Lion’s Mane mushrooms grow best in a humid location with indirect light and regular fresh air. Your kit is already colonized and ready to begin fruiting.

Before You Begin

Choose a location with:

• Indirect natural light
• Good fresh-air circulation
• Temperatures between 60°F and 70°F
• No direct sunlight
• No strong fans, heaters, or air-conditioning vents

Lion’s Mane can grow outside this range, but moderate, cooler temperatures usually produce better texture and development.

Step 1: Open the Grow Window

Locate the marked grow area on the box.

Cut an X-shaped opening through the plastic grow bag behind the window. Each cut should be approximately 2 to 3 inches long.

Leave the substrate block inside the bag. Do not remove all of the plastic because the bag helps the block retain moisture.

Step 2: Mist the Opening

Mist the cut opening with clean water 2 to 3 times per day.

The exposed surface should remain lightly moist but not dripping wet. Avoid allowing water to pool inside the box.

Use a fine-mist spray bottle rather than a heavy stream.

Step 3: Provide Light and Fresh Air

Place the kit near a window or in a room with indirect light.

Lion’s Mane does not need direct sunlight, but it does need some light to develop normally.

Fresh air is also important. Do not keep the kit inside a sealed tote, closed cabinet, or poorly ventilated room.

Step 4: Watch for Early Growth

Small white formations may begin appearing around the opening within approximately 5 to 14 days.

Early Lion’s Mane growth can look like:

• White bumps
• Coral-like branching
• Small dense clusters

As the mushroom matures, it should develop soft hanging teeth or spines.

Continue misting around the opening. Avoid spraying the developing mushroom heavily at close range.

Step 5: Harvest

Harvest Lion’s Mane when:

• The mushroom has developed visible hanging teeth
• The teeth are approximately ¼ to ½ inch long
• The mushroom remains white or cream-colored
• The surface feels firm and fresh

Do not wait until the mushroom becomes heavily yellow, brown, dry, or soft.

Use a clean knife to cut the entire cluster close to the substrate. You may also gently twist the cluster away from the block while supporting its base.

Growing a Second Flush

After harvesting:

1. Remove loose mushroom material from the opening.
2. Allow the block to rest for several days.
3. Resume misting the cut area 2 to 3 times per day.
4. Keep the kit in the same location.

A second flush may appear within approximately 1 to 3 weeks. Later flushes are commonly smaller than the first.

Troubleshooting

The mushroom looks coral-like instead of round

This often means the mushroom needs more fresh air. Move the kit to a more open location.

The mushroom is yellowing

Mild cream or pale yellow coloring can occur as Lion’s Mane matures. Heavy yellowing may indicate dryness, excessive heat, age, or direct sunlight.

The mushroom looks dry or has stopped growing

Increase misting slightly and move the kit away from fans, heaters, vents, or direct sunlight.

The mushroom is growing underneath the plastic

Light may be reaching another area of the block. Keep the remaining bag closed and direct light toward the intended grow opening.

The block has yellow liquid

Small amounts of yellow or amber liquid can be normal mushroom metabolites. A foul smell, slimy texture, or spreading green mold may indicate contamination.

Storage Before Starting

For best results, begin fruiting soon after receiving the kit.

For a short delay, store the unopened kit in a cool location or refrigerator. Do not freeze it.

Cooking and Storage

Lion’s Mane should be cooked before eating.

After harvesting:

• Store it in a paper bag or loosely covered container
• Keep it refrigerated
• Use it within several days for the best texture