Common Hop Care

Water hops once or twice weekly, providing about 1 inch of water each time or enough so the top 12 inches of soil remains moist. Cover the soil with a 2-inch layer of straw or bark mulch to help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.

Prune out the excess hops shoots when they grow to a 12-inch length so only two or three vines remain on each plant. Wind these shoots clockwise around the support wires until they begin to climb on their own. Repeat this process two or three times during the growing season by trimming out new excess shoots as they grow in.

Apply 1/2-teaspoon of 21-0-0 fertilizer per vine each year in early summer. Work the fertilizer into the top 2 or 3 inches of soil, 6 inches away from the base of the vines. Water thoroughly after application. Spread 2 inches of mature compost over the bed each spring as growth resumes to replenish soil nutrients.

Grow hops in a location that receives full, all-day sunlight

well-drained soil.

an annual temperature in the range of 5.6 to 21.3°C and a pH of 4.5 to 8.2. Plants are very hardy tolerating temperatures down to about -20°c when dormant

Skin contact with the plant causes dermatitis in sensitive people. Hops dermatitis has long been recognized. Not only hands and face, but legs have suffered purpuric eruptions due to hop picking. Although only 1 in 3,000 workers is estimated to be treated, one in 30 are believed to suffer dermatitis. Dislodged hairs from the plant can irritate the eyes. Sedative effect may worsen depression. Avoid during pregnancy (due to antispasmodic action on uterus). Avoid with breast, uterine and cervical cancers

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