Because hops can produce such a large vine in a matter of months, they will use a large amount of solar energy, water and nutrients. This is not to say that the hop will not grow under less than optimum conditions, only that the vines will be smaller. Hops prefer full sun and rich soil, well drained with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
If drainage is a problem, raised beds can be built using surrounding top soil mixed with organic matter. Because the hop is a perennial, it’s not a bad idea to dig holes about one foot deep so that some manure and other slow release organic fertilizers can be mixed with your soil and replaced into the hole. This puts the nutrients in the root zone.
Upon obtaining the rhizomes, they should be stored in a plastic bag slightly moistened in a refrigerator. Rhizomes should be planted vertically with the bud pointing up or horizontally about 1-inch below the soil surface.
First year hops have a minimal root system and require frequent short watering much like any baby plant, but do not drown it with too much water. Once the hop is established after the first season, less frequent deep watering is best, preferably drip irrigation.
Don’t expect very much in growth or flowers the first year as the hop is basically establishing its root system.
Full growth and maximum crops of flowers will be achieved during the third season.
If you are interested in learning more about the hop and malting barley research that is being conducted by the Ohio State University there are several upcoming educational opportunities. We are hosting a Hops Field Night at Wooster, Ohio on July 23 and a Hops Field Night at Piketon, Ohio on July 30. Registration is required for both events.
Interested parties must register by calling 740-289-2071, ext. 132, or by sending an email to mcglothin.4@osu.edu
You can visit the Ohio Hops Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OhioHops or the OSU South Centers website http://southcenters.osu.edu/horticulture/other-specialties/hops for more information.
If you would like to be added to the Ohio Hops email list to receive Ohio hop updates and information, contact Brad Bergefurd at Bergefurd.1@osu.edu or call the OSU South Centers 1-800-860-7232 or 740-289-2071, ext. 132.