The PF Tek (Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique) revolutionized home mushroom cultivation when it was introduced in the 1990s. This method remains one of the most reliable ways to grow mushrooms, particularly for those working with spore syringes. While it requires more steps than some modern methods, its high success rate makes it worth mastering.

Understanding the PF Tek

The PF Tek uses a nutrient-rich substrate of brown rice flour and vermiculite, sterilized in small jars and inoculated with spores. The contained environment of each jar minimizes contamination risk while the vermiculite provides structure and moisture retention.

Why PF Tek Works

• Individual jar containment prevents contamination spread
• BRF provides simple, complete nutrition
• Vermiculite maintains perfect moisture and air ratio
• Small scale allows for easy environmental control

Phase 1: Substrate Preparation

Mixing the Substrate

For 12 half-pint jars, you’ll need:

• 2 cups brown rice flour
• 6 cups coarse vermiculite
• 2 cups water

Mixing process:

1. Combine vermiculite and BRF in large bowl
2. Add water slowly while mixing
3. Mix until evenly moistened (no dry pockets)
4. Let stand 5 minutes for absorption

The substrate should feel moist but not wet. Squeeze a handful - it should clump without dripping water.

Preparing Jars

1. Fill jars: Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace at top
2. Level surface: Don’t pack down
3. Add dry vermiculite layer: 1⁄4 inch on top (contamination barrier)
4. Cover with foil: Double layer, tight seal
5. Poke 4 holes in lid with nail (inoculation points)

Phase 2: Sterilization

Proper sterilization is critical for success:

Pressure Cooker Method (Recommended)

1. Add 2 inches water to pressure cooker
2. Place jars on rack (not touching bottom)
3. Sterilize at 15 PSI for 60 minutes
4. Allow natural pressure release
5. Let jars cool completely in cooker (8-12 hours)

Steam Bath Method (Alternative)

1. Place jars in pot with tight lid
2. Add water to jar mid-level
3. Steam for 90 minutes
4. Keep water level consistent
5. Cool completely before removing

Phase 3: Inoculation

This is the most contamination-prone step. Work in a still-air environment:

Preparation

1. Clean workspace with isopropyl alcohol
2. Flame sterilize needle until red hot
3. Cool needle with alcohol wipe
4. Shake syringe to distribute spores

Inoculation Process

1. Remove foil from first jar
2. Insert needle through hole at 45° angle
3. Inject 0.25cc against glass (creates inoculation point)
4. Repeat for all 4 holes
5. Cover holes with micropore tape
6. Replace foil loosely

Use 10-12cc syringe for 12 jars (approximately 1cc per jar).

Phase 4: Colonization

Place inoculated jars in a dark location at 75-80°F:

Timeline

• Days 3-7: First mycelium visible at inoculation points
• Days 7-14: Rapid growth, white patches expanding
• Days 14-21: 50-75% colonization
• Days 21-30: Full colonization, consolidation period

Colonization Tips

• Don’t shake jars (unlike grain spawn)
• Check for contamination daily
• Remove contaminated jars immediately
• Be patient - rushing leads to problems

Phase 5: Fruiting Chamber Setup

Build a Simple Fruiting Chamber (SGFC):

Construction

1. Drill holes in storage tote: 1⁄4 inch holes, 2 inches apart on all six sides
2. Add perlite: 4-5 inches deep
3. Hydrate perlite: Rinse and drain until moist
4. Elevate: Place on jar lids for airflow

Environment

• Temperature: 70-75°F
• Humidity: 90-95%
• Light: Indirect natural or 6500K LED
• Air exchange: Passive through holes

Phase 6: Birthing and Dunking

Once fully colonized and consolidated (wait 7 days after 100% colonization):

Birthing Process

1. Remove cakes from jars (tap gently)
2. Rinse under cool water
3. Remove vermiculite layer carefully

Dunk and Roll

1. Submerge cakes in water for 24 hours
2. Roll in dry vermiculite (casing layer)
3. Place on foil squares in fruiting chamber
4. Space 2 inches apart minimum

Phase 7: Fruiting and Harvesting

Fruiting Conditions

• Mist walls (not cakes directly) 2-3 times daily
• Fan 3-4 times daily for 30 seconds
• Maintain humidity with perlite moisture

Timeline

• Days 1-5: Pinning begins
• Days 5-7: Rapid growth
• Days 7-10: Ready to harvest

Harvesting

• Pick when veil breaks (just before spore drop)
• Twist and pull gently
• Clean cake surface of abort pins

Multiple Flushes

After first harvest:

1. Dunk cakes 12-24 hours
2. Roll in vermiculite again
3. Return to chamber
4. Repeat fruiting process

Expect 3-5 flushes with decreasing yields.

Common Issues and Solutions

Slow Colonization

• Increase temperature to 78-80°F
• Check for dry substrate
• Ensure fresh spore syringe

No Pinning

• Increase fresh air exchange
• Check humidity levels
• Ensure proper light exposure
• Try cold shocking

Contamination

• Green mold: Discard immediately
• Bacterial (sour smell): Discard
• Cobweb mold: Treat with hydrogen peroxide

Upgrading from PF Tek

Once comfortable with PF Tek:

• Spawn to bulk: Crumble cakes to coir/verm mix
• Grain spawn: Move to rye or oats
• Monotubs: Scale up production
• Liquid culture: Faster colonization

Final Tips

• Document everything: Keep detailed notes
• Start small: Master technique before scaling
• Join communities: Learn from others’ experiences
• Be patient: Mushrooms grow on their schedule
• Stay sterile: Cleanliness prevents most failures

The PF Tek remains relevant because it teaches fundamental cultivation principles while providing reliable results. Master this technique, and you’ll have the knowledge base to explore more advanced methods with confidence.