Humulus lupulus, Hop Seeds

Humulus lupulus Hop Seed

Vigorous perennial bines climb nearly twenty feet
Aromatic cones bring authentic brewing-garden character
Hardy roots return annually after winter dormancy
Provide a strong trellis for rapid seasonal growth

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Humulus lupulus

Days to maturity

120 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

15 Seeds

Zones 3–8 Check your growing zone

About Humulus lupulus, Hop Seed, Hop Seed

Humulus lupulus, commonly known as hops, is a vigorous perennial climbing plant that can reach heights of nearly 20 feet in a single growing season, growing at a moderate to fast rate. Hardy to USDA Zone 5 and tolerant of frost, hops reliably return year after year. The plants produce flowers from July through August, followed by seed ripening in early fall from September to October.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/2"

Days to Germination

14–30 days

Germination Type

C30 - Cold Moist 30 Days

In-row plant spacing

3-6'

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Tender Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 3-8

Plant Height

Above 96 inches

Growth Habits

Climbing, Vining

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

980

Color

Green

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Select a full-sun site with deep, fertile, well-drained soil and room for vigorous perennial bines. Install a sturdy 12–18 foot support before planting. Seed-grown hops are genetically variable, and only female plants produce the cones normally harvested.

Planting

Hop seed often germinates slowly and unevenly; a period of cold, moist stratification can improve results. Sow in moist seed-starting mix, then provide warmth and strong light after germination. Pot seedlings up carefully, harden them, and plant outdoors after severe frost has passed. Train the strongest shoots clockwise onto supports.

Watering

Maintain even moisture during establishment and rapid bine growth, watering deeply at the root zone. Do not let young roots dry out, but avoid saturated soil and late-day overhead watering.

Fertilizer

Use soil-test results to guide fertility. Hops benefit most from nitrogen during early spring growth; reduce nitrogen as flowering approaches so excessive leafy growth does not delay cone maturity.

Harvesting

Pick cones when they feel light and papery, spring back after squeezing, and release a strong hop aroma; yellow lupulin should be visible inside. Harvest before cones become brown or brittle, then dry them promptly in a thin layer with good airflow.

Tips

Train a few strong shoots per support and remove weak extras after growth is underway. Cut bines back after dormancy, keep the crown area clean, and contain spreading roots. Remove male plants if the goal is seedless cones.

Pests & Diseases

Downy mildew and powdery mildew are the most destructive hop diseases; viruses, viroids, and Fusarium canker also occur. Select resistant cultivars and clean seed, remove basal spikes and infected shoots, and train an open canopy. Seedlings with persistent mosaic or severe distortion should not be retained for breeding or propagation.

Scout for aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and hop loopers, especially on leaf undersides and developing cones. Thin congested growth for airflow, remove badly infested tissue, and preserve beneficial insects.