Last updated: February 2025
In the Netherlands and many more countries, selling magic mushrooms is prohibited. However, owning grow kits and growing mushrooms yourself is legal. That makes a ready-to-use psilocybin mushroom grow kit an attractive option. At Avalon Magic Plants we sell a variety of them, from beginner-friendly strains to advanced kits for experienced growers. In theory, all you need to do is keep them humid. After a few weeks, you can enjoy your own home-grown shrooms.
What is a mushroom grow kit?
A mushroom grow kit contains a substrate fully colonised with mycelium of a specific Psilocybe cubensis strain. This mycelium is the underground network from which the mushrooms fruit. Modern kits, like those from FreshMushrooms and Mondo, use 100% mycelium substrate, which means the growing process is almost entirely hands-off. Every kit comes with a manual, and we strongly recommend reading it before you start. You'll find information about setup, temperature, humidity and harvesting.
Is it your first time growing mushrooms? Then it's a good idea to start with a forgiving strain such as the Ecuador Mushroom Grow Kit or the B+ Mushroom Grow Kit. With these kits, you set them up, add water and place the box in the grow bag. This bag keeps the air humidity in perfect balance. Three steps and you're ready to grow your own mushrooms. The first pins usually appear within one to two weeks.
Which mushroom grow kit should you choose?
Your choice depends on your experience level and the kind of trip you're after. For beginners, the Mexican, Thai and Ecuador strains are ideal: they grow reliably and produce mild to moderate effects. The B+ is one of the most popular strains worldwide thanks to its balanced effects and generous yields.
More experienced? The Golden Teacher Grow Kit is known for its wise, introspective trips with warm visual effects. For truly intense experiences, the McKennaii is the strongest strain in the range and is only recommended for experienced users.
Grow kits are available in three sizes: Mini (250cc), Medium (1200cc) and XL (2100cc). A Medium kit typically yields between 400 and 600 grams of fresh mushrooms across multiple harvests, while an XL kit can produce up to 800 grams or more.
How psilocybin works
The active compound in magic mushrooms is psilocybin, a naturally occurring tryptamine. After ingestion, your body converts psilocybin into psilocin, the substance actually responsible for the psychedelic effects. Psilocin closely resembles serotonin in its chemical structure and binds to serotonin 2A receptors in the brain. This triggers changes in perception, mood and thought patterns.
The concentration of psilocybin varies between strains. Milder strains like Mexican contain lower concentrations, while McKennaii and Golden Teacher produce significantly higher levels. Dried mushrooms are roughly ten times more potent by weight than fresh ones, because drying removes the water but retains the active compounds.
Psilocybin research: growing scientific interest
Scientific interest in psilocybin has increased significantly in recent years. As of 2024, over 130 clinical trials involving psilocybin were registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, covering conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to addiction and PTSD. Multiple Phase II studies have shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy can produce rapid and sustained reductions in depressive symptoms, with effects lasting up to twelve months after just one or two sessions.
In 2025, Compass Pathways announced positive results from the first Phase III trial ever conducted with synthetic psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, marking a significant milestone toward potential regulatory approval. Australia became the first country to allow authorised psychiatrists to prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, effective since July 2023. In the United States, the FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation to psilocybin, which expedites the review process. Research suggests that over five million Americans could be eligible for psilocybin-assisted therapy if approved.
These developments don't mean psilocybin is a casual remedy. Clinical use takes place under strict medical supervision with professional psychological support. But the growing body of evidence does underline that the compounds in magic mushrooms deserve serious scientific attention.
What are the advantages of a grow kit?
Growing magic mushrooms at home has several practical advantages. First, it is legal to grow your own magic mushrooms in the Netherlands using a grow kit. You also know exactly what strain you're growing and that the mycelium is free from contamination, unlike foraging in the wild where misidentification is a real risk.
Another benefit is variety. You can choose between more than ten different strains, each with its own strength and character. Most modern grow kits produce multiple harvests from a single box: after each flush, you soak the substrate in cold water (a "cold shock") and start the process again. A well-maintained kit can deliver four to five flushes.
Tips for a successful harvest
Temperature is crucial. Keep your kit between 20°C and 25°C, with 23°C being the sweet spot. Avoid direct sunlight but ensure the kit receives some indirect light. Ventilate the grow bag briefly each day to provide fresh air and prevent excessive CO2 buildup.
Hygiene matters enormously. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling the kit, and consider wearing sterile gloves. A single bacterium can contaminate the entire substrate. Set up your kit immediately upon arrival for the best results. If you must store it, place the unopened kit in the refrigerator at 2-8°C, but don't wait longer than a few days.
Buying a magic mushroom grow kit
We have a great selection of mushroom grow kits that enable you to easily grow magic mushrooms at home. Whether you're looking for a mild first experience with the Mexican strain or an intense visual journey with the McKennaii, there's a kit for every level. Avalon Magic Plants also stocks 100% mycelium FreshMushrooms kits, spore syringes and all the accessories you might need for successful cultivation.
