Common Hop

What you'll need:

A large pot (at least 20 inches deep) or a garden space

Rich, well-draining soil (you can mix in some compost to improve the soil quality)

• Common hop rhizomes or young plants (rhizomes are like root cuttings and are easier to find for beginners)
• A trellis, fence, or tall support structure (hops grow tall and need something to climb on)

When to start:

Hops love cooler temperatures at the start of their growth. The best time to plant is early spring, around late March to early April, when the risk of frost has passed.

Finding a good spot:

Hops are sun-loving plants! They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If planting in pots, choose a sunny spot on your balcony or patio; if planting in the ground, pick a bright corner with enough vertical space for them to climb.

Tip: Hops can grow up to 25 feet tall, so make sure you have enough room for them to spread out!

If using rhizomes:

1. Soak the rhizomes in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them.
2. Dig a small trench about 4 inches deep in your prepared soil.
3. Place the rhizomes horizontally in the trench, buds facing up, and cover them with soil.
4. Water gently but thoroughly right after planting.

If using young plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
3. Fill the hole with soil, gently pressing it down around the plant.
4. Water generously to help the plant settle in.

Planting tips:

• Space multiple plants about 3 feet apart to give them room to grow.
• If planting in a pot, use one that’s deep and wide (at least 20 inches), as hops have extensive roots.
• Install your trellis, fence, or support structure right away so the young plants can start climbing as they grow.

Watering:

• Hops like consistent moisture but don’t want to sit in soggy soil. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. In hot, dry conditions, you might need to water more often.
• Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which could lead to disease.

Feeding:

• Start feeding your hops with a balanced fertilizer (like a general-purpose vegetable fertilizer) every 4-6 weeks after planting.
• Once the plant starts producing shoots, you can switch to a fertilizer higher in nitrogen to encourage leafy growth.

Supporting Growth:

• As your hops grow, they’ll send out long shoots called bines. Gently wrap these bines clockwise around your trellis or support structure. They’ll naturally cling and climb on their own after that.
• Prune any lower leaves that are touching the ground to prevent diseases and pests from affecting the plant.

Seasonal Care:

• In early summer, focus on training the strongest bines to grow upward. Trim weaker ones to allow the plant to put its energy into fewer, stronger shoots.
• Hops grow fast, sometimes several inches a day, so check on them regularly during peak growing season!

Tip: If you notice lots of side shoots crowding the main stem, trim them back to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of mold or mildew.

When to harvest:

• Hops are typically ready to harvest in late summer to early fall, depending on your climate. Look for the cones to feel papery and dry, with a strong aroma.
• To test if they’re ready, pick a cone and break it open. If the lupulin (the yellow powder inside) is fragrant and sticky, it’s time to harvest.

How to harvest:

• Simply pluck the cones off the bines by hand. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plant.
• Collect the cones in a basket or bag, and avoid piling them too high to prevent crushing.

After harvesting:

• Fresh hops can be used immediately in brewing, or you can dry them for later use.
• To dry hops, spread them out in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area (or use a food dehydrator set to low heat). Once dry, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Tip: After harvesting, cut back the bines to about 2-3 feet above the ground. This helps the plant prepare for winter dormancy.

Q: My hops are growing too tall! What should I do?

A: Don’t worry—hops are vigorous climbers! You can trim back the bines to a manageable height or redirect them to grow horizontally along a fence or trellis.

Q: Why are my hop leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil to ensure it's not too soggy, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Q: Do hops attract pests?

A: Hops can occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. If you notice any pests, spray the plant with a mix of water and mild soap, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to control the problem.

Q: Can I grow hops indoors?

A: Hops need a lot of vertical space and sunlight, so they're better suited for outdoor growing. However, if you have a very sunny indoor space with a tall support structure, you could try growing them in a large container.

Q: How do I prepare my hops for winter?

A: After harvesting, cut the bines back to about 2-3 feet above the ground. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots during colder months. The plant will go dormant and sprout again in the spring.