Lion's Mane Mushroom Kit
Hericium erinaceus | Beginner–Intermediate | 5 lb. block
Lion's Mane is the most visually striking mushroom you can grow at home. No cap, no gills — just a dense white globe covered in cascading spines that grow longer each day. It takes patience (10–14 days before you see pins), but once it starts, the growth is genuinely impressive. Mild in flavor, firm in texture, and unlike anything at the grocery store. Every block is guaranteed to fruit.
September #GrowAlong
Each month we choose one species of mushroom block to start together on an Instagram Live. This month, we'll start our Lion's Mane Grow Kits together on Monday, September 14th, at 6pm. Grow with a friend - order two or more Lion's Mane Grow Kits and use the coupon code GROWALONG for $3/off per block.
Specs
Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate
Yield: 1–1.5 lbs on first flush
First pins: 10–14 days
Temperature: 60–70°F
Flushes: 2–3 with continued misting
Flavor & culinary use
Mild, slightly sweet flavor with a meaty, fibrous texture that holds up well in a hot pan. Lion's Mane is a favorite substitute for crab or lobster — slice it thick, sear in butter until golden, and it develops a satisfying chew. It also works well in soups and grain bowls where you want substance without an assertive mushroom flavor.
About this variety
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is unusual in the mushroom world because it releases spores from the tips of its spines rather than from gills. Those cascading spines maximize surface area for spore dispersal — an elegant evolutionary adaptation. In the wild, it grows from wounds or dead sections of hardwood trees like oak and beech. In cultivation, airflow is the most important variable: without regular fresh air exchange, CO2 builds up and the fruiting body grows tight and elongated instead of full and open. Fan the opening for 30 seconds after each misting — it makes a real difference.
Prefer something faster? Our Blue Oyster block pins within 5–7 days and is the most forgiving variety for first-time growers.