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intermediateboth
Lion's Mane
Hericium erinaceus
Brain-boosting functional mushroom with unique appearance. Needs high FAE and NO direct misting.
Growing Timeline
Total time from inoculation to harvest: approximately 39 days
Growth Phases
1
Inoculation
Typically 1-1 days
Temp: 21-24°C
Humidity: 60-70%
Tasks
- Prepare hardwood substrate
- Inoculate with spawn
- Seal container
Tips
- Prefers hardwood
- Toothy mycelium is normal
2
Colonization
Typically 14-21 days
Temp: 21-24°C
Humidity: 60-70%
Tasks
- Store in dark location
- Check for contamination daily
Tips
- Toothy/spiny mycelium is characteristic
- May try to fruit early - wait
3
Fruiting
Typically 10-14 days
Temp: 16-21°C
Humidity: 85-95%
Tasks
- Cut small hole in bag
- DO NOT mist directly
- Maximize FAE
- Mist walls only
Tips
- Direct misting causes browning
- Needs more FAE than any other mushroom
4
Harvest
Typically 1-3 days
Temp: 16-21°C
Humidity: 85-95%
Tasks
- Harvest when teeth elongate
- Cut at base of fruiting body
Tips
- Teeth should be 1/4 inch or longer
- Browning edges = past prime
Common Issues
- Browning (direct misting or low FAE)
- Yellow color (too warm)
- Small fruits (early harvest)
Growing Tips
- NEVER mist directly - mist walls only
- Needs maximum fresh air exchange
- Neuroprotective compounds in teeth