The world of gardening constantly surprises us with inventions and ideas that turn any corner into a green space, even for those who live in urban areas or have limited space. Beyond the usual advice on optimal irrigation, ideal species for each season to gardening secrets, there are innovative solutions that make growing hops at home be a fun, simple and accessible experience for everyone.
Why grow hops at home?
El hop (Humulus lupulus) is not only a must for craft brewers, but also a ornamental plant Interesting, hardy, and fast-growing plant that can transform a balcony, terrace, or garden. In addition to providing aroma, bitterness and preservative properties to beer, its cultivation provides satisfaction and the possibility of experimenting with your own production.
Craft beer and gardening enthusiasts can enjoy kits that make the experience easier, like the original beer can containing ground hops and seedsJust open it, water it, and in a few days you'll see the plant germinate, ready to be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.
Ideal conditions for growing hops
- Fertile and well-drained soil: Hops require a nutrient-rich substrate that doesn't retain excessive water. It's recommended to mix in mature compost and, if grown in a pot, add a layer of gravel to the bottom to improve drainage. The optimal pH is between 6,0 and 7,5, with slightly acidic being ideal.
- Abundant sunlight: Although hops require plenty of sunlight to achieve vigorous flowering, it's best to avoid excessive direct sunlight during the hottest hours. If you're growing in warm climates, look for a spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade.
- Room to climb: As a climbing plant, hops grow in a spiral. Install tutors, strings or nets to guide their vertical or even horizontal development, which not only maximizes space but also facilitates harvesting. Remember to separate the shoots sufficiently to prevent tangling and ensure good ventilation.
- Regular watering without puddles: It's important to maintain a level of moisture without over-watering. Water seedlings sparingly and frequently, and when the plant reaches maturity, water more deeply and evenly. Avoid wetting leaves and stems to reduce the risk of fungal growth.
- Good ventilation and protection from strong winds: Hops appreciate the ventilated places, but protected from strong winds that can break stems or knock down the tutor structure.
How to plant and care for hops
- Plantation: Plant the rhizome or seed in spring, about 10 cm deep. If planting in a pot, choose containers at least 50 cm in diameter. Leave one meter between identical plants, and more if they are different varieties.
- Tutored: As the shoots reach two feet, help them wrap around the supports, always in a clockwise direction. Cut off excess shoots to encourage the development of the selected ones.
- Pruning and care: Remove lower leaves to improve air circulation, and at the end of the season, cut back dead stems to 5 cm from the ground. In spring, you can remove dead leaves to strengthen new growth.
- Nutrients: Use liquid fertilizer during the flowering stage and slow-release fertilizers to keep the plant healthy, avoiding excess fertilizers that can burn roots.
Diseases, pests and prevention
- Fungal diseases: Mildew and powdery mildew are the most common problems. To prevent them, maintain ventilation between plants and avoid wetting the leaves. Nettle and horsetail extracts can strengthen plant health.
- Pests: Aphids and mites can attack hops. Encourage the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs and use mild insecticidal soaps if necessary.
- Surveillance: If you experience any unusual symptoms, remove affected leaves or shoots immediately to prevent spread.
Harvesting and drying hops
La flowering It usually occurs from mid-summer onwards. The female flowers, which are globular in appearance, appear on the lateral branches. The optimal time for harvest It is detected by the flower's intense scent and dry texture. It is preferable to harvest when the tips of the cone begin to dry, avoiding harvesting too early. The flowers can be used fresh or dried under a mesh screen in the shade, ensuring the moisture content does not exceed 10% to prevent mold. Once dried, it is recommended to store them in vacuum-sealed bags in the freezer.
Innovative kits: growing hops in a beer can
The World Class brand has launched an original beer can with soil and hop seeds, a fun and eco-friendly option for those looking to get started with growing without complications. Simply open, water, and place in a sunny spot until the seeds germinate. When they reach 10-15 cm in height, transplant the seedling to a pot and continue with your usual care.
This option is ideal for a gift or for those looking to start brewing from scratch, learning the plant's lifecycle in a hands-on way. Plus, the success of your grow may spark your interest in exploring varieties, experimenting with your own brewing, and even creating your own small beer garden.
Growing hops at home is an enriching, environmentally friendly experience, perfect for both amateur and experienced brewers. Proper growing conditions substratum, light, irrigation y pest prevention They will allow you to obtain quality harvests and enjoy the process, whether in your garden or starting from innovative kits like the iconic ready-to-sow can.