Tillie Doyle
Panaeolus cyanescens, or pan cyan mushrooms, are easy to grow and thrive in warm, humid conditions. The process begins with sterilizing a substrate in a filter bag, adding spawn, and sealing the bag. After two to four weeks, the substrate is colonized by mycelium. At this point, the mycelium is covered with a thin layer of casing, such as composted manure or vermiculite, and placed in an incubation space. After a few days, the mycelium is ready for fruiting conditions: indirect sunlight, temperatures of 24-25°C, and 95-100% humidity. With proper care, the first pinheads will appear within a week, and the mushrooms will need ample fresh air to develop.
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What You'll Learn
- Optimal conditions for pan cyan fruiting: 24-25 °C, 95-100% humidity, indirect sunlight, and good airflow
- Prepare the substrate: sterilise and spread the spawn in a filter bag with straw, then incubate
- Use a casing layer: once mycelium is visible, add a thin layer of compost/dung, mist, and provide light
- Prevent contamination: pan cyans are not very contamination-resistant; use agar to protect the inner tissues and spores
- Harvesting: expect the first pinheads after a week of fruiting conditions; provide ample fresh air
Optimal conditions for pan cyan fruiting: 24-25 °C, 95-100% humidity, indirect sunlight, and good airflow
Fruiting Pan Cyan mushrooms require specific conditions to grow optimally. The temperature should be maintained at around 24-25 °C, which is considered the lower end of the fruiting temperature range for this fungus. This range can extend to 27 °C, but temperatures above 25 °C may slow down the fruiting process.
Humidity is also a critical factor, with optimal levels ranging from 95-100%. High humidity can be achieved through various methods, such as using a humidifier, spraying water on the surface when it becomes dry, or utilising a mixture of cured cow manure, vermiculite/perlite, and rye grass seed to retain moisture. Controlling the humidity is essential, as too much humidity can be detrimental.
Pan Cyan mushrooms thrive with indirect sunlight. A constant 12-hour light source is sufficient, and natural sunlight is an effective and cost-efficient option. While some light is necessary to trigger pinning, excessive light can lead to side pinning, where mushrooms grow from the bottom and sides, which can cause them to rot. Therefore, it is recommended to cover the sides of the trays or tubs to allow light only from the top.
Lastly, good airflow is crucial for successful fruiting. Pans require ample fresh air exchange (FAE). This can be achieved by creating gas exchange holes on the sides and ends of the tub and alternating the humidifier settings, such as turning it on for 15 minutes and then turning it off for 30 minutes.
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Prepare the substrate: sterilise and spread the spawn in a filter bag with straw, then incubate
To prepare the substrate, you'll need to start by sterilising your straw. This can be done by soaking the straw in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution for 24 hours. Make sure to wear protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles, during this process. After sterilisation, rinse the straw thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual peroxide.
Next, you'll need to prepare your filter bag. Obtain a food-grade filter bag, preferably made of breathable fabric like muslin or cotton, and ensure it has a capacity of at least 5 gallons. Prepare a mixture of water and calcium carbonate, also known as hydrated lime, and use it to soak the bag. This step helps to balance the pH level and prevent the growth of contaminants.
Now, it's time to prepare the spawn. You can purchase pan cyan mushroom spawn from a reputable supplier, ensuring it's fresh and of high quality. Spread the spawn evenly over the moist straw, mixing thoroughly to ensure good colonisation. Place the spawn-covered straw into the prepared filter bag.
Seal the bag securely, leaving a small aperture for gas exchange. Incubate the bag at a temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C). This temperature range is optimal for mycelium growth. Maintain a humid environment by misting the bag with water regularly, especially during the first week. After a few weeks, you should see mycelium growth throughout the bag, indicating that it's ready for the next step in the pan cyan cultivation process.
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Use a casing layer: once mycelium is visible, add a thin layer of compost/dung, mist, and provide light
Once the mycelium is visible, it's time to add a thin layer of compost or dung. This layer should be about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch thick—just enough to fill in the cracks and cover the substrate. Pans seem to like hydrated lime in the soil, so a 50/50 mix of vermiculite and composted manure works well.
After applying the casing layer, place the newly cased blocks in the fruiting chamber and wait. The humidity doesn't need to be as high as it would be without a casing layer, but be careful that the casing layer doesn't dry out completely. After about 4-7 days, you should start to see pins coming through the casing. At this point, you'll want to increase the humidity as the mushrooms continue to grow.
To create the optimal environment for fruiting, place the cased blocks in indirect sunlight, with temperatures between 24-25°C and air humidity between 95-100%. After about a week, the first pinheads will appear. From this point on, it's crucial that the mushrooms get enough fresh air—a minimum of 4-5 times a day.
Panaeolus cyanescens is very sensitive to high humidity, so it's important to maintain the right balance. If the fruits develop normally, you should see a nice amount of Pan cyan within a week of casing. However, if the fruits are very thin and don't sporulate, it's an indication that the humidity is too high.
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Prevent contamination: pan cyans are not very contamination-resistant; use agar to protect the inner tissues and spores
Preventing contamination is crucial when growing pan cyans, as they are not very resistant to it. Here are some detailed steps to help protect the inner tissues and spores of your pan cyans from contamination:
Sterilize the Substrate:
Use a pressure cooker to sterilize the substrate in mycobags or jars. This step is crucial as it eliminates competing contaminants, ensuring a pristine environment for your pan cyans to grow.
Pasteurize the Substrate:
Even after sterilization, your substrate can still be at risk of contamination. Pasteurization is a process that keeps beneficial bacteria, which will protect your pan cyans from harmful moulds and bacteria that can contaminate your grow. Many trusted cultivators recommend pasteurizing your bulk substrates, especially if they contain manure.
Use a Laminar Flow Box:
When working with agar and spores, it is essential to maintain a sterile environment. A laminar flow box provides a clean working area, reducing the risk of contamination.
Choose the Right Agar Recipe:
The aggressiveness of pan cyan growth depends on the agar recipe used. Some recipes may promote faster or more aggressive growth, so it's important to research and select a suitable recipe.
Maintain a Clean Environment:
Keep your growing area clean by removing any debris and spent mushroom material between flushes. This promotes healthy growth and reduces the risk of contamination.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of contamination when growing pan cyans, creating a favourable environment for your pan cyans' inner tissues and spores to thrive.
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Harvesting: expect the first pinheads after a week of fruiting conditions; provide ample fresh air
When it comes to harvesting Pan Cyan mushrooms, timing is crucial. After creating the optimal conditions for fruiting, you can expect the first pinheads to appear within a week. However, this timing can vary, with some growers reporting pinheads appearing as early as three days after inducing fruiting conditions, while others may have to wait up to 24 days or more. During this waiting period, it's essential to maintain the ideal environment for your Pan Cyan to fruit successfully.
The first sign of success will be the appearance of pinheads, indicating that your Pan Cyan is ready to fruit. At this stage, it's crucial to provide ample fresh air to the mushrooms. This can be achieved by ensuring proper ventilation in your growing area. Aim for a minimum of four to five air exchanges per day. You can create a gentle breeze by using fans, but be cautious not to blow too directly or strongly on the mushrooms, as this could cause drying or other issues.
As your Pan Cyan mushrooms begin to fruit, maintain the following conditions for optimal growth:
- Temperature: Keep the temperature within the range of 24–27 °C (75–80 °F). This temperature range is ideal for both the substrate and the air during the fruiting process.
- Humidity: Aim for high humidity levels between 85% and 100%. A humidifier can be beneficial to maintain these levels, but be cautious not to over-humidify, as excessive moisture can lead to blue bruising on the fruits.
- Fresh Air: Continue to provide ample fresh air by ensuring proper ventilation. Regular air exchanges will help prevent mould and other issues.
- Light: Indirect sunlight is best. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can be too intense and cause drying or damage to the mushrooms.
Harvesting Pan Cyan mushrooms requires patience and attention to detail. By providing the optimal environment and allowing sufficient time for fruiting, you can expect a successful harvest with abundant flushes. Remember to maintain these conditions consistently throughout the fruiting process to encourage healthy growth and development in your Pan Cyan mushrooms.
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