Collection: Colonised
Grain Spawn

Mushroom grain spawn is sterilised grain that has been colonised by living mushroom mycelium. It acts as the starting material for growing mushrooms by introducing established mycelium into a suitable substrate, where it can continue spreading before producing mushrooms.

Yes! Our mushroom grain spawn bags are pre-colonised with the selected mushroom species and ready to use. There's no need to purchase a separate liquid culture syringe or wait for the grain to colonise. Simply pair the spawn with a suitable growing substrate and follow the recommended growing instructions.

Pre-colonised grain spawn already contains established mushroom mycelium and is ready to be mixed with substrate. Sterilised grain bags, on the other hand, have not been inoculated and require liquid culture or another suitable inoculant before colonisation can begin. Pre-colonised grain spawn saves time by removing this initial stage.

You'll need a compatible growing substrate, a suitable container or growing bag, and an environment that provides the right humidity, temperature and airflow. The exact setup depends on your chosen mushroom species. Our pre-colonised grain spawn eliminates the need to prepare and inoculate your own sterile grain.

We recommend our Sterilised CVG Mushroom Substrate, a ready-to-use blend of coco coir, vermiculite and gypsum designed to support mycelium growth and maintain moisture. It can be mixed with fully colonised grain spawn for a convenient growing setup. However, substrate requirements vary by species, and some varieties, such as Lion's Mane and Shiitake, typically perform best on hardwood-based substrates.

Yes! Our pre-colonised mushroom grain spawn can also be mixed with the contents of a MushBag™ All-In-One Mushroom Grow Kit, offering an alternative to inoculating with liquid culture. The MushBag already contains sterilised grain and substrate, providing a convenient growing setup. As mixing in grain spawn requires opening the bag, it's important to maintain clean handling conditions to minimise contamination.

Absolutely! Pre-colonised grain spawn is a great option for beginners because it removes the need for sterile inoculation and grain colonisation. You'll still need to prepare a suitable growing environment and maintain the right conditions, but you can skip some of the more technical early stages of cultivation.

A recommended starting point is a 1:2 ratio of colonised grain spawn to substrate by weight. For example, 1kg of grain spawn can be mixed with 2kg of our Sterilised CVG Mushroom Substrate. Some growers use ratios of 1:3 or higher, depending on the mushroom species and growing method. Using more spawn generally encourages faster colonisation, while using less can extend colonisation time. Always check the recommendations for your chosen species and substrate.

We recommend using your grain spawn as soon as possible after delivery to maintain its freshness and vigour. If you need to store it, keep the bag sealed and follow the storage instructions for your chosen mushroom species. Most varieties can be refrigerated, although storage requirements may differ between species.

Growing times vary depending on the mushroom species, substrate and environmental conditions. Because the grain is already colonised, you can skip the initial grain colonisation stage. Once mixed with a suitable substrate, the mycelium will need time to spread before fruiting begins. Some fast-growing varieties may produce mushrooms within a few weeks, while others take longer.