How to grow lion's mane mushrooms at home

Lion's mane grows into a shaggy white pom-pom. From an already-colonized kit, cut a small opening, mist two to three times a day (it loves humidity more than oysters do), and keep it out of direct sun. White pom-poms form in 7–10 days and are ready to harvest in about 12–16 days, when the icicle spines are ½–¾ inch long and still bright white.

What you need

• A colonized lion's mane grow kit
• A spray bottle of clean water
• A spot out of direct sun, ideally humid

Step by step

1. 01Open and cut the bagCut a small X — smaller than you would for oysters — in the bag. Set it out of direct sun. Lion's mane fruits best with high humidity, so keep the area damp.
2. 02Mist two to three times a dayMist a touch more than you would oysters. The first white pom-poms show in 7–10 days.
3. 03Let the spines growAs the pom-pom develops, cascading icicle-like spines form on the underside. Keep it humid and out of direct light.
4. 04Harvest at the right momentHarvest when the spines are ½–¾ inch long and still bright white — before they yellow. Twist off the whole cluster and cut away any substrate before cooking. Sear it like a scallop.
5. 05Watch for a second flushKeep misting after harvest. Lion's mane usually gives two good flushes.

Common questions