Lion's mane ( Hericium erinaceus ) is one of the most highly valued functional mushrooms today. Its unique appearance—white, fluffy, and waterfall-like—and its brain and nervous system benefits have made it a star ingredient in modern nutrition.
Many people wonder how to grow lion's mane at home , whether out of curiosity or to enjoy its benefits in a more sustainable way. In this guide, we explain how to grow lion's mane at home correctly , what you need, how long it takes to grow, and, very importantly, the legal aspects you should keep in mind in Spain.
Steps to grow lion's mane correctly
Growing lion's mane at home is possible thanks to grow kits sold legally and safely. These kits include everything you need: sterilized substrate, mycelium, and basic instructions for obtaining quality fruit.
Unlike other mushrooms, lion's mane requires very specific humidity and temperature conditions, so following the instructions is key to achieving successful cultivation.
Every step
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Choose a certified kit.
Make sure you purchase a grow kit from a reputable supplier. Avoid using spores or mycelium from unknown sources. These kits guarantee food safety and controlled growth.
Important: Collecting or inoculating wild mushrooms on your own is not permitted. -
Prepare the right environment.
The lion's mane requires a humid environment with a constant temperature between 20 and 25°C and moderate ventilation. An indoor space with indirect light is ideal, such as a well-ventilated kitchen or a well-lit pantry. -
Open the kit and activate the mycelium.
When you open the kit, you'll need to make small incisions in the bag or remove the top of the plastic , depending on the model. Then, spray it with water once or twice a day to keep the environment humid. -
Keep humidity constant.
Place the kit inside a clear plastic box or mini greenhouse to retain humidity. You can place an open glass of water or a damp towel near the kit to prevent the mycelium from drying out. -
Observe the growth.
After a few days, you'll notice small white formations that will take on a "fuzzy" shape. Over time , they will turn into dense spheres or cascades: the characteristic mane of the fungus. -
Harvest at the right time.
After 2 to 3 weeks, the lion's mane will take on its characteristic shape. You'll know it's ready to harvest when the spines or filaments are about 3 cm long and the surface begins to turn ivory. Cut it with a clean knife, flush with the substrate, and store it in the refrigerator if you don't want to eat it immediately.
What do I need to have at home?
Before you start growing, make sure you have the basics to properly care for your mushroom:
A certified grow kit. It's the safest and most practical way to grow your own crops at home.
Water sprayer. Maintains humidity without soaking the mycelium.
Thermometer and hygrometer. To monitor ambient temperature and humidity.
Transparent box or container . Helps maintain a stable microclimate.
Tip: Avoid handling the kit with dirty hands and disinfect surfaces before starting to prevent contamination.
It's not recommended to attempt spore cultivation without experience, as the process requires substrate sterilization and laboratory conditions. Kits simplify everything and ensure risk-free results.
Additionally, if you are interested in incorporating this mushroom into your daily routine without having to grow it, you can learn more about its uses in our article on Mushroom supplements: what they are , where we explain how they are transformed into safe capsules or extracts for consumption.
How long does it take for a lion's mane to grow?
The entire growing process typically takes between 3 and 5 weeks , depending on temperature and humidity.
The first sprouts usually appear between 7 and 10 days after activating the kit.
Full fruiting (when the mushroom acquires its spongy form) occurs around week 3 or 4.
Under optimal conditions, the same kit can produce 2 or 3 consecutive harvests if adequate humidity is maintained.
This growth is relatively fast compared to other medicinal mushrooms, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Once harvested, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or dehydrated for later use.
If you prefer to enjoy its benefits without having to wait , you can find it in extracts or capsules. This format offers a high concentration of active compounds such as hericenones and erinacines, responsible for the cognitive and neurological effects that have made lion's mane so popular.
In case you plan to incorporate it as a supplement, we recommend that you review the Contraindications of lion's mane , especially if you are taking medication or have specific medical conditions.
Legality of cultivation in Spain
An important point that many people don't know is that collecting wild lion's mane is not permitted in Spain . It's a protected species , and collecting it directly from forests or natural environments may be considered illegal.
The only safe and legal way to obtain it is through home grow kits , which contain certified strains adapted for food use. These kits are sold in specialty stores or online platforms and do not require any additional permits for personal use.
Furthermore, it is important to clarify that home-grown mushrooms must be used exclusively for personal consumption , not for unlicensed sale or distribution.
Conclusions on cultivation
Growing lion's mane at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with nature through a conscious approach. Although it requires attention and patience, the results are as unique as the mushroom itself: a natural source of well-being, flavor, and scientific curiosity.
The most important thing is to do it safely and responsibly:
Always use certified kits.
Respect the cultivation and conservation rules.
Avoid collecting wild specimens.
With this approach, you can enjoy a sustainable, educational, and environmentally friendly home cultivation. And if, after learning about the process, you decide to opt for the capsule or powder version, High-purity extracts , like our Lion's Mane capsules , offer a convenient and effective way to incorporate Lion's Mane into your health routine. We'll also give you some tips on how and when to take it to get the most out of its properties. So, whether you grow your own in a kit or purchase one, start enjoying the benefits of mushrooms.
