Lion's Mane Mushroom
Mycelium of Hericium americanum – mycelium for outdoor and indoor cultivation
The Hericium americanum, also known as lion's mane, is a spectacular mushroom forming large white/pink structures resembling branched pom-poms. It is highly valued for both its culinary worth and its cultivation on hardwood.
Its mycelium is particularly suited as seed for inoculating logs, stumps, and wood chips, or for controlled fruiting indoors.
At Les 400 Pieds de Champignon, our blocks of Hericium americanum are designed to provide a simple, stable, and productive culture.
Outdoor propagation (recommended method)
The mycelium of Hericium americanum can be used as seed to colonize hardwood logs and wooded areas. This method allows for a slow but sustainable installation with possible harvests over several years.
Use as outdoor seed
Recommended materials
- Logs or hardwood rounds (maple, beech, birch)
- Untreated wood chips
- Shady and humid area
- Lion's mane mycelium block
Steps
Prepare the location
Choose a very shady, cool, and humid location, ideally in a wooded or semi-wooded area.
Prepare the substrate
Use fresh logs or well-hydrated hardwood chips.
Inoculation (seed)
Break the mycelium block into pieces and insert them between the logs or mix them with the chips to promote colonization.
Cover and protect
Lightly cover with mulch or wood chips to maintain humidity and protect the mycelium.
5) Keep moist
Water as needed to maintain consistent humidity without soaking the substrate.
Results
The mycelium slowly colonizes the wood and can produce mushrooms after several months, with seasonal harvests possible for several years.
Indoor cultivation in direct fruiting
Hericium americanum (Lion's Mane)
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
- Thermal shock: 24 hours at 4 °C recommended
- Fruiting temperature: 16 to 21 °C
- Primordia formation: 7 to 14 days
- Time before harvest: 6 to 12 days
- Humidity: 90 to 95%
Fruiting guidelines
1) Block preparation
When the mycelium is ready to fruit, place the block in the refrigerator for 24 hours at 4 °C to stimulate mushroom formation.
Using a clean, sharp knife, cut a slit about 3 cm on the side of the bag. Then fold the bag to limit the air trapped behind the block.
2) Maintain humidity
Mist the exposed surface 2 to 3 times a day to maintain high humidity until primordia appear.
3) Development and harvest
White formations appear gradually and develop into large branched masses.
Harvest generally 6 to 12 days after appearance, before yellowing.
Important notes
- A block can produce 3 to 4 harvests depending on conditions.
- Always water the same opening after incision.
- Subsequent harvests are generally smaller than the first.
- Harvest by gently cutting at the base.
- Ensure good air circulation for optimal development.
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