How to Store Mushroom Spore Syringes and How Long Do Mushroom Spore Syringes Last

But what happens after you receive your spore syringe? Where should you store your spore syringes? How long do mushroom spore syringes last?

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best practice in storing mushroom spore syringes so you can ensure the maximum shelf life for your spores.

Let’s get started!

1. What Are Mushroom Spore Syringes Used For?

A syringe is the easiest and most sterile mushroom spore storage; that is why it is the best option for suppliers.

You can use spore syringes to inoculate substrate for growing edible and medicinal mushrooms at home. Many people also use spore syringes to store extra spores for future use in microscopy (studying under a microscope).

Some of the most popular mushroom species you can grow using spore syringes include Reishi, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, and Oyster mushrooms.

Almost any type of mushroom can be grown legally using this method. However, growing magic mushrooms like Psilocybe cubensis remains illegal at the federal level. In some states, possession of Psilocybe mushroom spores is legal only for microscopy purposes.

2. How to Store Mushroom Spore Syringes Properly?

Once you have your spore syringe, it’s important to store it properly to ensure that the spores remain viable. Spores are living organisms, and as such, they need to be stored in an environment that is conducive to their survival.

Here are some tips for storing your spore syringe:

1. LABELED — Don’t forget to label the syringes so you know what strain of mushroom spores they contain. Also, you can add the date you received the syringe if it helps with tracking your spore supplies.
2. SEALED — Make sure the spore syringe is tightly sealed when not in use. This will prevent the spores from drying out. Also, you can place the spore syringe in a zip lock and cover in foil for extra protection.
3. COOL DARK STORAGE — Mushroom spores will not thrive in heat or light. Pick a cool, dark place for storage like a cupboard. However, spores kept in the refrigerator at 40° F (4° C) will last longer (up to 1-2 years) than if stored at room temperature in a cupboard (1 month). 
4. UNFREEZE TO ROOM TEMPERATURE — If you received frozen spores in the mail, allow them to unfreeze before storing or warm up to room temperature before injecting them into a grow bag. Also, freezing the spore syringes is NOT ideal. There is a risk of damaging the syringe if stored in the freezer.
5. STORE HORIZONTALLY — Do NOT store the spore syringe needle or barrel down because the spores will settle in one area. Position the syringe lying flat horizontally, so it’s easier to break the spores when they clump.

3. Using Mushroom Spores for Growing

As for how to use spore syringes, simply inject the spores into your substrate of choice. For best results, inject the spores into sterilized grain spawn or the grain area of the ready-made mushroom grow bag.

If you’re not using the entire contents of the spore syringe at once, be sure to sterilize the needle before inserting it back into another grow bag. This will prevent potential cross-contamination.

Once injected, incubate the spawn at optimal temperatures until colonization occurs. Once the spores have germinated and begun to grow, they will need to be kept in a humid environment to produce fruit bodies.

Many people choose to grow mushrooms indoors under controlled conditions. However, it is also possible to grow them outdoors if you live in an area with the appropriate climate.

3.1. Can You Use Too Much Spore Solution?

In terms of mushroom growing, “too many spores” in a spawn bag is not ideal. Two reasons for this are (1) “wastage” and (2) “competition for resources” which badly affects mycelium and mushroom growth.

3.1.1. Over-spore-ing Is a Waste

Firstly, you do not want to waste your spores solution. An equally dispersed spores syringe solution of 10cc (10 mL) can inoculate five 2-lb grow bags. (This differs per supplier).

In each of our  2-lb grow bags, you will need to inject about 1-2cc of spore syringe solution.

3.1.2. Over-spore-ing Means Too Many Genetics Competing

Secondly, “too many spores” in a spawn bag means too many genetics competing. Although a spore syringe contains one type of spore, each pair of germinating spores can still have different genetic expressions.

Subsequently, “too many spores” means more competition for nutrients from the substrate as each spore germinates.

Take note that spores are living organisms. Thus, they need nutrients (such as amino acids, sugars, and nitrogen compounds from the substrate) to form mycelium and finally, fruiting bodies.

If there are too many pins but too few nutrients left in the substrate, your block will produce mushrooms that are inferior.

Learn How to Grow Mushrooms at Home 4 Easy Steps | Using an All-In-One Mushroom Growing Kit

Wrapping up: How to Store Mushroom Spore Syringes for Growing

Overall, storing your spore syringes properly is essential to ensure that you get the best possible results when growing mushrooms.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to store your spores safely and enjoy great yields each time.

Remember to label the spore syringes, keep it tightly sealed and stored in a cool dark place lying horizontally. Also, check occasionally for contamination or mold growth, and handle the syringe carefully.

With these steps in mind, you can rest assured that your mushroom spores will remain viable for much longer.