The Lion’s Mane mushroom, or Hericium erinaceus, is an intriguing fungus known for its cascading, shaggy appearance that resembles a white pom-pom. This edible species has surged in popularity due to its delicate, seafood-like flavor and reported cognitive benefits. For anyone considering home cultivation, understanding the time commitment is the first step, as growing this unique fungus involves two distinct phases of biological development.
Overall Time Frame for Lion’s Mane Cultivation
The total time required to grow Lion’s Mane from inoculation to harvest typically falls within a range of four to twelve weeks, depending heavily on the starting point and method. Starting with a pre-colonized, ready-to-fruit block reduces the timeline to as little as two to three weeks until the first harvest. If cultivation begins from scratch using liquid culture or grain spawn to inoculate a substrate, the full cycle averages between six and eight weeks when using sterilized sawdust blocks indoors. Outdoor log cultivation represents the slowest method, potentially taking up to two years before the first flush of mushrooms appears.
Phase 1: Substrate Colonization
Substrate colonization is the initial, internal growth phase where the mycelium spreads throughout its nutrient source. This is often the longest and most variable stage, typically requiring two to four weeks for full completion. During this period, the mycelium consumes the substrate’s nutrients, forming a dense, white network that is the foundation for later fruiting.
The type of growing medium significantly influences the speed of colonization. A supplemented hardwood sawdust block is the preferred substrate for indoor cultivation, taking about two to three weeks to fully colonize. Maintaining a consistent incubation temperature, ideally between 70 and 75°F (21–24°C), promotes vigorous mycelial growth.
Phase 2: Fruiting and Full Maturation
The fruiting phase begins after the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate and environmental conditions are changed to trigger growth. This stage, which includes the appearance of pinheads (primordia) and full maturation, is notably faster than colonization, usually taking between one and two weeks. The transition from pinhead to a harvest-ready mushroom can occur in as little as five to ten days.
The visual progression provides the best guide for timing the harvest. Pinheads first appear as small, white knobs, quickly developing into the recognizable shaggy form. The ideal time to harvest is when the characteristic spines have fully elongated but remain short and bright white, typically measuring between one-quarter and one-half inch. If the spines begin to turn yellow or brown, the mushroom is past its prime.
How Environmental Controls Impact Growth Speed
Specific adjustments to the growing environment are necessary to transition the fungus from the colonization phase to the fruiting phase. Temperature is a primary control; the ideal range for colonization (70–75°F) is slightly higher than the optimal range for fruiting (60–70°F). A drop in temperature signals the mycelium to start forming pinheads.
High relative humidity levels, ideally 85–95%, are necessary during fruiting to prevent the developing mushrooms from drying out; insufficient humidity can cause growth to stall or result in dry, cracked fruiting bodies. Fresh air exchange (FAE) is critical during this phase, as inadequate airflow allows carbon dioxide to build up, causing growth deformities and slowing maturation. Increasing fresh air ensures the Lion’s Mane develops its characteristic cascading spines.