Frequently Asked Questions - Boreal Genetics Mushroom Spawn
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need
Before You Order

We know choosing a spawn supplier is a big decision. Here’s the information commercial growers ask for most—so you can move forward with confidence.

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Common Questions

What Commercial Growers Ask

Quick answers to help you make an informed decision.

Products & Production

What type of grains do you use for spawn production?

Rye and Millet — both available for all strains.

Rye is popular for its larger kernel size and moisture retention. Millet offers faster colonization and easier break-up. Your choice depends on your substrate and growing methods.

Do you offer organic spawn?

Yes — both organic and non-organic options available.

Organic spawn uses certified organic grains for growers requiring organic certification. Specify your preference when requesting a quote.

Are your strains commercially proven?

Yes — tested through years of commercial production.

Boreal Genetics is an offshoot of Nature Lion Inc., in the mushroom business since 2020. Strains are selected for colonization speed, yield consistency, and contamination resistance. Learn more about our research →

Do you sell liquid cultures and slants?

Yes — liquid cultures and culture slants available.

For growers who produce spawn in-house. Request our full catalogue →

Do you sell pre-sterilized, uninoculated grain?

Yes — must be used promptly after delivery.

Mycelium needs to colonize the grain before competing organisms establish themselves. Contact us to discuss →

Do you sell substrate?

No — we specialize in spawn and cultures only.

Substrate is best sourced locally due to shipping costs. Your local feed mill or lumber mill typically offers the lowest prices.

What substrates are compatible with your spawn?

All standard commercial substrates.

We provide strain-specific growing parameters with each order.

Hardwood sawdust Straw Masters mix Cottonseed hulls Soy hulls

Orders & Lead Times

How do I place an order?

Request a quote — we respond within 24 hours.

Submit through our contact page or call 647-449-7396. We’ll discuss requirements, confirm availability, provide pricing, then schedule production.

What is the lead time for spawn orders?

15–20 business days, plus shipping.

We produce spawn fresh to order—not sitting on a shelf. For recurring needs, we can schedule production to align with your grow cycles.

Can we set up recurring orders?

Yes — weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedules available.

Many commercial customers operate on scheduled programs. We coordinate production to ensure fresh spawn arrives when you need it. Contact us to set up a schedule →

Shipping & Storage

Where does spawn ship from?

Brantford, Ontario, Canada.

Canadian-based means no border delays, no customs fees, and no risk of spawn sitting in uncontrolled temperatures during transit.

What shipping options are available?

Same/next-day in Ontario. 4–5 days rest of Canada.

Overnight shipping available at additional cost. All spawn ships in insulated packaging to maintain viability.

How long can spawn be stored?

4–6 weeks room temp. Up to 12 weeks refrigerated.

Fresh spawn always outperforms stored spawn. Use as soon as possible for optimal results. Contact us to plan a delivery schedule →

Quality & Support

What is your contamination policy?

We stand behind our spawn.

All production takes place in our cleanroom under strict sterile protocols. If you receive contaminated spawn, contact us with photos and batch info—we’ll resolve it promptly.

Ready to Get Started?

Get in touch and a member of our team will respond within 24 hours.

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