California Liquid Cultures – FAQ & Policies

Do you ship Research Liquid Cultures to all 50 states?

At California Liquid Cultures, we value compliance and responsibility. Please note that we do not sell or ship research cultures to addresses in Florida, Georgia, or Idaho. This policy is in place because state-specific regulations restrict or prohibit the sale and possession of certain research materials in those locations. By honoring these rules, we ensure that our business practices remain fully compliant with applicable laws while protecting both our customers and our company.

 We cannot provide guidance or answer questions about the cultivation of research cultures. All of our products are sold strictly for microscopy and research purposes only. Please note that any mention of cultivation—whether in emails, order notes, or other communications—will result in the cancellation of your order, a full refund of payment, and a permanent ban on future purchases. This policy is essential for us to remain compliant with the law and to continue offering our services responsibly.

What are your liquid culture syringes made of?

Each syringe contains small fragments of living, early-stage mushroom mycelium. This mycelium is suspended in our custom nutrient broth, which keeps it healthy and viable. The culture fragments are fine enough to pass smoothly through a sterile needle and into your chosen research medium.

What ingredients are in your nutrient solution?

Our nutrient mix is prepared using all-natural, food-grade materials, including organic cane sugar, light malt extract, non-GMO peptones, and distilled water. This balanced recipe provides the nutrition mycelium needs to remain active and stable.

How much liquid culture should I use?

For most research applications, we recommend introducing about 5cc (5 mL) into your chosen medium. Using more than this can create excess moisture and increase the chance of rot or mold, while using too little may not provide sufficient material for clear results.

Can I request a strain that isn’t listed?

Yes! We welcome suggestions for new cultures. If there’s a strain you’d like to see available, please email us at support@californialiquidcultures.com and we’ll be happy to review your request.

What if I need a refund or replacement?

We want you to be satisfied with your order. Refunds are available if there are problems, though we encourage replacements whenever possible. If you experience an issue with your culture, reach out to us at support@californialiquidcultures.com so we can help.

Do you ship to every state?

We do not sell or ship research cultures to Florida, Georgia, or Idaho due to state-specific regulations. These rules are in place to comply with local laws and protect both our customers and our company. All other products are available to ship nationwide.

How will I know when my order ships?

Once your order has been processed, you’ll receive an email with tracking details. Please ensure your email address is entered correctly at checkout. Orders generally ship within 1 business day via USPS Priority Mail.

Shipping details

All shipments are handled exclusively through USPS Priority Mail. Delivery times may be affected by holidays or extreme weather, but we’ll work with you to resolve any unexpected delays.

Will the package be discreet?

Absolutely. Orders are sent in standard USPS Priority Mail boxes with no mention of mushrooms, spores, or cultures on the exterior packaging.

How should cultures be stored?

Cultures are best used while fresh but can remain viable for several months when kept refrigerated. Do not freeze liquid cultures, as freezing damages viability.

What if I didn’t refrigerate them right away?

Cultures do best in the fridge, but short periods at room temperature are usually fine. Growth rates may slow if they’ve been left out for more than a week. As long as they were not frozen or exposed to extreme heat, they should still be usable.

I inoculated grain but don’t see growth yet. What now?

Growth speed varies depending on the species and conditions. Fast colonizers like oyster mushrooms often show activity within 1–2 days, while slower strains (e.g., Lion’s Mane or Wine Caps) may take a week or more. Delays can result from factors like substrate moisture, inoculation rate, or culture age.

If no growth or contamination appears within two weeks, please contact us for a replacement. Patience is often the key — as long as your grain remains clean, healthy growth usually follows.

📧 Contact us: support@californialiquidcultures.com