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What counts as mushroom genetics?
In mycology, genetics is shorthand for the material a strain is carried in before there is anything you would recognise as a mushroom. A spore is the dormant stage. Every spore is genetically slightly different from the next, which is exactly why spores are the material of choice for comparing strains and studying spore morphology under the microscope. A liquid culture works the other way round: it holds living mycelium taken from one selected line, so the sample is uniform rather than varied. Sterilised substrate carries no genetics of its own, but it belongs to the same lab side of the range and is handled in the same way: sterile, sealed and kept cool.
Spores, liquid culture or substrate: how to choose
| Product group | What it holds | Storage | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spores (syringe, vial, swab) | Dormant Psilocybe cubensis spores | Syringes and vials sealed in the fridge; swabs unopened | 9 classic lines, 13 hybrids |
| Liquid culture syringe | Living mycelium of one line, 20 ml | Fridge at 2–8 °C, up to 2–3 months | 20 magic mushroom, 7 magic truffle, oyster mushroom |
| Sterilised substrate | Sterile nutrient base, no genetics | Closed in the fridge, use within two weeks | Large 1200 cc, Extra Large 2100 cc |
As a rule of thumb: choose spores when genetic variety is the point, for microscopy, taxonomy or building a reference collection of strains. Choose a liquid culture when you want one defined line rather than variation. Sterilised substrate is listed here because it is handled like the lab products: sterile, sealed and kept cool.
The ranges in this section
- Spores: syringes and vials in nine classic cubensis lines, plus the 13 Magic Hybrid lines as spore swabs.
- Magic mushroom liquid cultures: 20 cultures, 19 Psilocybe cubensis lines and one Psilocybe azurescens.
- Magic truffle liquid cultures: seven truffle-forming lines, among them Atlantis, Utopia and Hollandia.
- Gourmet and functional liquid cultures: oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus).
- Sterilised substrate: Large 1200 cc and Extra Large 2100 cc.
Handling and legal status
Everything in this section is prepared under sterile lab conditions and sealed for transport. Spore syringes and vials go in the fridge, sealed; swabs stay unopened. Liquid cultures are alive and substrate is perishable, so both go into the fridge the day they arrive. Spores contain no psilocybin. Spores and cultures are sold for microscopy, taxonomy, educational and research purposes only, and the rules differ per country, so check your local laws before you order. Orders leave on working days within 24 hours in discreet packaging.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between spores and a liquid culture?
Spores are the dormant stage of a mushroom and each spore is genetically slightly different, so a spore sample shows the natural variation within a strain. A liquid culture holds living mycelium from one selected line, so it is uniform. For microscopy and spore morphology, spores are the right material.
Do magic mushroom spores contain psilocybin?
No. Psilocybe cubensis spores contain no psilocybin. They are sold for microscopy, taxonomy, educational and research purposes, but the legal position on spores still differs per country, so check your local laws first.
How long does a liquid culture syringe keep?
A liquid culture syringe keeps for up to 2–3 months when stored in the refrigerator at 2–8 °C. It contains living mycelium, so fresher is better.
Which spore format should I pick: syringe, vial or swab?
A syringe is the ready-to-draw option, a sealed vial is made for longer storage and a swab is a compact sample taken straight from a spore print. Syringes and vials cover the same nine classic lines; the 13 hybrids are only available as swabs.
Why is sterilised substrate listed under Genetics?
Sterilised substrate has no genetics of its own, but it is a lab-side product like spores and cultures: prepared sterile, sealed and perishable. It comes in Large 1200 cc and Extra Large 2100 cc and should be kept closed in the fridge and used within two weeks.
