For the majority of mushroom species, all that is needed to initiate fruiting (or begin the growth cycle) is a change in environmental conditions -- specifically humidity, light, temperature, and changes to oxygen and CO2 levels.

For best results:

We recommend growing your lion’s mane block in a fruiting chamber (like a monotub or martha tent) as a controlled environment will decrease the risk of contamination and increase the chances of success. 

Creating optimal conditions:

The environmental parameters for lion’s mane can be found on this page under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 guide" and on page 9 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.

Preparing your block:

Tightly fold excess plastic back and place the block face up.

How to initiate fruiting:

• Making small holes in the plastic encourages even growth which can be harvested easily and cleanly. We recommend cutting 3-4 small X’s on one plane of the bag.
• Lion’s mane can be top or side fruited depending on preference; side fruiting can encourage elongated spines.

Special considerations:

• Lion’s mane is prone to fruiting within the bag before being exposed to air; we do not recommend cutting holes where these fruits have begun to form.
• Avoid direct moisture (during pinning and fruitbody phases) and excess humidity (during fruitbody phase) to prevent rot. 

Harvesting your mushrooms:

Mushrooms should be harvested after teeth have formed but before they elongate. Good shelf life; will begin to yellow as they dry out.

Growing different blocks together:

With some compromise, many different species of mushrooms can be grown together in a fruiting chamber. First, consider the temperature range of the mushrooms you desire to grow, and second, the CO2 sensitivity. Humidity ranges overlap for the majority of species. We encourage you to experiment with many different groupings!

Troubleshooting:

Having issues with unusual growth, stunted growth, or no growth at all? Refer to pages 16-18 of our fruiting block instruction booklet.

• Primordia -  The earliest recognizable stage of fruitbody development. Also known as “baby mushrooms” or “mushroom pins.”
• Fruitbody - A fully grown mushroom, the reproductive structure of the organism in which the spores are produced.
• CO2 sensitivity - When CO2 levels are too high, yields will decrease, stems will become long and stringy, caps will be small, and/or growth will halt.

If you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your block for up to 6 months.

"5 of the Best Lion's Mane Mushroom Recipes"

Its unique flavor and consistency make it ideal as a seafood substitute in recipes. We like to slice it into rounds and pan-fry it in olive oil or butter. We also recommend ripping it up and making vegan or vegetarian crab cakes with it. You can find some amazing recipes online!

If you’re going to consume home-grown mushrooms, make sure to cook your fresh mushrooms thoroughly with heat. If it is your first time eating this species, it is best to start with a small amount to check for allergies, even if cooked.

Mushrooms grow spores as they develop. This is a natural means of reproduction. This is when people with allergies or compromised immune systems may want to consider putting fruiting mushroom kits outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Spores in mushrooms sometimes cause respiratory irritation. In rare cases, spores may also cause irritation for some non-allergic or non-immunocompromised mushroom growers. If you are one of them, it is recommended to reduce the overall spore load by harvesting mushrooms while they are still in their younger growth stages.

Fruiting Block FAQs