Lion's Mane, also known as wig mushroom, is a unique edible mushroom known for its health benefits and culinary uses. Growing this mushroom requires specific conditions and steps to ensure a successful harvest. Below is a detailed guide to creating the right fruiting conditions for Lion's Mane.
Steps for Fruiting Lion's Mane
- Preparation of the Substrate:
- Mix 500 grams of hardwood pellets with 700 ml of warm water in a large container.
- Add 100 grams of wheat bran to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Fill the grow bag with the mixture until just above the filter strip.
- Fold the remaining flap over the filter bag and secure it with an elastic or hair elastic.
- Sterilization:
- Sterilize the filled culture bag for at least 45 minutes with a pressure cooker, autoclave or steam cooker.
- Allow the bag to cool to room temperature for at least 8 hours to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Inoculation:
- Add at least 150 grams of Lion's Mane brood to the cooled substrate in a clean environment.
- Shake the bag well to distribute the brood evenly throughout the mixture.
- Remove air from the bag, fold the top twice and secure with clothespins.
- Place the bag in a dark room with a temperature between 18-24°C.
- Incubation:
- Wait until the substrate is completely white, which indicates that the mycelium is completely colonized.
- Fruiting:
- Move the bag to a brighter area with a temperature between 16-21°C to encourage fruiting.
- Make a diagonal cut from the top left corner to the bottom right corner of the bag to allow oxygen in and create a fruiting site.
- Mist the cut area with a fine mist to maintain humidity.
- Harvest:
- Within a week, Lion's Mane mushrooms will begin to emerge from the cut.
- Continue misting lightly to prevent damage to the mushrooms.
- Harvest the mushrooms when they are slightly smaller than a tennis ball to prevent dehydration.
Important Conditions for Fruiting Lion's Mane
- Incubation phase:
- Substrate to Brood Ratio: 95% substrate, 5% brood
- Substrate Type: Hardwood or Masters Mix
- Ambient temperature: 25°C
- Substrate Temperature: 27°C
- Incubation period: 20 days
- Relative Humidity: 90-95%
- Expansion phase (Primordia):
- Ambient temperature: Reduce to 18-24°C
- Fruiting Phase:
- Ambient temperature: 16-21°C
- Relative Humidity: 85-95%
- CO2 Concentration: 500-1000 ppm
- Light: Less than 500 lux
- Number of Flushes: 2
- Interval Between Flushes: 14 days
Additional information
- Health benefits: Lion's Mane mushrooms may help prevent dementia and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Support: For further assistance, please contact ToshiFarm through their support channels.
This guide provides a comprehensive guide to the steps and conditions required to successfully fruit Lion's Mane mushrooms.