Mushroom grow kits and magic truffles

Growing mushrooms and buying truffles at Avalon Magic Plants

More than 180 mushroom species worldwide are known to contain psilocybin. These remarkable fungi grow on nearly every continent, from the humid subtropical forests of Mexico to the grasslands of Europe. Although indigenous peoples used these mushrooms for thousands of years in spiritual ceremonies, it took until the twentieth century for Western science to discover them. Avalon Magic Plants has specialised since 2009 in everything related to these fascinating organisms: from ready-to-use grow kits and fresh magic truffles to spore syringes and professional growing supplies.

The rediscovery of magic mushrooms

The Aztecs called these mushrooms "teonanácatl", which translates as "flesh of the gods". Spanish colonists in the sixteenth century considered their ritual use to be devil worship and banned the practice. As a result, knowledge of these mushrooms almost completely disappeared from Western literature. Some scientists even doubted their existence, claiming the Spanish had confused them with the peyote cactus.

In 1938, young Harvard botanist Richard Evans Schultes travelled to Oaxaca, Mexico, where he collected mushrooms from the Mazatec people. This led to the first scientific identification of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Nearly twenty years later, in June 1955, American banker R. Gordon Wasson and photographer Allan Richardson participated in a traditional mushroom ceremony led by Mazatec curandera María Sabina in the remote mountain village of Huautla de Jiménez. Wasson's account appeared in Life magazine in 1957 under the title "Seeking the Magic Mushroom", introducing the term "magic mushroom" to the general public.

After publication of this article, Wasson sent mushroom samples to Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann at Sandoz Laboratories. Hofmann, who had already discovered LSD in 1943, isolated and synthesised the active compounds psilocybin and psilocin from Psilocybe mexicana in 1958. He published his findings in the scientific journal Experientia. In 1962, Hofmann travelled to Mexico himself, where María Sabina tested his synthetic psilocybin pills and declared they contained "the same spirit as the mushrooms".

How does psilocybin work?

Psilocybin is a prodrug: after ingestion, it is rapidly converted to psilocin in the body by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Psilocin is the compound actually responsible for the psychoactive effects. Chemically, both substances are tryptamine alkaloids that structurally resemble the body's own neurotransmitter serotonin.

Psilocin binds primarily to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. This binding causes changes in perception, mood and cognition. Recent research shows that psilocybin stimulates the growth of new synaptic connections, a process called neuroplasticity. This could explain why effects sometimes persist longer than the acute trip itself.

Effects typically begin 20 to 50 minutes after ingestion, peak after one to two hours, and last four to six hours in total. Users report visual changes such as vivid colours and patterns, altered time perception, profound introspection and sometimes spiritual experiences. Intensity depends on dosage, specific species or strain, and individual factors such as body weight and sensitivity.

What's in a grow kit?

Our mushroom grow kits contain everything you need to grow mushrooms at home. A complete kit consists of a grow container with 100% colonised mycelium substrate, a filter bag with air filter for optimal humidity, alcohol wipes for hygiene, and comprehensive instructions. The mycelium, the underground fungal network, is already fully developed when you receive the kit. You only need to create the right conditions: a temperature between 20-25°C, indirect light and sufficient humidity.

The first mushrooms usually appear within two to three weeks. The optimal harvest moment is when the veil under the cap is just starting to tear but spores have not yet been released. Each kit can produce multiple harvests (flushes). After each harvest, reactivate the substrate by submerging it in cold water for 12 hours. Experienced growers often get three to five flushes from a single kit.

Magic truffles vs mushrooms

Magic truffles, scientifically called sclerotia, and mushrooms come from the same organisms but differ in form. Truffles are compact masses of hardened mycelium that grow underground as food reserves. Mushrooms are the above-ground fruiting bodies that produce spores for reproduction. In terms of active compounds, both contain psilocybin and psilocin, although concentration varies by species.

The most important difference for consumers is legislation. In the Netherlands, fresh mushrooms have been banned since December 2008, but truffles and grow kits fall outside this ban. The law specifically refers to "mushrooms" as fruiting bodies, allowing sclerotia to be sold legally.

Species and strains

The genus Psilocybe contains more than 180 species, of which Psilocybe cubensis is the most cultivated due to the ease of indoor growing. Within this species, dozens of strains exist, each with their own characteristics. For beginners, we recommend Mexican, B+ or Cambodia for their reliable growth and mild effects. Golden Teacher is popular for its balance between visual and introspective experiences. Experienced users often choose McKennaii or PES Hawaiian, strains with higher potency.

Copelandia Hawaiian, also known as Panaeolus cyanescens, is a separate species that can be up to five times stronger than regular Psilocybe cubensis. This requires more experience, both in cultivation and use. Other potent wild species include Psilocybe azurescens and Psilocybe semilanceata (liberty caps), though these are harder to cultivate.

Legislation in Europe

The legal status of psilocybin varies greatly by country. In the Netherlands, grow kits and magic truffles are legally available. Germany permits grow kits for "mycological purposes", but growing and consuming mushrooms containing psilocybin is prohibited. Belgium maintains a grey area with varying enforcement. France, the United Kingdom and most other European countries fully prohibit all psilocybin products. We do not ship to countries where this is not permitted and always recommend checking local legislation.

Safe use

Only use mushrooms or truffles in a safe, trusted environment with people you know. What experts call "set and setting", your mental state and physical environment, greatly influences the experience. Always start with a low dose, especially with a new strain or supplier. A typical beginner dose for dried Psilocybe cubensis is 1-1.5 grams, for fresh truffles 5-10 grams.

Avoid combinations with alcohol, MAO inhibitors or other psychoactive substances. Don't eat heavily before use. Make sure you have the following day free; although acute effects disappear after several hours, integration of the experience can take time. Always keep a Mushroom Stopper on hand; this product with valerian can help soften an overly intense experience.

Mushrooms and truffles are not suitable for persons under 18, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or family history of psychosis, or when using certain medications including SSRIs and lithium. If in doubt, consult a doctor.

Quality and service since 2009

Avalon Magic Plants has been supplying quality products with discreet shipping throughout Europe for over 15 years. Our grow kits come from certified producers who work according to strict quality standards. Every batch is checked before it leaves our facility. Always keep the packaging with batch number; should something be wrong, we can trace the product. Our customer service is ready to answer questions about growing methods, strains or use. More information can be found in our blog.

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