Hops
Humulus lupulus
Hops on downpipe
Autumnal hops with fruit
Hops can be grown on downpipes without worry, as it doesn't develop strangling stems.
Hops is an extremely fast growing twiner and can cover large areas in a short time, without expensive supports and without causing building damage.
Requirements
Semi-shaded to sunny Position, also in shade; well drained, moist and very nutrient-rich soil.
Growth and Leaves
Twiner. Extremely fast growing shrub which dies back to the ground in autumn. New shoots appear again in very early spring, and the young asparagus-like shoots are edible. In warm temperatures grows up to 1 metre per week. Grows to 10m height. Leaf shape similar to grape vine, foliage from April to October. Another less vigorously growing species is the Japanese Hops Humulus scandens, an annual plant which propagates itself by seed.
Flower and Fruit
Dioeceous, with female plants mainly being cultivated for beer hops production. The male flowers are inconspicuous panicles, the female ones catkins, and the famous fruit is light green.
Growth Support Systems
Lightning conductors, downpipes, balustrades, railings, masts / poles, struts and other already existing climbing supports can be used, whereby twiners that form strangling stems are not to be planted around such structures. Obviously hops grows well on all other growth support systems... For suitable rope systems refer below. Light and Medium, if necessary also Heavy Duty Support Systems.
Pruning
In very early spring, if necessary, to thin out the young shoots, in autumn remove remaining leaves and shoots with a rake.
Hops growing along a lightning conductor
Hops in a pot climbing up on ropes and from there onto a street light
Hops on 4 wire ropes
Hops on three separate wire ropes at a house entrance.
Fence with hops in spring
Commercial cultivation of hops
Hops climbing up on downpipe |
A hops-horse: clever arranging of the support cables can create such whimsical green sculptures. |
Hops shoots in very early spring |
