Information About the Hop Plant
The hop plant, also known as Humulus lupulus (English: hop), is a perennial climbing plant that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. This plant is native to temperate North America, Eurasia, and South America. It is worth noting that hops grow as climbing vines and require strong trellises for support. The plant has rough stems and can reach a height of up to 8 meters, while its roots may extend to depths exceeding 5 meters.
Hops consist of small green flowers that resemble pine cones. These cones contain essential oils, aromatic resins, and alpha acids, which are responsible for the plant’s distinct bitter flavor. The concentration of these compounds varies from one plant to another, resulting in a wide range of aromas and flavors.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Hops?
Hops are best planted in spring after the last frost, as the plant requires at least 120 frost-free days to flower and produce a good yield. During the first year, the hop plant focuses on establishing a strong root system and produces only a limited number of flowers. Normal and abundant production usually begins in the second year.
What Is the Ideal Location for Growing Hops?
Below are the environmental conditions required for healthy hop growth:
- Sunlight: Hops should be planted in a location that receives direct sunlight, requiring 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Location: It is recommended to plant hops on the southern side of the garden or farm. Adequate vertical space is essential to allow the plant to grow upward.
- Soil: Hops thrive in loose, well-aerated soil. The soil should be turned several times before planting, and organic fertilizer should be added. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root waterlogging.
- Soil pH: Hops grow best in neutral soil.
How to Plant Hops
Below are the steps for planting hops successfully:
- It is recommended to propagate hops using cuttings or rhizomes, rather than seeds, to ensure the transfer of desirable plant traits. Cuttings or rhizomes can be obtained from specialized suppliers.
- When planting hops in a home garden, plant them in hills, leaving approximately 90 cm between each hill. In larger areas such as farms, hops can be planted in rows and trained on wires.
- If planting from rhizomes, place two rhizomes per hill, positioning the buds upward and the rhizome downward.
- If planting from cuttings or seedlings, dig a hole that is twice the width of the pot and the same depth.
- Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Cover the hills with straw or agricultural mulch to reduce weed growth.
