The
hop is a hardy, perennial plant that you can easily grow at home. Hops (Humulus
lupinus) are used primarily as bittering and aroma agents in
beer, though their fast growth and height make them good candidates for privacy
and shade, as well. The keys to growing hops at home include a sunny location,
well prepared soil and space for the hop vines to climb. The ideal location in
your garden would be full sun. Hops will grow in partial shade, but the quality
of the plant will be reduced.
Good soil is a must in order to grow the best
hops. Plan to incorporate 5" to 6" of compost, peat moss and aged
manure into your native soil.
Dig it in to a depth of 8" to
10". This will enrich your soil, allow it to drain better and
help bring the pH down. Hops are planted from rhizomes, basically a piece
of root harvested from a mature plant. Rhizomes are available as "bare
root" stock or potted in one gallon containers.
Buying plants in
containers gives you a head start in establishing your hop plants this
season. The rhizomes should be planted about 2"deep and about 3'
apart.
Once you have the planting hole ready, add some steamed bone meal to
help the root system establish.
Hop plants can grow a foot a day and up to 15'
or more. Some type of trellis or support is essential.
If possible, plant hops
along a fence, the side of the garage or beside an arbor.
Or
build a trellis with poles and garden twine. There are dozens of hops that will
do well in your garden, including 'Bianca', 'Nugget' and 'Galena'. You’ll
find these and more hop plant varieties in our perennial house.
No comments:
Post a Comment