Should I pick this one up?

Hi there!

First, I want to express my appreciation for this website. I'm currently working on my first mushroom cultivation project, and the information here has been incredibly helpful. It's clear that a lot of effort has gone into creating this resource.

Now, here's a bit about my project: I’m using an all-in-one grow kit. I soaked it in water, kept it in the fridge for 12 hours, and then placed it on a high shelf in a room where I maintain temperatures above 20°C. Following the video tutorial, I added 150 ml of water beneath the plastic package of the kit and sealed the bag that contains both the kit and the water. After that, I’ve not touched or opened it until seeing the first signs of pins. This process started on October 1.

Now, 19 days later, I'm excited to report that I have my first mushroom growing, along with another small pin, and several primordia that are developing.

I’m keeping the temperatures between 20°C and 24°C, misting the inside of the bag when there are no water droplets on the walls. I also ensure fresh air exchange 1-2 times a day.

I have a few questions:

Both the larger mushroom and the new pin are growing on the edge of the container. Is this something I may have caused? Should I make any adjustments? The larger mushroom has become twisted because it was touching the edge of the container.

Although the veil is still intact, part of the cap is visible, and I'm concerned it might drop spores. Should I pick it now, even if it’s not fully ready?

I read in your guide that all mushrooms should be harvested at once before starting a new flush. Does this apply to my situation, since I only have one mushroom ready to pick? I plan to pick that one and maintain optimal conditions for the others.

I’ve attached a photo of the mushroom, and you’ll notice that I circled in red how the cap is turned upwards. (Apologies for the picture quality due to the angle.)

Hopefully after this project I will be able to experiment with creating my own LC and starting my grow that way!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please let me know if you need any more information from me.

Hello buddy! Thank you for your warm words, they mean a lot to me.

Your photo is good enough, everything clear. I appreciate it 👍

Yes, you can already harvest the biggest shroom in the red circle and a tiny pin on the opposite side (see photo below).

Actually, you don't have to wait for the torn veil. Right before opening is ideal for harvesting. But if you need to make a spore print, then yes, you should wait until the mushroom caps open. However, it's not your case — most likely this shroom won't fully open. So just pick it now, it's fine.

What would I do next? Soak the cake in freezing cold water with added ice cubes for 2-4 hours. Make sure to submerge the cake in water. More details and examples you can find here: https://shroomok.com/en/wiki/Rehydration_of_psilocybe_cakes

Let me know if you have any questions.

Hope to see your better second flush after rehydration ;)

Hey, thanks for the quick reply.

I do have one question - why harvest now and dunk? Since this is the first flush, is it not a better idea to wait for the primordia to turn to pins and eventually big mushrooms? Am I missing something? I may be wrong, but I feel like I may decrease the yield and slow things down if I don't wait.

Usually grow kits are extremely dry and 1st flush is poor or zero pins at all. I'd rehydrate this cake even before the first flush... Your mushroom looks a lil bit dry and the top layer as well.

Your cake just need a heavy rain to produce new pins, like in nature. After soaking you'll see the difference.

Trust me ;)

Got it. The issue with the internet is many people say many different things and for newbies it is quite easy to get lost. I was afraid of potentially killing the primordia if I soaked it but I will listen to your advice, after all, I am the newbie haha. Thanks again.

Yeah, I know that feel!

Let's check the cake in 5-7 days after soaking, okay?

Best of luck 🤞