How to Grow Lion’s Mane Mushrooms in 5 Easy Steps

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a fascinating, unique type of fungi that are not only good for cooking but also offer impressive cognitive and health benefits. 

Whether you’re looking to add a delicious mushroom to your meals or want to reap its brain-boosting benefits, learning how to grow Lion’s Mane at home is an easy and rewarding project.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 5 easy steps to grow Lion’s Mane mushrooms, from gathering your supplies to harvesting the mushrooms. Even beginners can get started with these easy-to-follow instructions.

• Lion's Mane mushrooms are easy to grow at home, making them ideal for beginners.

• They offer numerous benefits, including brain health, memory support, and culinary versatility.

• With just five simple steps, you can cultivate fresh, delicious Lion’s Mane mushrooms in no time.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are prized for their unique lobed, shaggy appearance and powerful health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, and nerve-supporting compounds like hericenones and erinacines, making them a top choice for promoting brain health, memory, and focus.

These mushrooms are also valued for their versatility in the kitchen, with a delicate, seafood-like flavor that works well in soups, stir-fries, or as a meat substitute. Growing Lion’s Mane at home ensures you get a fresh, organic supply while saving money compared to store-bought varieties.

For anyone interested in functional foods, Lion’s Mane offers both culinary enjoyment and wellness support, making it a perfect choice for beginner growers.

Ready to learn how to grow Lion’s Mane at home? Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to start cultivating your own fresh, nutrient-packed mushrooms today!

Before you start growing, it’s important to gather all the materials you’ll need.

• Lion’s Mane mushroom spawn – This is the mycelium (mushroom “root”) that will grow into fruiting mushrooms. You can purchase it online or from local suppliers.

• Growing medium (substrate) – The best medium for Lion’s Mane is hardwood sawdust, but you can also use wood chips or logs. You can either prepare your own or buy pre-made substrates.

• A container – Depending on the method, you can use plastic bags, growing trays, or specialized mushroom growing boxes. You’ll need something to hold the substrate and spawn.

• Water – Keep your growing medium moist, but not too wet.

• A warm, dark place – Lion’s Mane needs a stable, warm temperature of around 65°F-75°F (18°C-24°C) for the incubation phase.

• A humid environment – After the mushrooms start growing, they require high humidity to fruit successfully.

• Humidity tent or plastic wrap – To help create the humid environment.

• Spray bottle – To mist the substrate and maintain moisture.

• Thermometer and hygrometer – To monitor temperature and humidity levels.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms thrive on hardwood sawdust, oak, or beech logs, but you can also use wood chips or a pre-made substrate.

1. Sterilize the medium – The substrate must be free of contaminants. Sterilizing is typically done by boiling or pressure cooking the wood chips or sawdust. For a large batch, use a pressure cooker or autoclave to heat it to about 160°F (71°C) for an hour to kill any unwanted bacteria or fungi.

2. Cool the substrate – After sterilization, let it cool to room temperature. You don’t want to add the spawn to hot or warm substrate as it could kill the mycelium.

3. Mix in the mushroom spawn – Once the substrate has cooled, mix in the Lion’s Mane mushroom spawn. The ratio of spawn to substrate is typically 5-10%, depending on the type of spawn you are using. Stir the spawn thoroughly through the medium.

The next crucial step is the incubation phase, where the mycelium begins to colonize the substrate.

1. Seal the substrate – Place the mixture into a container, such as a plastic bag, or a growing box. If using a plastic bag, leave a small hole for gas exchange, or poke several tiny holes in the plastic to allow the mycelium to breathe.

2. Store in a warm, dark location – Place the container in a warm spot with temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). A closet or cupboard works well.

3. Wait for colonization – During this incubation period, the mycelium will spread throughout the substrate, turning it white and fluffy. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks , depending on the temperature and the moisture of the substrate. Check every few days to ensure there’s no mold growing, and that the substrate is not drying out.

Once the mycelium has completely colonized the substrate, it’s time to trigger the fruiting process.

1. Move to a cool, humid area – Once your substrate is fully colonized, move it to a location with high humidity and indirect light . You can either place it in a humidity tent or create a small fruiting chamber using a clear plastic bag. Aim for 85%-90% humidity and temperatures between 60°F and 65°F (16°C to 18°C).

2. Provide indirect light – Lion’s Mane mushrooms don’t need direct sunlight but will benefit from low, indirect light to trigger fruiting. Place the substrate in a spot where it gets natural light, such as near a window, or use artificial lighting with low intensity.

3. Maintain high humidity – Lion’s Mane mushrooms need a very moist environment. You can use a humidifier or misting spray bottle to keep the humidity levels up. Keep the growing area damp, but not soaking wet, to avoid waterlogging the substrate.

After the fruiting phase, your Lion’s Mane mushrooms will grow rapidly. They will begin to appear in small clusters.

1. Mushrooms are fully developed – Lion’s Mane mushrooms grow in a unique, shaggy appearance. The mushroom is ready to be harvested when the spines (the "teeth") are long and white but haven’t turned yellow or brown. If you wait too long, the mushrooms may start to yellow or release spores.

2. Gently harvest the mushrooms – When the mushrooms are mature, gently twist or cut them off at the base. Avoid damaging the substrate or the remaining mycelium so it can produce additional mushrooms.

Here are some extra tips to ensure your Lion’s Mane growing experience is a success:

• Control the environment – Regularly monitor and adjust the temperature and humidity to suit the growth stage.

• Fresh air exchange – Make sure there is proper air circulation, especially during the fruiting stage. Lack of oxygen can lead to poor mushroom growth.

• Maintain cleanliness – Keep your workspace clean to avoid contamination from bacteria or mold.

• Harvest promptly – Don’t wait too long to harvest the mushrooms, as over-ripening can result in poor flavor and texture.

• Re-use the substrate – After harvesting, you can reuse the substrate for a second or even third round of mushrooms if it hasn’t been overused.

Proper storage preserves the freshness and quality of your Lion’s Mane mushrooms. Here’s how to store them effectively:

• Refrigeration: Place fresh Lion’s Mane in a paper bag and store it in the refrigerator. They typically last up to 7-10 days. Avoid plastic bags to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause spoilage.

• Freezing: For longer storage, clean and slice the mushrooms, then freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags. They’ll retain their texture and flavor for several months.

• Drying: Use a dehydrator or air-dry the mushrooms until completely dry. Store them in a sealed container in a cool, dark place. Rehydrate by soaking in water before use.

Storing your harvest correctly ensures you can enjoy Lion’s Mane for weeks or even months after harvesting

Growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms at home is easier than it seems. With these 5 easy steps, you can successfully cultivate your own mushrooms and enjoy their delicious taste and health benefits. 

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, learning how to grow Lion’s Mane is a fun and rewarding project.

By following these steps and maintaining the right environment, you’ll be able to harvest fresh, homegrown mushrooms in no time. Start your own mushroom-growing adventure today!

Yes, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are beginner-friendly and easy to grow at home. With the right conditions, such as proper humidity, temperature, and a suitable growing medium, they thrive with minimal effort.

To grow Lion's Mane in buckets:

1. Sterilize the bucket and fill it with a hardwood sawdust substrate.

2. Mix in Lion’s Mane mushroom spawn.

3. Drill small holes in the bucket for airflow and fruiting.

4. Place it in a humid, warm environment for incubation.

Yes, growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms is completely legal in most places, as they are a culinary and medicinal mushroom, not a psychoactive species.

The downside of Lion’s Mane is its fragility —it bruises easily, making it tricky to handle and store. Some people might also experience mild side effects, such as stomach upset or allergic reactions.

Both have unique benefits. Ashwagandha is better for stress reduction and hormone balance, while Lion’s Mane is excellent for cognitive health , memory, and nerve regeneration. They can complement each other when taken together.