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This guide explains the complete process for obtaining sclerotia (truffles) from the 280 ml Psilocybe tampanensis cultivation kit. The substrate is already inoculated with active mycelium — no additional inoculation is necessary. You only need to provide the appropriate conditions of temperature, darkness, and ventilation.
Necessary Conditions
Temperature
Keep the kit between 68 and 75 °F throughout the process. This is the optimal range for mycelium development and sclerotia formation. Lower temperatures slow growth without harming the mycelium. Temperatures above 77-79 °F may promote contamination or damage the crop. Do not place the jar on direct heat sources such as radiators or hot countertops.
Light
Place the kit in a completely dark location or with minimal ambient light. The mycelium of Psilocybe tampanensis does not require light to develop, and darkness promotes sclerotia formation.
Ventilation
The jar lids are designed to allow the necessary gas exchange for mycelium respiration. Do not cover the lid with paper, plastic, or any other material — doing so may create moisture buildup and promote contamination.
Growing Process
Weeks 1-4 — mycelium development
During the first weeks, the mycelium consolidates its presence in the substrate. You will not see visible activity from the outside during this phase. Keep the jar in its dark location and at a stable temperature. It is neither necessary nor convenient to open the jar during this phase.
Weeks 4-12 — sclerotia formation
Starting around the fourth week, sclerotia begin to form inside the substrate. They appear as compact nodules of brownish-yellow color. The process is gradual — the longer the kit remains under appropriate conditions, the greater the number of sclerotia formed.
Weeks 12-20 — harvesting
Sclerotia can be harvested from 12 weeks after receiving the kit. The optimal harvest time is usually between 12 and 20 weeks — the longer the development, the greater the harvest. You do not need to wait until week 20 if the sclerotia have reached an adequate size.
How to Harvest Sclerotia
- Open the jar and remove all the substrate contents at once.
- Carefully separate the sclerotia from the substrate.
- Gently rinse them with cold water and a small soft-bristled brush to remove substrate residues.
- Dry them with a clean cloth and allow any excess surface moisture to evaporate before storing.
- Once the jar is opened, collect all the sclerotia at once — do not close the jar again for a second harvest, as the risk of contamination significantly increases after opening.
Storing Harvested Sclerotia
Fresh sclerotia can be stored in the refrigerator between 36 and 39 °F for about two weeks without significant quality loss. Store them in an airtight container or in absorbent paper inside a closed bag to control humidity. The sooner they are used after harvest, the better their characteristics will be preserved.
For longer storage, sclerotia can be dehydrated — either with a dehydrator at low temperatures or with silica gel — extending their shelf life to several months.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The kit shows no activity after several weeks
Check that the temperature is stable between 68 and 75 °F. Temperatures below 65 °F can completely halt development. The mycelium may be active without being visually apparent from the outside of the jar — internal activity is not always visible in the first weeks.
Green, black, or colored spots appear on the substrate
Green, black, or pink spots are signs of contamination from competing fungi — primarily Trichoderma (green) or bacteria (black/pink). If the contamination is localized and the white mycelium remains predominant, the cultivation can continue. If contamination covers more than a third of the substrate, it is advisable to discard the kit.
The mycelium is blue in some areas
The blueing of Psilocybe tampanensis mycelium is a normal oxidation reaction — it indicates that the mycelium has been pressed or mechanically damaged. It is not a sign of contamination or a problem in the crop.
The sclerotia are very small
The size of sclerotia primarily depends on development time and the stability of conditions. If the sclerotia are small, leave the kit for more weeks before harvesting — growth continues to accumulate over time within the indicated ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do a second harvest with the same kit?
It is not recommended. Once the jar is opened for harvesting, the risk of contamination significantly increases. The usual practice is to harvest everything at once and not to reuse the substrate.
How much do the sclerotia weigh in a typical harvest?
Yield varies according to growing conditions and development time. A 280 ml kit under optimal conditions and with the right maturation time can produce between 0.5 and 1.4 oz of fresh sclerotia, although results can vary significantly.
Is blueing normal when handling sclerotia?
Yes. Blueing when pressing or cutting the sclerotia is a normal chemical reaction in Psilocybe species — it is the oxidation of psilocin upon contact with air oxygen. It does not indicate product deterioration.