- Temperature
- 18–24°C (64–75°F) is comfortable for most of the grow
- Humidity
- 85–95% during pinning and fruiting
- Fresh air
- Moderate — daily fanning helps prevent misshapen, coral-like growth
- Growth speed
- Harvest-ready roughly 10–14 days after pins appear
- Harvest
- One generous first flush, often followed by a smaller second flush
Mushrooms
Lion's Mane
A cauliflower-white cascade of icicle-like spines with a taste often compared to crab or lobster. Forgiving to grow and dramatic to watch — a natural first mushroom.
Lion’s Mane doesn’t look like most people’s idea of a mushroom, and that’s part of its appeal. Instead of a cap and gills, it grows as a single rounded mass hung with soft white spines that lengthen as the mushroom matures — closer to a cascade of icicles than anything from a supermarket shelf.
It’s also one of the more forgiving species for a first grow. It tolerates a reasonably wide humidity range, doesn’t need precise light, and gives clear visual signals at every stage — which makes it easier to build confidence quickly.
Track your Lion's Mane grow
Follow each stage of your grow with timely help, practical advice, and tips for what to do next.
Lion's Mane Grow Kit
Everything you need to grow your first cascade of Lion's Mane at home, from box to harvest.
Lead time: 2-4 weeks
The growing journey
Colonizing
Your kit is quietly turning into mushroom — mostly out of sight, underneath the surface.
Usually days 1–7
Pinning
Tiny knobs of white tissue appear — the very first sign of a mushroom on the way.
Usually days 7–10
Rapid Growth
Pins swell into a full head and the spines begin to lengthen — often visibly different day to day.
Usually days 10–14
Harvest
Spines have fully extended and the cluster is ready to twist or cut free.
Usually once spines reach 1.5–2.5cm and are still white to cream
Second Flush
After a short rest, many kits produce a second, usually smaller, flush.
Usually 7–14 days after the first harvest
From growers
Real photos and notes from people growing Lion's Mane, shared from their My Grow dashboard.
Jane, London
Substrate's gone fully white and smells earthy — right on track so far.
Common problems
Related guides
How much humidity does my mushroom actually need, and how do I maintain it?
Understanding Humidity
Why humidity matters more than almost anything else in a mushroom grow, and how to keep it steady without guesswork.
Is the white fuzz on my grow kit mycelium or mould?
Reading White Fuzz
Almost every new grower asks the same question in the first week: is this white fuzz the mushroom, or a mould? Usually, it's mycelium — here's how to tell.
How do I get a second flush from my grow kit after the first harvest?
Getting a Second Flush
Your first harvest doesn't have to be your last. Here's how to give your block the best chance of a second, smaller flush.
Recipes
Frequently asked
Is white fuzz on my grow kit normal?
Yes, in almost all cases. White, cottony growth in the first two weeks is mycelium — the mushroom itself — rather than mould. Genuine mould usually shows colour (green, black, pink) rather than staying white. See the full guide on reading white fuzz for the specific signs to watch for.
How often should I mist my mushroom kit?
Most growers mist once or twice a day once pins appear, aiming the spray at the surrounding air rather than the mushroom directly. The goal is consistently moist air, not a soaked surface — see the guide on understanding humidity for a fuller routine.
Can I grow Lion's Mane indoors without special equipment?
Yes — Lion's Mane is one of the more forgiving species for an indoor windowsill or kitchen counter grow. It needs indirect natural light (not direct sun), room temperature, and a humidity bag or tent, but no grow lights or climate control are required for a first kit.