Golden Teacher mushrooms are a popular and easy to grow variety of psilocybin mushroom. Like all mushrooms, temperature is an important factor in successfully cultivating healthy and abundant Golden Teacher mushrooms. In this article, we will discuss the ideal temperature ranges for growing Golden Teacher mushrooms during each stage of cultivation.
Overview of Golden Teacher
Golden Teacher is a strain of psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. The mushrooms have a golden-brown cap and stems that bruise bluish when handled. Golden Teacher is known for providing a strong psychedelic experience along with feelings of euphoria, insight, and mental clarity. The mushrooms grow in a variety of environments and are relatively easy cultivate at home.
Ideal Temperatures for Each Growth Stage
Temperature requirements vary for Golden Teacher mushrooms during the different stages of growth. The key growth phases are:
- Spore germination
- Mycelium colonization
- Pinning
- Fruiting
Let’s look at the optimal temperature ranges during each phase.
Spore Germination
Spore germination is the first step in mushroom cultivation. This is when mushroom spores start to develop into thread-like mycelium. Warm temperatures are needed to encourage spores to germinate.
The ideal temperature range for spore germination is 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Temperatures lower than 70°F (21°C) can significantly slow or prevent spore germination. Try to maintain temperatures in the optimal range for fast spore germination.
Mycelium Colonization
Once spores have germinated, the mycelium will start colonizing the substrate. This is an important stage where the mycelium grows and spreads through the growing medium before forming mushrooms.
The optimal temperature for mycelium colonization is between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C). These warm temperatures will speed up the rate at which the mycelium ramifies through the substrate.
Temperatures below 70°F (21°C) or above 90°F (32°C) will slow down colonization. Maintaining the ideal temperature range will help the mycelium colonize faster and more evenly.
Pinning
Pinning occurs when small mushroom pins or primordia start forming on the colonized substrate. Inducing pinning usually involves exposing the mycelium to cooler air and increasing airflow.
The ideal temperature for pinning is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Lower temperatures in this range often stimulate faster and more abundant pinset. Temperatures above 80°F (27°C) may inhibit or delay pinning.
Creating a temperature drop of 10°F (5°C) from colonization to pinning triggers the mycelium to start forming mushroom pins. Proper air exchange is also critical during this phase.
Fruiting
The fruiting or mushroom growth stage requires maintaining cool, humid conditions. During fruiting, the pins rapidly grow into fully developed mushrooms.
Ideal temperatures for fruiting Golden Teacher mushrooms are between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Temperatures lower than 60°F (16°C) can slow growth, while temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can create issues like stunting, premature veil opening, and dry mushrooms.
High humidity is also very important during the fruiting stage to prevent mushrooms from drying out. Shoot for humidity levels between 90-95%.
| Growth Stage | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Spore Germination | 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) |
| Colonization | 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) |
| Pinning | 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) |
| Fruiting | 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) |
This covers the ideal temperature ranges for each stage of Golden Teacher mushroom cultivation. Warm temperatures are needed for spore germination and colonization. Cooler temperatures induce pinning and support fruiting.
Maintaining Proper Temperatures
Consistently maintaining the right temperatures is critical to growing robust and bountiful flushes of Golden Teacher mushrooms. Here are some tips for regulating temperature:
- Use a seedling heat mat or reptile heating pad to warm your grow area during germination and colonization. These can heat small spaces 15-20°F above ambient room temperature.
- Position your grow space inside a room with a temperature you can control via a thermostat. Basements, closets and spare bedrooms often work well.
- Use a thermometer or temperature probe to monitor the grow space. Check temperatures daily and adjust heating/cooling devices as needed.
- For fruiting, you may need to move your grow tent/chamber to a cooler room or use a small AC unit to lower temperatures into the ideal range.
- Mini refrigerators or wine coolers that can be thermostatically controlled work great for fruiting. Just be sure to maintain high humidity.
Dialing in stable temperatures at each phase will help your Golden Teachers perform at their peak. Avoid large temperature swings and sustain the ideal range. With good temperature control, you can achieve fast colonization, abundant pins, and large, full flushes.
The Effect of Temperature
Why is maintaining the proper temperature range so important for each part of the Golden Teacher life cycle? Temperature impacts growth and development in the following key ways:
Spore Germination
- Warmth speeds up spore swelling and growth of initial hyphae.
- Cooler temperatures delay germination and increase risk of contamination.
- Each 10°F drop below 70°F cuts germination speed approximately in half.
Mycelium Colonization
- Warmth accelerates mycelium growth and spreading throughout the substrate.
- Lower temperatures slow mycelium colonization significantly.
- Higher temperatures can encourage contamination growth.
Pinning
- Cooler temperatures and evaporation from substrate surface triggers pinning.
- High temperatures inhibit or greatly delay initial pinset.
- Lower temperatures in the ideal range often produce denser pinsets.
Fruiting
- Moderate temperatures prevent excess evaporation and maintain mushroom hydration.
- High temperatures lead to stalled growth, dry caps, premature opening, and shorter stems.
- Low temperatures slow development and can create abnormally long stems.
Given how significantly temperature impacts each stage, it’s clear why dialing in and maintaining proper temperatures is so crucial when cultivating Golden Teacher mushrooms from start to finish.
Using a Grow Tent
One great way to manage your mushroom grow temperatures is by using a grow tent. Grow tents are enclosed chambers made from reflective material that help contain heat, humidity, and airflow.
With a grow tent, you can warm the interior during colonization using a space heater or heating mat. During fruiting, small AC units or evaporative coolers can lower tent temperatures into the ideal range.
Grow tents also help you control light exposure and isolate your mushroom grow from outside contaminants. The enclosed space allows you to easily achieve the dialed-in temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange needed for bountiful Golden Teacher harvests.
Choosing a Grow Tent
When selecting a grow tent for your Golden Teacher cultivation, keep the following in mind:
- Size – Choose a tent that can comfortably fit your grow containers and any equipment needed inside. A 2’x2′ or 2’x4′ tent is sufficient for small-scale grows.
- Material – Look for tents made from light-proof & reflective vinyl, canvas, or polyester. These help retain heat and humidity.
- Ventilation – Tents should have ports & screens that allow passive air exchange or connection to fans/ventilation ducting.
- Access – Search for models with large front accessibility via velcro, zippers, or flaps to easily access your mushrooms.
- Quality – Select a sturdy, well-constructed tent built to last through many grows.
With a properly equipped tent, you can conveniently achieve the perfect microclimate for every stage of your Golden Teacher grow.
Setting Up Your Grow Tent
Here are some tips for getting your grow tent ready for ideal mushroom cultivation:
- Select a space – Set up your tent in a room you can heat/cool as needed. Basements and closets work well.
- Control light – Eliminate all exterior light sources to maintain dark conditions inside the tent.
- Monitor temperature – Place thermometers inside the tent and check temps regularly.
- Regulate humidity – Use a cool mist humidifier or reptile fogger to keep interior RH around 90-95% for fruiting.
- Allow airflow – Use quiet fans inside the tent or vent ducting to refresh air and avoid CO2 buildup.
- Sanitize – Disinfect the tent interior prior to use to prevent contamination.
With some simple setup steps, a grow tent can become your ideal mushroom cultivation chamber. The enclosed space allows precise control over environmental conditions for healthy mycelium and abundant flushes.
Heating Options
During the spore germination and mycelium colonization phases, supplemental heating is often needed to bring temperatures up into the ideal range of 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
Here are some good options for gently warming your Golden Teacher grow area:
- Reptile heating mat – Flexible under-tank heating mats for terrariums work great. These provide consistent heat between 80°F-90°F when controlled by a thermostat.
- Seedling heat mat – Germination heat mats can warm the area 10°-20°F above room temp. Place under or alongside grow containers.
- Aquarium heater – Submersible water heaters can be placed in a tub of water inside a grow tent to radiate gentle warmth.
- Space heater – A small, adjustable space heater can heat a grow tent or room to your target temperature.
- Incandescent bulb – A standard incandescent light bulb in a desk lamp can provide radiant heat inside a small grow area.
Using reliable heating devices and a thermostat controller prevents overheating and keeps your mushrooms within the perfect temperature range for healthy colonization.
Cooling Options
Later in growth, Golden Teacher mushrooms thrive in cooler temperatures between 65°F-75°F (18°C-24°C) for pinning and fruiting. There are several effective options for gently reducing temperatures to reach this ideal range:
- Air conditioner – A small portable AC unit blowing cooled air into your tent is one of the most effective methods.
- Evaporative cooler – Coolers lower temperatures through water evaporation and work well in dry climates.
- Chillers – Thermoelectric devices can be used to pump cooled fluid through tubing inside a grow tent.
- Refrigerators or wine coolers – Convert a mini fridge or beverage cooler into a temperature controlled mushroom fruiting chamber.
When using cooling devices, go slowly and monitor temperatures closely. Drastic temperature drops can shock mycelium and cause pinning problems. Lower temperatures gradually into the ideal fruiting range.
Maintaining Humidity
In addition to temperature, high humidity levels are also vital during the pinning and fruiting stages for Golden Teacher. Proper humidity prevents mushroom caps from drying out and shriveling up.
Use the following techniques to keep relative humidity around 90-95% inside your grow space:
- Use a cool mist humidifier or ultrasonic fogger to raise humidity
- Place containers of water inside the grow area
- Line interior space with damp perlite, vermiculite, or moss
- Cover openings with plastic sheeting to contain moisture
- Crack lids or fan 1-2 times per day to refresh stale air
A hygrometer is also critical for monitoring moisture levels. Keeping high humidity stable along with ideal fruiting temps will give you large, full mushroom flushes.
Common Temperature Problems
Here are some frequent issues that can occur when temperatures fall outside the ideal ranges at different growth stages:
Spore Germination
- Cool temperatures lead to very slow or prevented spore germination.
- Temperature fluctuations create variability in germination times.
- Low temperatures increase risk of contamination during extended germination.
Colonization
- Cool temperatures slow down mycelium growth through substrate.
- Too warm can accelerate evaporation and dry out substrate.
- Extreme temperatures allow contaminants to outpace mushroom mycelium.
Pinning
- High temperatures prevent or delay pinning.
- Low temperatures can cause sparse, irregular pins.
- Sudden temperature swings can shock mycelium and inhibit primordia formation.
Fruiting
- High temperatures lead to premature veil opening, dry caps, stunted growth.
- Low temperatures slow development and create excessively elongated stems.
- Too warm accelerates evaporation and inhibits mushroom hydration.
Watch closely for these and any other signs of suboptimal temperatures. Taking prompt action to adjust your grow space back into the ideal ranges will give you the best results.
Conclusion
Proper temperature control is one of the most important factors for successful cultivation of Golden Teacher mushrooms. Each growth stage has an optimal temperature range that encourages healthy development.
Warm conditions between 75-85°F (24-29°C) are needed for rapid spore germination and vigorous mycelium colonization. Cooler temperatures from 65-75°F (18-24°C) induce pinning and support peak fruiting performance.
Careful monitoring with a thermometer and making adjustments as needed ensures you maintain the ideal temperature ranges throughout each phase of growth. Pair this temperature control with high humidity, and you’ll be rewarded with abundant flushes of large, potent Golden Teacher mushrooms.