The B+ strain of Psilocybe cubensis is one of the most popular and widely cultivated magic mushrooms in the world. Known for its large fruiting bodies, resilience, and ease of cultivation, B+ has been a staple in the spore trade for decades.

Despite its widespread availability, the true origins of the B+ strain remain somewhat mysterious. Stories have circulated in the mycology community for years, and while some details are clear, others are still debated. This article explores the history, characteristics, potency, cultivation techniques, and legacy of B+ in the magic mushroom community.

The Mysterious Origins of the B+ Strain

The first appearance of B+ spores in the commercial market is often linked to a mysterious figure known as Mr. G. The strain gained popularity in the early 2000s through vendors like Ralphsters Spores and Hawkeye, both of whom played significant roles in distributing B+ spores to growers worldwide.

John Allen’s Account of the B+ Strain

John Allen, also known as MJ Shroomer, was one of the first mycologists to discuss the origins of B+. On March 20, 2004, he shared his recollection of its introduction to the market:

“Mr. G B+ strain originated from JLF as, Angry Shroom mentioned as an azurescens hybrid.

Steven Peele from the Florida Mycology Research Center bought a similar print from JLF who sold it as a B+ but Peele called it Psilocybe cyanescens variation astoriopsis, but that one turned out to be an azurescens. The one that Mr. G obtained was the cubensis B+.

Mr. G disappeared after the PF bust, and I found that very interesting.

Mr. G is another vendor who talked in the third person as if Mr. G was a separate entity from the Mr. G responding to mail.

He referred to himself as Master Grower, but as if the Master Grower was a different person than Mr. G…”

— MJ Shroomer (John Allen), 2004

The claim that B+ was a cross between P. cubensis and P. azurescens has never been scientifically validated. While hybridization between species is possible, a stable interspecies cross between these two has never been successfully achieved.

B+ Mushroom Characteristics

B+ mushrooms are well-known for their large fruiting bodies and adaptability, making them an excellent choice for beginner and commercial growers alike.

Physical Features

• Cap Color: Golden to caramel-brown, sometimes darker near the center.
• Stem Structure: Typically hollow or semi-hollow, often larger than other cubensis strains.
• Spore Production: Heavy spore depositor, making it easy for growers to collect prints.
• Growth Cycle: Similar to Golden Teacher or standard Gold Caps, with moderate colonization speed.

Common Growth Issues:

• Fuzzy Mycelium (“Top Hats”) – B+ often develops a white fuzzy mycelium at the base of the cap, a harmless but common characteristic.
• Elongated Stems – This can be due to high humidity or excessive CO₂ buildup during fruiting.

Potency and Effects

The potency of B+ mushrooms is often considered moderate, similar to Golden Teacher, but not as strong as Penis Envy strains. The alkaloid profile of B+ remains partially studied, but anecdotal reports suggest:

• Mild to moderate visuals
• Euphoria and mood enhancement
• Slightly longer trip duration than some other cubensis strains

Compared to strains like Penis Envy or Tidal Wave, B+ is not known for extreme potency but is still a solid choice for both beginners and experienced users.

Cultivation Techniques for B+ Mushrooms

B+ mushrooms thrive in a variety of growing conditions, making them one of the most forgiving strains for cultivators.

Substrate and Growth Conditions

• Best Substrate: Brown rice flour (BRF), coir, vermiculite, or manure-based mixes.
• Colonization Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C).
• Fruiting Conditions:
  • Temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C).
  • Humidity: 85–95%.
  • Fresh Air Exchange (FAE): Moderate to high.

The “Sealed Bag Tek” Method for B+

One popular method for cultivating B+ is the Sealed Bag Tek, which involves:

1. Using a 2:1 ratio of substrate to grain spawn (e.g., 2 lbs of substrate and 1 lb of grain).
2. Sealing the bag and allowing full colonization before introducing fresh air exchange.
3. Maintaining high humidity to ensure large fruiting bodies.

This method helps accelerate colonization while reducing contamination risks.

B+ and Its Connection to Other Strains

The Link Between B+ and Tidal Wave

Did you know that Tidal Wave, one of the most well-known cubensis hybrids, was created by crossing B+ with Penis Envy?

• Doma (founder of MagicMyco) sourced the original spores from Hawkeye, an early-stage spore vendor.
• Tidal Wave tends to mutate and is considered genetically unstable, producing a mix of traditional cubensis and Penis Envy-like characteristics.

B+ vs. Golden Teacher: Which is Better?

While both strains are great for beginners, Golden Teacher is often preferred by commercial growers due to its denser stems and slightly higher potency.

What Are Gold Caps, and How Do They Compare?

The term “Gold Caps” is often used interchangeably to describe any Psilocybe cubensis strain with a golden-brown cap. This includes:

• Golden Teacher
• B+
• Amazonian
• Thai Koh Samui

Each strain has slightly different growth characteristics, but they all belong to the same species (P. cubensis).

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of B+ Mushrooms

B+ has solidified its place as one of the most recognizable and widely grown cubensis strains. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grower, B+ offers:

• Easy cultivation and adaptability
• Large fruiting bodies with high spore production
• Moderate potency, making it approachable for most users

While the true origin of B+ remains uncertain, its impact on the mycology community is undeniable. From its early days with vendors like Ralphsters Spores and Hawkeye to its connection with Tidal Wave genetics, B+ continues to be a staple in the world of psychedelic fungi.

For those looking for a reliable, beginner-friendly strain with strong yields, B+ remains an excellent choice.