Zuchtanleitung für Pom Pom / Igelstachelbart (Hericium erinaceus)

Cultivation instructions for Pom Pom / Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Welcome to Mykoport! In this detailed guide, you'll learn how to successfully cultivate the extraordinary Pom Pom – also known as Lion's Mane or Hedgehog Mane – yourself. Our high-quality liquid mycelium guarantees an optimal start and maximum harvest success.


What is the Pom Pom / Hedgehog Mane?

Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a special gourmet mushroom with a firm, white texture and an aromatic, slightly nutty flavor. It is very popular in Asian cuisine and among medicinal mushroom enthusiasts – and with a little know-how, it can also be cultivated at home.


Advantages of growing your own pom-poms

  • Exotic delicacy : Fresh pom-poms are rare in stores – homegrown ones are always available!

  • Health : Hericium is considered a vital mushroom and is valued for its ingredients.

  • Sustainable & fresh : Regional, organic and without long transport routes.

  • Fun and excitement : The lion's mane is a real eye-catcher as it grows.


What is needed?

a) Substrat

The hedgehog beard prefers a wooden substrate , optimal:

  • Hardwood sawdust or pellets (e.g. beech)

  • Optional wood chips as a structural element

  • Additionally: Bran as a nutrient source

b) Equipment

  • Mushroom growing bags with microfilters or buckets with air holes

  • Large bucket/container for pasteurization

  • Spray bottle for humidifying the air

c) Liquid mycelium

For simple and safe inoculation, we recommend our highly purified liquid mycelium from Lion's Mane – available exclusively at Mykoport. Learn more >>


Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the substrate

  1. Weigh out the substrate : e.g. 3–5 kg beech wood pellets and optionally 5–10% bran.

  2. Add water : Pour approximately twice the amount of boiling water over the wood pellets and let them swell.

  3. Pasteurization : At least 1 hour at 65–80°C.

  4. Allow to cool : The substrate must be no more than lukewarm (approx. 25–28°C).

Step 2: Inoculation with liquid mycelium

  1. Loosen the substrate and check for the correct moisture content.

  2. Introduce liquid mycelium : Distribute approximately 20–40 ml of liquid mycelium evenly per 3–5 kg of substrate.

  3. Mix thoroughly , working as cleanly as possible!

Tip: Our Mykoport liquid mycelium ensures a quick and healthy start to your mushroom culture! Order now >>

Step 3: Fill with substrate

  1. Loosely fill inoculated substrate into filter bags or buckets.

  2. Seal the bag, leaving the filter area open.

Step 4: Incubation (Colombination Phase)

  • Temperature: 20–24°C

  • Light: Store in a dark place, away from sunlight.

  • Duration: approx. 3–5 weeks

  • Humidity: 70–80%

After 2–4 weeks, the substrate should be completely white and colonized.

Step 5: Triggering fertilization

  1. Create conditions for fruiting :

    • Temperature: 16–20°C

    • Humidity: 90–95%

    • Light: Bright, indirect light (no sunlight)

    • Fresh air: Ventilate 2-4 times a day

  2. Make the slits : Cut 2-4 small slits (approx. 3-5 cm each) in the bag.

  3. Maintain moisture : Spray several times a day around the cut surfaces, but avoid waterlogging.

Step 6: Growth and Harvest

  • After about 7–14 days, small pom-pom balls form at the openings.

  • Harvest when the fruiting bodies are 8–15 cm in size and still bright white.

  • The best way is to twist it off carefully or cut it off with a clean knife.

Step 7: Further harvest waves

  • After the first harvest, the substrate can often be brought to fruiting 1-2 more times.

  • Simply pause for 7-10 days, then moisten more intensively again.


Tips & common mistakes

  • Too dry? : Lion's mane needs high humidity – spray daily!

  • No growth? Check temperature, humidity, and air circulation. Ensure good quality mycelium – our liquid mycelium from Mykoport is optimally vital.

  • Bacteria or mold? : Work cleanly, wear gloves, use fresh substrate.


FAQ: Questions & Answers

How long does liquid mycelium last?
Our Mykoport liquid mycelium will keep for at least 3 months in the refrigerator at 2–6°C.

Can I use wood pellets from the hardware store?
Make sure you use pure, uncut hardwood pellets without additives!

How do I store the mushrooms after harvesting?
They will stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator at 2–4°C. Or simply enjoy them fresh!


Our recommendation for your success

  • Liquid mycelium from lion's mane mushroom – particularly vital and productive!

  • Mushroom growing bag with filter

  • Substrate mixtures and accessories

Visit the Mykoport shop for liquid mycelium >>


Personal consultation

Do you have questions or need support?
The Mykoport team is happy to help!
Contact us here >>

The Mykoport team wishes you much joy and success with your own hedgehog mushroom breeding!

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