B+ Mushrooms: A Cultivator’s Classic

B+ mushrooms are a well-known and widely cultivated strain of Psilocybe cubensis, commonly appreciated for their high-yielding flushes and large fruiting bodies. This article explores their history, characteristics, and cultivation techniques, providing insight into why B+ has become one of the most popular strains in the Psilocybe cubensis community.

Origins and History

The origins of B+ mushrooms remain somewhat mysterious. It is believed that a cultivator known as Mr. G first developed this strain in Florida.Over time, selective breeding and mixing with other strains have improved its characteristics, making it one of the most sought-after strains for growers and enthusiasts alike.

Others believe that the B Plus strain might have been growing in the wild somewhere in the United States. Regardless of its less-than-reliable origin story, the B Plus strain is an incredible mushroom to study.

Key Characteristics

B+ mushrooms exhibit distinctive features that make them easily recognizable:

• Size & Growth: They produce tall, large clusters, often forming dense forests of mushrooms in a well-maintained tub.
• Stem & Cap Appearance: The stems are slender and white-brown, while the caps are tanned brown and lack the speckled pattern seen in Golden Teacher strains.
• Gills & Spores: Mature B+ mushrooms have large, outward-flaring gills that release an abundance of dark purple spores.
• Potency: While B+ was traditionally considered a low-potency strain, modern cultivation techniques, such as selective cloning and spore printing, have significantly enhanced its strength.
• Effects: Known for providing a fun and enjoyable experience when consumed responsibly, B+ mushrooms are a popular choice among psychonauts.

B+ in the Psilocybe Cubensis Family

B+ is considered one of the “Big Three” foundational strains, alongside Golden Teacher and Penis Envy. Many modern strains, such as Tidal Wave, were developed by crossing B+ with Penis Envy, highlighting its importance in the genetic lineage of cultivated mushrooms.

Some other strains with B+ genetics include:
Jedi Mind Fuck (JMF) x B+ – This hybrid combines the resilience and adaptability of B+ with the larger fruiting bodies and intense effects of Jedi Mind Fuck.

Albino B+ (Leucistic B+) – A mutation of B+ that resulted in a leucistic (partially albino) variety. It retains many of B+’s characteristics but has a unique pale or white coloration.

B+ x Golden Teacher – Some breeders have experimented with crossing B+ and Golden Teacher, aiming to combine the prolific fruiting of B+ with the introspective and balanced effects of Golden Teacher.

Blue Magnolia Rust – A cross between B+ and Malabar that features unique coloration

Burma B+ – A hybrid combining B+ with Burmese genetics
Amazon B+ – Combines B+ with Amazon region genetics for improved yields
Golden Teacher B+ – A hybrid that merges two popular beginner-friendly strains
B+ Plus – An isolation and refinement of the original B+ genetics

“B+” is considered a stable and relatively easy-to-grow strain, making it a popular choice for cultivators. Therefore, it’s likely that “B+” genetics are present in many other hybrid strains, even if they’re not always explicitly documented.

These cultivars are generally developed by mushroom enthusiasts looking to combine desirable traits like growth speed, yield potential, resilience, and specific visual characteristics.
It’s worth noting that the world of mushroom cultivation involves many experimental crosses and there may be numerous regional and less documented strains that incorporate B+ genetics. The naming conventions and exact genetic lineages aren’t always standardized or well-documented in the mycology community.

Note: Much of the information about specific strain lineages comes from online forums and cultivator communities, which may not always be scientifically verified. Due to the legal status of Psilocybin containing mushrooms, much of the information regarding breeding, and genetic lineage is not well documented in scientific publications.

Cultivation Techniques

Cultivating B+ mushrooms requires attention to environmental conditions to maximize yield and potency. Here are some key factors:

• Substrate: B+ thrives in a variety of substrates, including brown rice flour, vermiculite, and manure-based compost.
• Humidity & Temperature: Maintaining humidity levels around 90% and temperatures between 75-80°F (24-27°C) ensures optimal growth.
• Lighting: Indirect natural or artificial light helps trigger the fruiting process.
• Spore Printing & Cloning: Selective cloning and spore printing have helped improve the potency and characteristics of B+ over time.

Conclusion

B+ mushrooms are a staple in the Psilocybe cubensis cultivation community due to their high yield, adaptability, and enjoyable effects. As one of the foundational strains from which many others are derived, B+ continues to play a crucial role in the development and evolution of cultivated mushrooms.

Read more:

• Jack Frost Mushrooms: Origins, Potency, and Experiences
• The Fascinating World of Hillbilly Mushrooms: A Deep Dive
• The Enigmatic Bluey Vuitton Mushroom Strain Review  
• Magic Mushroom Grow Kits and the Joy of Cultivating Your Own Fungi