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What is the best temperature to grow magic mushrooms?
Posted under: Ask Mick
What is the best temperature for mushrooms to grow? Whether you are using a grow kit or building your own setup, mushroom growing temperature is one of the most important factors for a successful harvest. In this guide, we break down the ideal growing temperature for mushrooms at every stage of the process.
Temperature directly affects how fast your mycelium colonizes the substrate and how well your mushrooms fruit. Get the temperature for growing mushrooms right, and you will see healthy flushes. Get it wrong, and you risk slow growth, contamination, or no mushrooms at all.
Best Mushroom Growing Temperature for Grow Kits
If you are using a ready-to-grow magic mushroom grow kit, aim for a constant temperature of 23°C (73°F). This is the sweet spot where Psilocybe cubensis thrives and the best temperature for mushrooms to grow strong and healthy.
Keep the growing temperature for mushrooms as steady as possible. Mycelium does not like sudden changes. Even small fluctuations can delay pinning and reduce your yield. Most strains share a comfortable range between 20°C and 27°C (68–81°F), but 23°C remains the target. Never let the temperature drop below 20°C.
Place a thermometer near your grow kit to monitor the mushroom growing temperature. Avoid spots near windows, radiators, or drafty areas where temperature swings are common.
Temperature for Mushroom Growing by Phase
Magic mushroom cultivation has two main phases, and each has its own ideal temperature range. Understanding the best temperature for each phase helps you avoid common mistakes.
| Incubation (colonization) | 21–27°C (70–81°F) — optimal around 26°C. Store in a dark place. |
| Fruiting | 20–27°C (68–81°F) — optimal around 23°C. Never below 20°C. |
| Humidity | Above 90% relative humidity during fruiting for best results. |
| Light | Indirect light or ambient room light is fine. Darkness does not harm growth. |
During incubation, spores germinate and mycelium spreads through the substrate. Warmth speeds this up, but going above 28°C increases the risk of contamination from bacteria and mold. According to research on Psilocybe cubensis, this species naturally fruits in warm, humid subtropical climates.
During fruiting, a small temperature drop signals the mycelium to start forming mushrooms. For Psilocybe cubensis, lowering from around 26°C to 23°C is ideal. Never let the temperature fall below 20°C — this will stall growth and can prevent pinning entirely.
⚠️ Temperatures above 28°C can promote harmful bacteria and mold growth. Temperatures below 20°C will stall fruiting and may prevent mushrooms from forming. Always keep your mushroom growing temperature within the safe range.
Do Different Strains Need a Different Growing Temperature?
Most Psilocybe cubensis strains share the same general temperature range of 20–27°C for growing mushrooms. Whether you are growing Golden Teacher, McKennaii, or B+, the ideal conditions are very similar.
Some strains like B+ are known for adapting well to slightly cooler environments. But in practice, keeping your mushroom growing temperature around 23°C works for nearly all cubensis varieties. You can find strain-specific details on each product page in our shop — just scroll down to the extended information section.
How to Maintain the Best Temperature for Mushrooms to Grow
In winter, a thermo mat is almost essential in most European homes. In summer, keep your kit away from windows to prevent overheating.
Mushroom Growing Temperature for PF-Tek
If you are making your own PF-tek cakes or using a substrate kit, the process involves a longer incubation period before fruiting. Knowing the right temperature for mushroom growing at each step is essential.
A tub-in-tub incubator can help maintain a steady mushroom growing temperature during colonization. This is simply one plastic container placed inside another, with a heat source in between.
Mushroom Growing Temperature Chart
Use this mushroom growing temperature chart as a quick reference. It covers all phases so you always know the best temperature for mushrooms to grow at each stage.
| Phase | Temperature Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| Incubation | 21–27°C (70–81°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| Fruiting (grow kit) | 20–27°C (68–81°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| Fruiting (PF-tek) | 20–25°C (68–77°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
Bookmark this temperature chart for mushroom growing so you can check it any time during your grow.
Helpful Resources
Ready to start growing? Browse our magic mushroom grow kits and find the perfect strain for you.
February 14, 2026