Reishi Mushroom Growing Kit

What are Reishi mushrooms?

Reishi (Ganoderma multipileum), also known as Lingzhi, is a woody, antler shaped mushroom prized for centuries in East Asian wellness traditions. Unlike culinary mushrooms, Reishi is too tough and bitter to eat directly - it is dried and brewed as a tea, or extracted into powders and supplements. It is one of the most studied mushrooms in nutritional science and among the most visually striking fungi you can grow at home.

How do you grow Reishi mushrooms at home?

Keep the kit inside its bag in a warm spot between 18 and 27°C with some indirect light - avoid direct sunlight. Reishi grows toward the light, so turn the block each week to encourage upright antler growth. Do not open or cut the bag until the mushrooms are fully grown. Allow 2 to 4 months for a full harvest.

What temperature do Reishi mushrooms need?

Reishi is the most heat-tolerant mushroom we offer, growing best between 18 and 27°C. This makes it well suited to warm kitchens, utility rooms and centrally heated homes where other varieties might struggle. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or in a cold room below 15°C.

Why do I need to keep it in the bag?

Reishi thrives in high CO2 environments, which is exactly what the closed bag provides. The elevated CO2 inside the bag encourages the distinctive antler-shaped growth the mushroom is known for. Do not open or cut the bag until the antlers are fully developed - opening it too early changes the growing conditions and can alter the shape of the fruiting bodies.

How long does Reishi take to grow?

Reishi is a slow grower - allow 2 to 4 months from setup to harvest. This is significantly longer than our culinary mushroom kits, but the visual spectacle of the developing antlers makes it one of the most rewarding growing experiences we offer. Warmer rooms within the 18 to 27°C range will generally speed up development.

Can you eat Reishi mushrooms?

Not in the way you would cook a culinary mushroom. Reishi is too woody and bitter to eat raw or cook directly. It is traditionally dried, sliced, and brewed as a tea, simmered in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes, or extracted into a tincture or powder. This is what separates Reishi from the rest of our range - it is a wellness mushroom rather than a culinary one.

How do you make Reishi tea?

Once harvested, dry the Reishi mushroom thoroughly - an oven on a low heat or a dehydrator works well. Slice or break the dried mushroom into pieces, then simmer in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. The resulting tea is earthy and slightly bitter, often enjoyed with honey or ginger. Read more in our guide to Reishi mushrooms.

Why are my Reishi mushrooms growing sideways?

Reishi grows toward its light source, so if the kit is not rotated regularly the antlers will lean in one direction. Turn the block a quarter turn each week to encourage balanced, upright growth. The antler shape itself is a sign of healthy development in a high CO2 environment - it is not a cause for concern.

Can I give a Reishi kit as a gift?

Yes - Reishi makes a genuinely unusual and memorable gift, especially for anyone interested in wellness, traditional remedies, or simply growing something extraordinary at home. Because it grows slowly over months, it is not a same-week gift like our oyster or chestnut kits, so bear the timeline in mind. Order before 2pm for same-day dispatch and next-day UK mainland delivery via DPD. See our gift ordering guide for more.

Can I also enjoy Reishi without growing it?

Yes. Our Reishi Mushroom Hot Chocolate blends organic Reishi extract with Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, cacao and cinnamon for a ready-to-drink wellness drink that requires nothing more than hot water.