The Ultimate Guide to Storing Mushroom Spores
A mushroom spore print. Spores are collected from a mushroom cap, and usually placed into a sterile water solution in a syringe.
Summary
At Ryza, we want to make it easy for you, so here's a summary of the below post on how to store spore syringe:
Store spore syringes or prints in a sealed bag in the fridge.
Keep at 35-46°F (2-8°C); do not freeze.
Use within 12-18 months; can last up to 2 years or more.
Warm syringes to room temperature slowly before use.
Mix well before inoculation, particularly if splitting the inoculant between multiple RyzaPods.
Interested in growing mushrooms from spores? Our RyzaPods offer an all-in-one ecosystem designed for this. If you'd like to learn more about how it works, feel free to explore here.
If you’re looking for how best to store liquid culture syringes, check out this popular blog post on storing liquid cultures. For where to store spore syringe, read on.
Additional Context
If you're entering into the world of home mycology, understanding how to store your mushroom spores is essential for a successful cultivation. New enthusiasts will often purchase spore syringes or prints, and may need to store them for extended periods.
Why Proper Storage of Spores Matters
Mushroom spores are the reproductive units of mushrooms, analogous to seeds in plants. They play a vital role in your mushroom cultivation journey as they help initiate mushroom growth in your RyzaPods. You can learn more about the spore to mycelium lifecycle in our Mycopedia Spore Page. Ensuring they are stored and used properly can directly influence the viability of your spores and, ultimately, the success of your mushroom cultivation.
Optimal Temperature Conditions
For optimal longevity and viability of your spores, it's best to store them in a refrigerator, ideally at temperatures between 2-8°C (35-46°F). Never freeze spores, as this can damage them and reduce viability. Refrigerating the spores helps to slow their metabolic processes, allowing them to remain viable for longer periods. Note that spores, while taking longer to germinate than liquid cultures, are hardier and will last longer than liquid cultures in the refrigerator.
Prevent Contamination
Storing your spores in a sealed, sterile environment is key to preventing contamination. Always use clean hands or gloves when handling, and store the spores in a sealed container or bag to prevent exposure to potential contaminants. When using spore syringes, it's best to use the entire syringe during a single inoculation session, using the sterile needle just one time. If a needle must be reused at a later time, it's best to flame sterilize the tip. Always dispose of needles properly, with care and consideration for waste management professionals.
Usage and Shelf Life
Before using your spore syringe, allow it to reach room temperature slowly. This can help the spores adjust gradually and improve their chances of successful germination. While spores can be stored for a long time, we recommend using them within 12-18 months for the best results. In our experience, spores of nearly any variety can remain viable even after 2 years of storage in the refrigerator.
What Should Spores Syringes Look Like?
Healthy spore syringes should have a clear liquid with black particles. You may see a mass of black spores either suspended or settled at the bottom. When mixing, a small amount of air pulled into the syringe can help break up this black mass into smaller particles, which is important if you’re splitting the spore syringe between multiple RyzaPods.
Closing Thoughts
Storing your mushroom spores properly is vital for a successful cultivation with your RyzaPods. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned mycologist with abundant, healthy mushroom yields.
