Lion’s Mane Mushroom Spawn Hericium erinaceus: Appalachian Wild culture #1 Log production strain

We grow all of our cultures commercially and stand behind their viability and performance.

This strain of Hericium erinaceus is fast colonizing, dependable, and produces beautiful white cascading spines with a mild, slightly sweet flavor chefs love. It is a strong commercial producer and performs consistently when grown under proper conditions.

Expect production within about 6 months on logs, typically fruiting the following spring or fall after inoculation.

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Important Growing Recommendation

If your goal is log production, we highly recommend comb tooth types such as Hericium americanum.

If you are growing indoor fruiting blocks, traditional Lion’s Mane Hericium erinaceus performs best and produces the classic dense pom pom shape most people expect.

Choosing the right Hericium for your growing method makes a big difference in results.

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Spawn Options

We offer:

• Fresh made to order sawdust spawn
• Plug spawn for easy log inoculation

These are locally tested, heavy producing commercial strains.

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Log Selection Matters

• Use freshly cut hardwood logs
• Let logs rest about 2 weeks after cutting so natural antifungal compounds break down
• Avoid old or dried logs
• 4 to 6 inch diameter logs are ideal

The thicker the log, the longer it can produce. With proper care, logs can yield for 3 to 6 years.

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Sawdust Spawn Instructions

You will need:

• An inoculation tool
• Hot wax or pliable wax to seal holes

Drill, fill, and seal each inoculation point.

If you are only doing a few logs, you can place them in a trash bag for a couple months during colonization and skip waxing. Just do not forget about them.

You can also use low tech methods like the totem method or packing spawn into a fresh chainsaw cut.

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Plug Spawn Instructions

Great for beginners.

• Use an 8.5 mm or 5/16 inch drill bit
• Drill 1 inch deep holes with a stop collar
• Hammer in plug spawn
• Seal with wax to prevent drying

If skipping wax, the trash bag method can work during early colonization. Keep logs out of direct sun and somewhere warm to speed growth.

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After Inoculation

Let logs rest in a shady, moist location for about 6 months to fully colonize.

These logs are alive and need moisture. Water during extended dry periods.

Fruiting often happens after several days of rain followed by warming temperatures.

We grow what we sell and test everything in our Southwest Virginia climate.

Proven strains. Reliable production.