How to Grow Lions Mane Mushroom in Australia


Getting Started

If you're eager to delve into the world of mushroom cultivation and grow your own Lion's Mane mushrooms, there are a few essential steps to get started. In this section, we'll discuss how to source Lion's Mane mushroom spawn and choose the right growing environment.

Sourcing Lion's Mane Mushroom Spawn

To begin your Lion's Mane mushroom growing journey, you'll need to obtain mushroom spawn, which serves as the starting point for your mushroom cultivation. Mushroom spawn is essentially a substrate that has been inoculated with mushroom mycelium, the thread-like structure responsible for mushroom growth.

You can find Lion's Mane mushroom spawn from various suppliers and online stores that specialise in mushroom cultivation. It's crucial to ensure that the spawn you purchase is of high quality and suitable for growing Lion's Mane mushrooms. Look for reputable suppliers who provide reliable and certified spawn.

Choosing the Right Growing Environment

Creating the ideal growing environment for your Lion's Mane mushrooms is crucial for their successful cultivation. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right growing environment:

  1. Temperature: Lion's Mane mushrooms thrive in cooler temperatures, typically ranging from 16°C to 24°C (60°F to 75°F). Ensure that the growing area maintains a consistent and appropriate temperature range to support healthy mushroom growth.
  2. Humidity: Lion's Mane mushrooms require a high level of humidity to flourish. Aim to maintain humidity levels around 85% to 95% throughout the growing process. You can achieve this by misting the growing area regularly or using a humidifier.
  3. Light: While Lion's Mane mushrooms do not require direct sunlight, they do benefit from indirect light. Place your growing setup in a well-lit area, such as near a window with filtered light. Avoid exposing the mushrooms to direct sunlight as it can lead to overheating.
  4. Ventilation: Proper airflow and ventilation are essential for preventing the buildup of stagnant air and excessive moisture. Ensure that your growing area has adequate ventilation to promote healthy mushroom growth. A small fan or open windows can help maintain airflow.

By paying attention to these factors, you'll be able to create an optimal environment for your Lion's Mane mushrooms to thrive. Remember that the specific requirements may vary depending on your location and climate.

Now that you have sourced the Lion's Mane mushroom spawn and chosen the right growing environment, it's time to move on to the next steps of creating the ideal growing conditions and preparing the substrate. For more mushroom growing guides, check out our articles on how to grow oyster mushrooms in Australia, how to grow mycoremediation mushrooms in Australia, and how to grow button mushrooms in Australia.

Creating the Ideal Growing Conditions

To successfully grow Lion's Mane mushrooms, it's important to create the ideal growing conditions that mimic their natural habitat. This section will cover the key factors to consider: temperature and humidity, light requirements, and proper ventilation.

Temperature and Humidity

Lion's Mane mushrooms thrive in cool and humid environments. The ideal temperature range for their growth is between 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). Maintaining a consistent temperature within this range is crucial for successful cultivation. Fluctuations in temperature can negatively impact the growth and development of the mushrooms.

In terms of humidity, Lion's Mane mushrooms require high levels to ensure proper growth. Aim for a relative humidity level of 85% to 95% throughout the growing process. To maintain optimal humidity, you can use a humidifier or place a tray filled with water near the growing area. Regularly monitor and adjust the humidity levels as needed to create the ideal environment for the mushrooms to thrive.

Light Requirements

Unlike some other mushrooms, Lion's Mane mushrooms do not require direct exposure to light for growth. They prefer low light conditions and can even tolerate darkness. However, providing a small amount of indirect light can be beneficial for the development of fruiting bodies (mushroom clusters) and overall mushroom health.

If you are growing Lion's Mane mushrooms indoors, you can place them in a room with ambient light or provide low-intensity artificial lighting. Indirect sunlight through a window can also be sufficient. Avoid exposing the mushrooms to direct sunlight or bright artificial lights, as this can cause drying or overheating.

Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for the successful cultivation of Lion's Mane mushrooms. Good airflow helps maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels, prevents the accumulation of carbon dioxide, and reduces the risk of contamination.

To ensure adequate ventilation, you can use a small fan or create ventilation openings in the growing area. Position the fan or openings in a way that allows for gentle air circulation without directly blowing onto the mushrooms. This will help create a fresh and well-ventilated environment, promoting healthy mushroom growth.

By carefully regulating the temperature and humidity, providing appropriate light conditions, and ensuring proper ventilation, you can create the ideal growing conditions for Lion's Mane mushrooms. Remember to monitor these factors regularly and make adjustments as needed to support the growth and development of your mushroom crop. 


Preparing the Growing Substrate

To successfully grow lion's mane mushrooms, it is essential to prepare the right growing substrate. The substrate acts as the nutrient-rich material that supports the growth and development of the mushrooms. In this section, we will discuss the importance of selecting the substrate material and sterilizing the substrate for optimal mushroom cultivation.

Selecting the Substrate Material

Lion's mane mushrooms have specific substrate preferences, and choosing the right material is crucial for their successful growth. While they can grow on various substrates, the most commonly used materials include hardwood sawdust and straw.

Hardwood sawdust provides a nutrient-rich base for the mushrooms and allows for better colonisation. It is important to ensure that the sawdust is untreated and sourced from hardwood species like oak or beech. Straw is another popular option, as it is easily accessible and affordable. However, keep in mind that straw should be chopped into smaller pieces to promote better mycelium growth.

Before selecting a substrate material, consider the availability, cost, and compatibility with your growing environment. Remember to source high-quality materials to give your lion's mane mushrooms the best chance of thriving.

Sterilising the Substrate

Sterilising the substrate is a crucial step in mushroom cultivation, as it helps eliminate any competing organisms that could hinder the growth of the lion's mane mushrooms. Sterilisation can be achieved through various methods, including steam sterilisation and boiling.

Steam sterilization is a common method used to sterilize the substrate. This process involves placing the substrate material in a heat-resistant bag or container and subjecting it to steam at a temperature of around 121°C (250°F) for a specified duration. This ensures that any potential contaminants are effectively killed, creating a sterile environment for the mushroom mycelium to thrive.

Boiling is another method that can be used for smaller quantities of substrate. Simply place the substrate material in a large pot, cover it with water, and bring it to a boil. Allow the substrate to boil for approximately one hour to ensure sterilisation. After boiling, carefully drain and cool the substrate before proceeding with the inoculation process.

By selecting the appropriate substrate material and sterilizing it properly, you create an optimal growing environment for your lion's mane mushrooms. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided by your chosen mushroom spawn supplier for best results. If you're interested in learning about growing other types of mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms, check out our articles in our A-Z Grow Guides!

In the next section, we will discuss the process of inoculating the substrate with lion's mane mushroom spawn and provide tips for proper care and maintenance throughout the growing process.

Inoculating the Substrate

Once you have prepared the growing substrate, it's time to inoculate it with Lion's Mane mushroom spawn. This process involves introducing the spawn to the substrate, allowing the mycelium to colonise and eventually produce mushrooms. Here's how to go about it:

Spawning the Substrate with Lion's Mane Mushroom Spawn

To begin, break up the Lion's Mane mushroom spawn into small pieces, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the substrate. The spawn serves as the "seed" for mushroom growth, providing the mycelium with a nutrient-rich environment to thrive.

Gently mix the spawn into the substrate, being careful not to damage the mycelium. It's essential to maintain proper hygiene during this process to minimise the risk of contamination. Clean hands, gloves, or sterilised tools can be used to handle the spawn and substrate.

After thoroughly mixing the spawn and substrate, transfer the mixture to an appropriate container or growing bag. Ensure the container or bag has sufficient drainage holes to prevent water buildup. 

Proper Care and Maintenance

Once the substrate is inoculated, it's important to provide the proper care and maintenance required for successful Lion's Mane mushroom cultivation. Here are some key considerations:

  1. Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a consistent temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F) for optimal mycelium growth. Lion's Mane mushrooms thrive in high humidity, ideally around 85-95%. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and a thermometer to track temperature.
  2. Light Requirements: Lion's Mane mushrooms do not require direct sunlight and prefer low light conditions. Indirect natural light or low-intensity artificial light is sufficient for their growth. Avoid exposing the substrate to direct sunlight, as it can dry out the mushrooms.
  3. Proper Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide and excess moisture, which can lead to mould growth. Ensure there is proper ventilation in the growing environment. However, be cautious not to expose the mushrooms directly to drafts, as it may cause drying.

Regularly monitor the substrate's moisture levels and mist it with clean water as needed to maintain high humidity. Be careful not to oversaturate the substrate, as excessive moisture can lead to mold or bacterial contamination.

Throughout the growth process, it's important to pay attention to any signs of contamination or disease. If you notice any abnormal growth or discoloration, refer to our article on how to identify and treat mushroom diseases for guidance.

With proper care and maintenance, your Lion's Mane mushrooms will gradually develop into mature specimens ready for harvesting. In the next section, we will explore the signs of mushroom maturity and provide techniques for harvesting and enjoying these delicious mushrooms.

Harvesting and Enjoying Lion's Mane Mushrooms

Once your Lion's Mane mushrooms have reached maturity, it's time to harvest and savor the delicious rewards of your hard work. In this section, we will explore the signs of mushroom maturity, harvesting techniques, and even suggest some mouthwatering recipes to try.

Signs of Mushroom Maturity

Lion's Mane mushrooms go through distinct stages of growth, and it's important to identify the right time for harvesting. Here are some signs that indicate mushroom maturity:

  1. Size: Fully mature Lion's Mane mushrooms can reach a substantial size, typically around 8 to 12 centimetres in diameter. Keep an eye out for mushrooms that have reached this size.
  2. Colour: As the mushrooms mature, they transition from a pure white colour to a pale yellow or cream hue. This change in colour is a good indicator that the mushrooms are ready for harvest.
  3. Texture: The spines or "pom-poms" of the Lion's Mane mushrooms become more pronounced and defined as they mature. Look for mushrooms with well-developed spines before harvesting.

Remember, it's better to harvest Lion's Mane mushrooms slightly earlier rather than later to ensure optimal taste and texture.

Harvesting Techniques

To harvest Lion's Mane mushrooms, follow these simple techniques:

  1. Gently twist and pull: Carefully grasp the base of the mushroom and give it a gentle twist while pulling it away from the substrate. The mushroom should detach easily if it's mature enough for harvest. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the mycelial network.
  2. Clean cuts: If you prefer a cleaner presentation, you can use a sharp, clean knife to make a clean cut just above the substrate. This method ensures a neat appearance and minimises the risk of contamination.
  3. Multiple harvests: Lion's Mane mushrooms have the unique ability to produce multiple flushes of mushrooms. After the initial harvest, you may notice new mushrooms starting to grow from the same substrate. Simply repeat the harvesting techniques for subsequent flushes.
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