Cody Casey
Growing Pan Cyans, or Panaeolus cyanescens, is considered more difficult than growing P. cubensis mushrooms due to their different growing conditions. While not impossible, cultivating Pan Cyans requires a more thorough understanding of the variables that affect growth. One key difference is that Pan Cyans need a lot of fresh air exchange while maintaining high humidity levels. Additionally, their mycelium is more fragile and vulnerable, demanding more attention during preparation and maintenance of their ideal growing circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Not very hard to grow, but requires strict guidelines |
| Growing method | Pasteurized compost, casing with composted manure, growing on manure, growing in trays, growing in shoeboxes |
| Temperature | 70-75F, but can grow at a daytime high of 93F |
| Humidity | High |
| Shaking | Should be done gently |
| Myc | Should be allowed to fully colonize |
| Sterilization | Required |
| Mold | Should be avoided |
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Pasteurising compost
When using your own compost, there is a risk of introducing harmful microorganisms that can damage or kill your plants. This is a common problem, especially with reusing compost from previous years. Pasteurisation is a way of reducing this risk by killing harmful organisms while preserving beneficial ones.
How to Pasteurise Compost
To pasteurise your compost, you will need an oven, a large aluminium baking pan, and a meat thermometer. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place up to 4 inches of compost into the pan and insert the thermometer into the centre, making sure it is deep enough to measure the temperature of the compost. Put the pan in the oven and wait until the centre of the compost reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, bake for 30 minutes. After baking, allow the compost to cool completely before using it.
Tips for Growing Pan Cyans
While not directly related to pasteurising compost, it is worth noting that growing Pan Cyans (Panaeolus cyanescens) can be more challenging than other mushrooms. They require more attention during preparation and maintenance of their ideal growing conditions. Their mycelium is more fragile and vulnerable, and any deviation from optimal conditions may result in a poor harvest or no harvest at all. It is recommended to use less substrate and avoid shaking the jars too much during the growing process.
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Casing
One commonly suggested method is to use a mixture of cactus mix and vermiculite for the casing layer. The cactus mix should be prepared by adding hydrated lime and gypsum to forest humus, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, pumice, earthworm castings, sand, and lime. This mixture provides good aeration and contamination resistance. After mixing, the casing layer should be pasteurized for about an hour and then cooled before applying it to the Pan Cyans. The recommended depth for the casing layer is 1/4 to 1/2 inch. To allow the mycelium to recover, it is suggested to cover the jars with foil for a few days after casing and poke holes for air exchange.
Another casing option mentioned by growers is a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite. One grower reported success with this method, but they noted that without hydrated lime, their casing grew mould. Therefore, they adjusted the mixture to include five percent hydrated lime and 95 percent peat moss without vermiculite. This grower also recommended adding oyster shells to the casing and allowing sufficient time for pinning.
Some growers have also suggested alternative methods and materials for casing. For example, one grower mentioned using a mixture of cow manure and vermiculite, while another suggested that misting the casing until the pins appear and then stopping can help maintain moisture levels. Additionally, this grower recommended keeping the humidity high with lots of fresh air exchange (FAE) after pinning.
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Shaking
When preparing the substrate, it is important to sterilise the substrate in a filter bag without sealing it. After cooling, the spawn must be well shaken to loosen it before being scattered in the bag. Shaking the bag helps to ensure that the spawn is spread evenly, preventing uneven colonisation.
In terms of the growing environment, some sources recommend using an automated fruiting chamber, while others suggest a more low-tech approach with manual fanning. One source mentions that they take their Pan Cyans out of the growing tent and run an overhead fan for at least 15 minutes, twice or three times a day.
Overall, while shaking is an important step in the growing process, it should be done with caution to avoid damaging the fragile mycelium of Pan Cyans.
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Ideal growing conditions
Panaeolus cyanescens, also known as Pan Cyans, are not necessarily hard to grow, but they do require more attention during the preparation and maintenance of their ideal growing circumstances. Here are the ideal growing conditions for Pan Cyans:
Substrate and Casing
The substrate for Pan Cyans should be boiled or pressure-cooked in jars and then inoculated in the usual manner. When the jars are fully colonized, the substrate should be sliced or crumbled over a moist layer of vermiculite. While casing is not required, some growers recommend a very thin layer of casing (no more than 1/4 inch) to fill in the cracks. The casing can be composted manure or a 50/50 casing mix.
Temperature and Humidity
Pan Cyans grow in warm temperatures, with daytime highs of up to 93°F and lows of 70-75°F. They require high humidity and a lot of fresh air exchange (FAE), so a humidifier or a SGFC (Sterile Greenhouse Fruiting Chamber) with perlite can be used.
Sterilization and Contamination Prevention
It is important to maintain sterile conditions to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. This includes properly pasteurizing the substrate and being cautious during the sterilization procedure. Contamination can also be minimized by using a tried-and-tested tek and following guidelines specific to Pan Cyans, such as avoiding coir.
Growing Environment and Containers
Pan Cyans grow well in trays or shoeboxes with a good amount of air exchange. They do not grow well in monotubs due to the high humidity requirements. A Martha tent can also be used to create an ideal growing environment.
Nutrient Source
Pan Cyans grow well on a vermiculite/peat/lime/oyster shell mix or a substrate made with manure. The manure can be obtained from cow dung, which should be aged rather than fresh, and pasteurized before use.
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Sterilisation
Sterilization is a key step in cultivating Pan Cyans, and it is important to get it right to avoid contamination. The process of sterilization will depend on the specific method and materials used for cultivation.
One common method is to sterilize a mixture of manure and vermiculite/perlite/ryegrass seed in a jar. The jar is then inoculated and allowed to colonize completely before being laid out in a small tray. This mixture can also include other ingredients such as BRF (brown rice flour), wheat bran, or water. It is important to note that the addition of high-nutrient additives like brown rice flour or wheat bran to the substrate requires sterilization and inoculation in sterile conditions.
Another method, known as the PF tek, involves mixing vermiculite, manure, BRF, and water in canning jars. These jars are then sterilized in a pressure cooker for an hour before inoculation via the PF tek method. Once the substrate is fully colonized, it is crumbled and cased with a 50/50+ mixture.
It is worth noting that some growers have suggested that sterilization of the casing layer may not be necessary, especially if using pasteurized straw as the substrate, which works very well for Pan Cyans. However, others have emphasized the importance of strict sterile practices to avoid mold, yeast, and bacteria growth.
Overall, while sterilization is an important step in cultivating Pan Cyans, the specific requirements may vary depending on the method and materials used. It is crucial to follow trusted guides and make adjustments as needed based on one's specific environment and conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Pan Cyans are not necessarily hard to grow, but they do require specific conditions. They are more vulnerable than other types of fungi and require more attention during preparation and maintenance.
Pan Cyans require lots of fresh air exchange while maintaining high humidity levels. They also need a sterile environment to prevent mould, yeast and bacteria from growing.
One method is to boil/pressure cook jars of substrate and inoculate them in the usual manner. When the jars are fully colonized, slice/crumble the substrate over a moist layer of vermiculite. Casing is not required, but some people choose to case with a thin layer of composted manure.
A mix of vermiculite, manure, brown rice flour and water is recommended. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the Pan Cyans to grow.
Yes, there are several guides and resources available online, such as gordotek’s videos and the shroomery forums. Additionally, some people have shared their personal experiences and methods for growing Pan Cyans on forums and Reddit.
