Damon Mcknight
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are fast-growing perennial climbers that are best known as an ingredient in beer. They can grow up to three metres tall and require a strong support structure. Hops are thirsty plants that grow well in full sun spots with rich, well-drained soil. They can be purchased as dormant rhizomes in autumn and winter or as young plants from nurseries in spring. While hops have historically been grown in southern Australia due to the winter chill period they require for successful fruiting, they can also grow in other parts of the country such as Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as long as they are provided with adequate sunlight, water, and protection from extreme heat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climbers | Fast-growing perennial climbers that require a strong, tall support structure |
| Support structure | Pole support system or trestle against a wall or fence |
| Climbing height | Most varieties can climb up to 3 metres |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter |
| Sunlight | Requires full sun; the number of hours of summer sunlight impacts yield more than intensity |
| Watering | Requires generous watering during summer; cover with mulch |
| Nutrients | Requires fortnightly doses of OCP eco-aminogro and OCP eco-seaweed during the growing season |
| Winter care | Topdress dormant rhizomes with compost or aged manure; plants die back to the ground in winter |
| Pests | Susceptible to snail and slug attacks in spring |
| Rhizomes | Available for purchase in autumn and winter |
| Young plants | Available for purchase from nurseries in spring |
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What You'll Learn
- Hops are fast-growing perennial climbers that require a strong support structure
- They thrive in full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and a cold winter chill period
- Hops can be purchased as dormant rhizomes or young plants from nurseries
- They require generous watering and fertilisation for strong, healthy growth
- Hops are susceptible to pests like snails and slugs, so organic pest control is necessary
Hops are fast-growing perennial climbers that require a strong support structure
Hops are thirsty plants, especially when fully grown, so it is important to cover them with mulch and water them generously during the summer. They also require a lot of nutrients due to their fast growth. During the growing season, it is recommended to give them fortnightly doses of fertiliser for strong, healthy growth and lots of flowers.
Hops should be planted in a full sun spot, into rich, well-drained soil that has had plenty of organic matter added. They require a winter chill period for successful fruiting, so they are well-suited to growing in zones with cold winters, such as southern Australia. However, they have also been grown successfully in cooler spots in Brisbane and Sydney, although the heat wave has been known to turn many a hop to dry, crispy chips.
It is important to keep hops a good metre or more away from other tall-growing plants or be prepared to trim off rogue stems that reach out and latch on looking to grow up. They can be purchased as dormant rhizomes in autumn and winter or as young plants from nurseries in spring.
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![The Complete Guide to Growing Your Own Hops, Malts, and Brewing Herbs Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply by Peragine, John N [Atlantic Publishing Company,2011] (Paperback)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JYracOD2L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
They thrive in full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and a cold winter chill period
When growing hops in Australia, it's important to consider the amount of sunlight, soil quality, and the necessity of a cold winter chill period for the plant's growth and survival.
Hops thrive in full sun, so it's important to choose a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. This can help ensure the plant receives the light it needs to photosynthesise and grow optimally.
Rich, well-drained soil is also crucial for healthy hop plants. The soil should be nutrient-dense and able to retain enough moisture without becoming waterlogged. Ensuring good drainage prevents the roots from sitting in excessively wet soil, which can lead to root rot and other issues.
Regarding the cold winter chill period, hops have a remarkable ability to withstand low winter temperatures, sometimes even as low as -20°F (-29°C). During winter, hop plants enter a state of dormancy, a natural cycle that conserves energy for the upcoming growing season. This period of dormancy is essential for the plant's resilience and subsequent growth in the warmer months.
To enhance the resilience of hop plants during the cold months, gardeners can employ several strategies. These include selecting the right pot size to allow for root expansion and provide proper insulation, controlling the amount of water provided to the plant, and creating a sheltered environment to protect the plant from harsh conditions.
By understanding and catering to the specific needs of hops, particularly their response to sunlight, soil conditions, and winter temperatures, growers can create optimal conditions for the plants to thrive in Australia's unique climate.
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Hops can be purchased as dormant rhizomes or young plants from nurseries
Dormant rhizomes can be purchased from commercial hop farms such as Ryefield Hops, which offers rhizomes and hop plants (crowns) in Australia. Rhizomes are stored in a cool room over the winter and can be planted in September and October. It is recommended to plant two to three rhizomes per hole, and they will develop their roots before shooting through the soil.
Young hop plants are available in spring from nurseries and can be planted directly into your chosen spot. Water them with seaweed fertiliser to help them establish, and consider using a trellis or fence for support as they grow. Hops are fast-growing climbers that can reach up to 1.5 to 3 metres in height, so a strong support system is essential.
When purchasing a crown or a young plant, you are getting a second-year plant that will produce a greater yield. These plants are typically sold in spring and early summer, providing a head start on growing your own hops.
Whether you choose to purchase dormant rhizomes or young plants, make sure to prepare the planting site by weeding the area and adding compost and well-rotted cow manure to the soil. Hops thrive in full sun, in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They also require generous watering during the summer months, so be sure to keep the soil moist.
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They require generous watering and fertilisation for strong, healthy growth
Hops are thirsty plants, especially when fully grown, so be generous with your watering during the summer. When watering your hop plant, you should consider its root system. Hops planted in the ground will need a rich, well-drained soil that has had plenty of organic matter added. If you are growing hops in a container, the roots will quickly fill the space, so you should ensure that the entire growing matrix is soaked each time you water.
To ensure strong, healthy growth, hops will benefit from fortnightly doses of fertiliser during the growing season. Nitrogen is necessary for healthy bine growth, and you should apply it in late spring to early summer. Phosphorus is needed in far lesser amounts than nitrogen, and a soil test will tell you if you need to apply additional phosphorus. Potassium is next in importance for growing hops, as it ensures healthy cone production as well as bine and foliage health.
In addition to these macronutrients, hops also require other trace minerals for growth, such as boron, iron, and manganese. The correct nutrients should be in the soil prior to planting, but they must be replenished or supplemented during the growing season as the hops utilise the food to grow and produce.
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Hops are susceptible to pests like snails and slugs, so organic pest control is necessary
Hops are a fast-growing climber that is best known as an ingredient in beer. They can be purchased as dormant rhizomes in autumn and winter or as young plants in spring. However, hops are susceptible to pests like snails and slugs, so organic pest control is necessary.
Snails and slugs are common pests that can damage a wide range of plants, including hops. They leave distinctive silvery slime trails as they move and feed on leaves, soft stems, flowers, and ripe fruit. In the case of hops, newly planted seedlings are particularly vulnerable to snail and slug attacks, as they can be completely demolished overnight.
To control snails and slugs organically, you can try a combination of methods:
- Garden cleanup: Remove any garden rubbish, empty pots, piles of wood, bricks, and rocks where snails and slugs may hide and breed.
- Handpicking: Patrol the garden after rain or 2 hours after sunset by torchlight, when snails and slugs are most active, and handpick them. While effective for snails, this method is less so for slugs.
- Barriers: Use copper tape or copper spray, such as Escar-Go, to create an invisible barrier that repels snails and slugs.
- Organic pellets: Scatter OCP eco-shield organic pellets or Protect-us Mineral Snail and Slug Killer around the base of hops plants. These products are effective and safe for use in organic gardening.
- Natural predators: Encourage natural predators such as frogs, lizards, chickens, ducks, and birds to inhabit your garden, as they find snails and slugs irresistible.
- Beer traps: Fill saucers or jars with beer and place them at soil level. Snails and slugs will be attracted to the beer and drown in it.
By employing these organic pest control methods, you can effectively manage snails and slugs while growing hops in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are fast-growing perennial climbers that are best known as an ingredient in beer. They can also make a great addition to any backyard by providing summer shade and delightful aromas.
Hops have historically been grown in southern Australia due to the winter chill period they require for successful fruiting. However, they have also been grown successfully in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Hops grow best in cool, dry climates with deep, rich, and well-drained soil that has had plenty of organic matter added. They also need a strong, tall support structure to grow up, such as a pole support system or a trestle against a wall or fence.
You can purchase hops as dormant rhizomes in autumn and winter or as young plants from nurseries in spring. Plant them in a full sun spot and water them generously, especially during the summer.
In spring, the new hop shoots are susceptible to snail and slug attacks. To control these pests organically, you can scatter OCP eco-shield around each plant.
