guides on microscopy advances and other interesting shroom-related content. Head over to our Fungushead store for a range of quality spore syringes and begin your mycology journey today!