Grow kits
by Azarius
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The PES Amazonian grow kit is a fully colonised cultivation kit that produces large, thick-stemmed Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms descended from stock originally collected in the Amazon rainforest. Developed by Pacifica Spora (hence "PES"), this strain colonises fast, fruits prolifically, and throws out some of the meatiest mushrooms you'll see from a cubensis kit. If you want big flushes without babysitting your grow, this is where to start.
The PES Amazonian (sometimes shortened to PESA) is a tropical cubensis strain that thrives in warm, humid conditions — exactly what the included humidity grow bag recreates. The fruits are noticeably chunkier than most cubensis strains. We're talking thick, dense stems and broad caps that feel substantial when you pick them. According to a cultivation study cataloguing Psilocybe cubensis strains, the Amazonian variety was documented growing naturally on buffalo dung in wild tropical conditions (PMC, 2024), which tells you something about its vigour — this strain wants to grow.
Compared to something like the Golden Teacher, the PES Amazonian tends to produce fewer but larger individual mushrooms per flush. Golden Teachers give you a carpet of medium-sized fruits; Amazonians give you a smaller number of absolute units. Both are solid choices, but if you enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting big mushrooms, the Amazonian wins that round. The trade-off? Amazonians can be slightly more sensitive to temperature drops below 23°C, so keep your grow space warm.
Everything you need to start growing is already in the box. The substrate is a fully colonised rye cake — white mycelium running through every grain — topped with a perlite and vermiculite casing layer that holds moisture and encourages pinning. Here's the full breakdown:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fully colonised rye cake | Pre-grown mycelium ready to fruit — no inoculation needed |
| Vermiculite casing layer | Retains surface moisture and creates a microclimate for pinning |
| Natural volcanic perlite | Improves drainage and airflow within the substrate |
| Humidity grow bag | Maintains 90%+ relative humidity around the cake |
| 2 air strips with polyfill filter | Allow fresh air exchange while filtering contaminants |
| Sterile, non-toxic grow box | Houses the substrate — food-safe polypropylene |
The polyfill air strips are a detail worth mentioning. CO2 builds up quickly inside a sealed bag, and mushrooms need oxygen exchange to develop properly. These strips let stale air out and fresh air in without opening the bag and risking contamination. Simple, but it makes a real difference — especially on the second and third flushes when the mycelium is working harder.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Species | Psilocybe cubensis |
| Strain | PES Amazonian (PESA) |
| Origin | Amazon rainforest — developed by Pacifica Spora |
| Substrate | Rye grain, fully colonised |
| Casing | Perlite and vermiculite |
| Expected flushes | Up to 3 |
| Fruiting temperature | 23–26°C |
| Time to first flush | Approximately 2–3 weeks |
| Mushroom characteristics | Large caps, thick dense stems |
| Potency | Above average for cubensis |
Complete your setup: grab a Thermo/Hygrometer to monitor temperature and humidity inside the grow bag — the two variables that make or break your flush. A Heat Mat is worth considering too, especially if your room sits below 23°C. For harvest, a set of Sterile Gloves and a Misting Bottle keep things clean and properly hydrated between flushes.
We've been selling grow kits since the early 2000s, and the PES Amazonian has stayed in the lineup for one reason: it performs. The colonisation speed on this strain is noticeably faster than average cubensis varieties. Where some strains take their time establishing pins, the Amazonian pushes through the casing layer like it has somewhere to be. First-time growers get results, experienced growers get volume.
The fully colonised substrate is the real advantage here. You're not buying spores and hoping for the best — the mycelium has already done weeks of work before the kit reaches you. That means less waiting, fewer contamination windows, and a much higher success rate. We've seen growers lose entire batches to one ungloved hand during inoculation. With a pre-colonised kit, you skip that risk entirely.
The honest limitation: this strain likes warmth. If your flat drops below 22°C at night, you'll see slower pinning and potentially smaller fruits. A heat mat underneath the grow box solves this for about the cost of a takeaway dinner. Don't skip it if you're growing in winter or in a draughty room — we've watched too many people blame the kit when the real culprit was a cold windowsill.
Fresh PES Amazonian mushrooms are roughly 90% water. That means 10 grams fresh is approximately 1 gram dried — a ratio worth remembering when you're weighing your harvest. A standard first flush from this kit can produce anywhere from 150g to 300g fresh, depending on conditions.
For drying, a food dehydrator set to 35–40°C works best. Spread the mushrooms on the trays without overlapping and run it for 12–24 hours until they snap cleanly when bent — no bending, no squish, just a clean snap. Store dried mushrooms in an airtight jar with a silica gel packet, away from light and heat. Properly dried and stored, they'll keep for months.
If you're not ready to use the kit immediately after it arrives, store it in the fridge at 3–5°C. The mycelium stays viable for about 2 weeks refrigerated. Don't freeze it — ice crystals destroy the cell structure and kill the mycelium.
Dosage ranges for Psilocybe cubensis vary by individual body weight, experience, and whether you're consuming fresh or dried material. Based on commonly referenced cultivation and user data, a starting point for dried PES Amazonian cubensis is around 1–2.5 grams for a moderate experience. In fresh weight, that translates to roughly 10–25 grams. According to one clinical reference, a small dose of 4–8mg of psilocybin (roughly 1–2g dried cubensis) produces noticeable physical relaxation within approximately 30 minutes of ingestion. Effects can take up to 60 minutes on a full stomach — wait before considering any additional amount.
According to research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, acceptance-based approaches during the experience — essentially, not fighting the effects — were associated with more positive outcomes (Agin-Liebes et al., 2023). Set and setting matter more than strain selection. A comfortable room, a trusted companion, and an empty schedule do more for the quality of the experience than any particular genetics.
The question we get most about the PES Amazonian: "Is it too strong for a first grow?" No. The potency is above average for cubensis, but not dramatically so — it's not a Penis Envy situation where a standard dose catches you off guard. The Amazonian sits in that sweet spot where the experience is meaningful without being overwhelming at sensible amounts. If you've grown Golden Teachers before, expect a similar cultivation process with slightly larger fruits and a touch more intensity per gram.
The second most common question: "Why did my second flush produce less?" Because the mycelium has used up a chunk of its nutrients. First flush is always the biggest. Second flush is typically 60–70% of the first, and the third is smaller still. That's normal — the cake isn't infinite. Soaking between flushes rehydrates the substrate and gives the mycelium one more shot. Three good flushes from a single kit is a solid result.
Expect the first pins within 7–14 days, with harvestable mushrooms appearing around day 14–21. Temperature is the biggest variable — below 23°C slows everything down. Keep the kit at 24–25°C for the fastest results.
Up to 3 flushes. The first flush produces the most, with each subsequent flush yielding progressively less. Soak the cake in cold water for 12 hours between flushes to rehydrate the substrate.
The substrate arrives fully colonised and sterile, but your hands and workspace aren't. Wash your hands, wipe down surfaces, and avoid breathing directly over the open cake. Contamination from skin bacteria is the most common cause of failed grows we see.
Between 23°C and 26°C consistently. This is a tropical strain — it doesn't tolerate cold well. If your room drops below 22°C at night, use a heat mat on a low setting underneath the grow box.
Yes, in the fridge at 3–5°C for up to 2 weeks. Don't freeze it. The sooner you start, the better the results — mycelium loses vigour the longer it sits.
Harvest when the cap edges start to separate from the stem but before the caps flatten out completely. Once caps open fully, they drop dark spores across the cake, which can suppress the next flush.
Yes. The strain colonises quickly, tolerates minor mistakes, and produces visible results fast — all of which keep new growers motivated. The only thing to watch is temperature. Keep it warm and you'll do fine.
Golden Teacher produces more individual mushrooms per flush but smaller fruits. PES Amazonian gives fewer but noticeably larger, thicker mushrooms. Potency is slightly higher with the Amazonian. Cultivation difficulty is similar for both.
Last updated: April 2026
Medical disclaimer. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use of any substance.
