Grow kit instructions
Lion's Mane Mushroom Grow Kit
Hericium erinaceus
A striking white pom-pom of a mushroom with a delicate, lobster-like flavour. It takes its time compared with oyster mushrooms — around 14 to 21 days to your first harvest — and rewards the wait with one big clump of cascading white spines.
- Net weight
- 1.8 kg
- First harvest
- 14-21 days
- Ideal temperature
- 18-24°C
- Harvests per kit
- 2-3 flushes
- First flush
- up to 250g+
Setup: how to start growing
Five minutes of work, then it is just misting and waiting.
Step 1: Open the box
Cut along the dotted line on the box.
Tip: use scissors for a clean opening.
Step 2: Create the growing zone
Cut a 3cm cross (X) on the front of the bag. Do not fold back the corners.
If a pin has already formed inside the bag, cut your X directly over it.
Important: do NOT remove the plastic wrap. It is what keeps the block from drying out.
Step 3: Find the right spot
Place the kit in a room with indirect light.
- Avoid direct sunlight — it dries out the block.
- Ideal spots: a kitchen counter, a bathroom shelf, or near a window with filtered light.
Step 4: Mist regularly
Spray water around the mushrooms — not directly on them — every 2-3 hours during the day.
- Aim for 3-7 sprays per day to keep humidity high.
- A bathroom, or a spot near a humidifier, works great for maintaining moisture.
Harvest: when and how to pick
Pick once the spines are at full length and the cluster has stopped growing.
Step 5: Check for readiness
Lion's Mane mushrooms are ready when:
- They have a fully formed, white, fluffy appearance.
- The spines (the dangling teeth) are clearly visible and at their longest length.
- Size has stopped increasing noticeably.
Step 6: Harvest technique
Use your hands to gently twist and pull the entire mushroom clump off the grow block.
Be careful not to damage the block surface — you will need it for the next flush.
Step 7: Storage tips
Store fresh Lion's Mane in a paper bag (not plastic) in the fridge for up to 7 days.
For longer storage, slice and dehydrate, or sauté and freeze in portions.
Post-harvest routine
What you do after picking decides how big the next flush is.
Step 8: Resting period1-2 weeks
After harvesting, let the block rest for 1-2 weeks.
- Keep the plastic wrap on.
- Do NOT water during the resting period.
- The mycelium needs this time to recover.
Step 9: Rehydration (optional)8-12 hours
After resting, soak the block in cold water for 8-12 hours to rehydrate it.
Drain all the water, then return the block to its growing spot and resume misting.
Next flushes: keep growing
Each kit has more than one harvest in it.
Step 10: Subsequent flushes
New mushrooms usually sprout near the site of the previous harvest.
Expect 2-3 flushes in total from each kit, and each flush typically produces a smaller harvest than the one before.
Avoid these mistakes
- Never remove the plastic wrap — it dries the block out.
- Do not spray directly on the mushrooms — they will rot.
- Avoid cold drafts, dry air and heating vents.
What to expect
A typical Lion's Mane kit, day by day. Warmer rooms run faster, cooler rooms slower.
- 1Days 1-5
Activating
Nothing visible — the mycelium is activating.
- 2Days 5-10
First pins
Small white bumps (pins) start to appear.
- 3Days 10-18
Rapid growth
Rapid growth — the mushrooms take shape.
- 4Days 14-21
Harvest
Harvest time — full spines, white colour.
Expected yield
Yields vary with room conditions, so treat these as a guide rather than a guarantee.
1st flush
up to 250g+
largest harvest
2nd flush
50-60% of first
medium harvest
3rd flush
Smaller harvest
if conditions are good
Cooking tip
Lion's Mane has a delicate lobster-like flavour.
Tear into pieces and sauté in butter for 4-5 minutes until golden. Season with salt, garlic and thyme.
Troubleshooting
Most problems come down to humidity or fresh air. Start here before getting in touch.
- Yellowing mushrooms?
- Increase misting — humidity is too low.
- No pins after 14 days?
- Move it to a slightly cooler spot (15-20°C).
- Pink or green mould?
- Stop misting that area and contact us for help.
- Mushrooms are tiny?
- More light and fresh air may be needed.
- Block seems dry?
- Soak it for 8-12 hours, then resume normal care.
Did you know?
Brain booster
Lion's Mane contains compounds (hericenones and erinacines) that may support nerve growth factor (NGF) production, linked to improved memory and focus.
Lobster of the forest
When seared in butter, Lion's Mane has a delicate, seafood-like flavour and meaty texture — a favourite of gourmet chefs worldwide.
Ancient medicine
Used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries to support digestive health, immunity and cognitive function.
100% natural
Our grow kits use sustainably sourced hardwood substrate with no chemicals, pesticides or artificial additives.
Safety and storage
Safety information
- Cook thoroughly before eating. Do not eat raw.
- Mushroom spores may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Harvest before the caps flatten and ventilate the room.
- Do not consume if you see green, black or pink mould, or if there is a sour or unpleasant smell.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Wash hands after handling the substrate.
- Not suitable for anyone with a mushroom allergy.
Storage before you start
- Living product. Start within 4 weeks of delivery.
- To delay, refrigerate (2-5°C) for up to 2 months.
- Do not freeze. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Net weight: 1.8 kg · Hericium erinaceus
Still need help?
Please contact us before leaving a review — we are always happy to help you get a harvest out of your kit.