How to Grow Lion’s Mane Mushrooms at Home
Want to grow your own Lion’s Mane mushrooms at home? A Mushroom Man Lion’s Mane growing kit makes it easy to get started without having to work with mushroom spores, prepare your own substrate, or inoculate a growing block from scratch.
Our kits arrive freshly inoculated with Lion’s Mane mushroom spawn, giving you a head start on the growing process. This guide walks you through what to do when your kit arrives, how to allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate, and how to create the right conditions for your mushrooms to grow.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom known for its rounded white fruiting body and soft, hanging spines. Follow along as we take you through the process, from receiving your kit to harvesting your own fresh Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
Ready to grow your own? The Mushroom Man Lion’s Mane Mushroom Kit gives you a freshly inoculated starting point, with growing guidance to help you along the way. Explore the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Kit.
First, understand the two stages
There are two main stages to growing Lion’s Mane. During colonization, the mushroom mycelium grows through the substrate inside the kit. Once the substrate is fully colonized, the kit is ready for the fruiting stage, when the mushroom itself begins to form.
The important thing is not to rush from one stage to the next. Let the mycelium finish growing through the block before you try to encourage fruiting.
Stage 1: Give the mycelium time to grow
Mushroom Man Lion’s Mane kits are shipped freshly inoculated with mushroom spawn. That means the mycelium is just getting started when your kit arrives. Rather than sending a kit that has been fully colonized and sitting in storage, we give you a fresh start and allow the mycelium to continue growing after delivery. Watch Video 1: Getting Started (see Link 1).
After your kit arrives, leave it at normal room temperature for approximately 10 days. This gives the mycelium time to spread through the substrate. Ten days is a guideline, not a timer that guarantees the block is ready. Growing conditions can affect how quickly colonization finishes, so check the kit before moving on. Watch Video 2: Checking Colonization (see Link 2).
You do not need to keep the kit in darkness during this period. Normal indoor light is fine. Just keep it out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can heat the growing block, and too much heat can stress the developing mycelium.
If you are unsure what a fully colonized kit should look like, use the Mushroom Man instructional videos for guidance. It is better to check that the block is ready than to move into fruiting too early.
Stage 2: Move into fruiting conditions
Once the substrate is fully colonized, it is time to begin the fruiting stage. Lion’s Mane generally does well with cooler fruiting temperatures than the warmer conditions used for mycelial growth. A good target to aim for is around 60–68°F (16–20°C). Different strains and growing spaces can behave a little differently, so think of this as a helpful target range rather than a guarantee.
Watch Video 3: Creating the Growing Environment (see Link 3).
Your Mushroom Man kit includes a humidity tent to help create the moist environment the developing mushroom needs. To set it up, put a plate on a level surface and place a small support, such as an upside-down plastic lid, on the plate. Set the mushroom kit on that support so it sits slightly above the water line if possible. Add water to the plate around the support, leaving as much of the water's surface exposed as you can.
Keeping the kit raised above the water is preferred, but it is not absolutely necessary. If the kit touches the water, there is no need to worry. It will simply take up some of the exposed water surface area, leaving less open water to help build humidity inside the tent. Next, place the clear humidity tent over the kit and tuck the open edge slightly underneath the plate. The small holes in the tent allow fresh air to move in and out while helping hold humidity around the mushroom. Check the water from time to time and add more if needed. Do not seal the tent closed; leave the holes open for airflow. Watch Video 4: Raising Humidity (see Link 4).
Try to choose a spot where you can keep an eye on the kit and make small adjustments if needed. Avoid placing it in direct sun or right next to a heat source.
What does Lion’s Mane look like as it grows?
The mushroom starts as a small white growth and gradually develops into the familiar rounded shape with soft spines hanging down. The size and speed of development can vary. Keep an eye on the color and texture, and follow the harvest guidance that comes with your kit.
When should you harvest?
Lion’s Mane is usually harvested while the fruiting body is still white and its spines are well developed, before it becomes noticeably discolored or overmature. Use the kit instructions as your guide, since the right timing can vary with the growing conditions and the size of the mushroom.
Watch Video 5: Harvesting Your Lion's Mane (see Link 5).
A few common questions
Does Lion’s Mane need darkness while it colonizes?
No. Normal indoor light is fine while the mycelium grows through the substrate. Keep the kit out of direct sunlight, which can heat the block.
How long does colonization take?
For Mushroom Man’s freshly inoculated kit, allow approximately 10 days at normal room temperature as a starting point. The actual time can vary, so make sure the substrate is fully colonized before beginning fruiting.
What temperature should I use for fruiting?
Aim for a cooler space around 60–68°F (16–20°C). This is a commonly recommended target for Lion’s Mane fruiting, but the response can vary by strain and setup.
Can I grow Lion’s Mane inside my home?
Yes. An indoor location can work well as long as you can provide suitable temperature, humidity, and fresh air. Pick a place that is easy to monitor and protected from direct sunlight.
One last tip
Take your time with the first stage. It can be tempting to rush ahead, but letting the mycelium finish colonizing the substrate gives your kit the proper start. If you follow the instructions and pay attention to the growing conditions, you will have a much better idea of what to expect at each step.
Explore More Mushroom Man Growing Options
Ready to try another variety? Explore the Shiitake Mushroom Kit, Giant Blue Oyster Mushroom Kit, Reishi Mushroom Kit, or Morel Outdoor Mushroom Kit.
For growers interested in expanding beyond ready-to-grow kits, Mushroom Man also offers Lion’s Mane Master Grain Spawn and Lion Mane Mushroom Plug Spawn.
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