How to Grow Humulus Lupulus

Humulus lupulus is a plant that is closely related to cannabis, or hemp, and to stinging nettles. This quick-growing, climbing plant is native to the British Isles. Humulus lupulus is most commonly referred to as hops, and it is an essential ingredient for making beer. The fruit, or cones, from the plant serve as a preservative and add a bitter flavor to the brew. Humulus lupulus can also be made into a soothing, relaxing tea or grown and enjoyed for its luxurious, abundant foliage. It can be grown successfully in planting zones 5 through 8.

Instructions

1. Prepare a large garden spot with deep, rich, well-drained soil. Incorporate plenty of manure for best results. This spot should have full sun and be close to a water source to make it easy to water. Humulus lupulus will need some type of support structure, so plan your garden spot next to a fence or install an arbor, trellis, stakes, poles, wires or arches.

2. Start in mid winter if you are growing humulus lupulus from seed. Soak the seeds for 24 hours, then place them in a plastic bag with damp peat moss and put them in your refrigerator for approximately six weeks. Plant the seeds in small containers and keep them in a warm place, protected from frost. Seeds should start to grow in about four weeks, but it may take longer. The first year of growth will be very slow. Transfer plants to the garden in the spring.

3. Keep the rhizome refrigerated until the garden is prepared if you are growing humulus lupulus from a cutting or rhizome. Soak the rhizome in warm water and a powdered rooting fertilizer solution for one hour before planting. Plant the rhizomes at least three feet apart and cover with two inches of soil.

4. Keep humulus lupulus plants well watered and do not let the ground dry out. Mulch with organic matter and fertilize regularly. Watch for powdery or downy mildew, aphids and mites and treat immediately if one of theses common problems arises. Begin to train the vines around the supports when they are about a foot long.

Tips & Warnings

• Humulus lupulus will grow slowly the first year, then extremely quickly in subsequent years---from one to three inches per day, and up to 20 feet long. Only the female plants will the produce the cones that are used to brew beer.

• Humulus lupulus can irritate the skin, causing contact dermatitis in some people. Wear gloves when working with these plants.

References

• ebrew.com
• York Seed
• Alchemy Works

Resources

• Buy hops roots online