How to Use Our Lion’s Mane Mushroom Grow-Kits

Growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms at home is an easy and rewarding process. Follow these instructions to get the best results from your Grow-Kit.

What You’ll Need To Get Started

- Lion’s Mane Grow-Kit - A razor or sharp blade - Perlite - Clean water

- Plastic storage tote - Clean Water Fine Mister - Clean surface and work station

Instructions

Prepare Your Kit

- Find a clean, suitable location for your grow kit, away from direct sunlight and drafts. Lion’s Mane mushrooms don't necessarily need light to grow, but ambient or indirect lighting is ideal to be able to see your growth and to check for any contamination, bacteria, mold or otherwise. The area should be at room temperature, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Sterilize the Grow Bag and Your Tools

- Before making any incisions, you will want to wash your hands, as well as sterilize the grow bag and any tools you will be using (such as a knife or scissors) with rubbing alcohol to reduce the risk of contamination. Gloves are highly recommended if available to reduce the possibility of contaminants.

Make an Incision

- There are two ways of cutting the bag. One is for “Top Fruiting” and the other for “Side Fruiting”. For side fruiting, using your sterilized razor, scalpel or knife, make an
X shaped cut (about 2x2 inches long) on the “back” of the bag that is opposite of the label for easier cutting. To top fruit, unfold the excess bag that has been held down with the sticker, and cut 1-2 inches off of the top of the bag to allow for the bag to be opened.

Create a Humid Environment

- Directly spraying lion’s mane causes discoloration and fosters bacterial contamination, you’ll need to create a humidity chamber. Prepare a plastic storage tote by adding a half-inch layer of perlite to the bottom. Moisten the perlite with water to create a humid environment. Place the grow kit on top of the perlite inside the tote. Ensure there are some air holes for ventilation to prevent mold growth. If you do not have perlite you can spray the sides of the tote twice daily. You will want to remove the tote lid once a day and fan mushrooms with lid to provide oxygen to the mushrooms.

Monitor and Wait

- Over the next few days, keep an eye on the tote while ensuring it is maintaining humidity and you should start to see the block start to “pin” which are baby mushroom(s) forming. Over the next 15-20 days the growth will progress until they are a healthy enough size to harvest.

Harvesting

- Once the mushroom has grown to a desirable size, it’s time to harvest. Grasp the base of the mushroom and twist gently to remove the fruit from the substrate, you can also use a sharp steralized knife to remove it. Make sure no mushroom debris is left behind, as it can mold and prevent future growth.

Second Flush

- After harvesting, allow the substrate to rest for a few days. Continue misting the tote to keep it hydrated. With proper care, you may get a second flush of mushrooms within a few weeks.

Voila! You’ve cultivated Lion’s Mane at home, and now for the hard part…eating it! We love to see pictures of the mushrooms and the meals you decide to use them in. Tag our instragram @thepacificspore to share with us!