What Is a Spore Syringe?
A spore syringe is a sterile syringe (typically 10ml) filled with distilled water and mushroom spores. The spores are suspended in the water solution, making them easy to deposit onto microscope slides or into substrate jars and bags for growing.
How Are Spore Syringes Made?
Quality spore syringes are prepared in a sterile environment. A mature mushroom cap is placed on sterile foil or glass to drop its spores (a spore print). Those spores are then scraped into sterile distilled water and drawn into a syringe. At SporeStore, all syringes are prepared in front of a laminar flow hood to minimize contamination.
How to Store Spore Syringes
Proper storage extends the viability of your spore syringes:
- Refrigerate at 35-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) for best results
- Never freeze – ice crystals can destroy spore cells
- Keep in the dark – light can degrade spore viability
- Shelf life – properly stored syringes can remain viable for 6-12 months
- Shake before use – spores settle over time, so shake gently to redistribute
How to Use a Spore Syringe
- Shake the syringe gently to distribute spores evenly
- Sterilize the needle tip with a flame or alcohol
- Inject 1-2ml of spore solution into your substrate through the injection port
- Cover the injection point with micropore tape
- Store in a warm, dark place (75-80 degrees F) for colonization
Choosing Your First Strain
For beginners, we recommend:
- Golden Teacher – the classic beginner strain
- B+ Spores – resilient and forgiving
- Treasure Coast – excellent contamination resistance
- Z-Strain – fastest colonization
Essential Supplies
Along with your spore syringe, you will need:
- Mushroom Grow Jars or Grow Bags
- Rubbing alcohol for sterilization
- A still air box or laminar flow hood
- Heat mat for temperature control
Ready to get started? Browse all spore syringes and mycology supplies at SporeStore.com.