Growing hops from seed requires some patience, but the results are well worth it.

Hops have a hard seed coat therefore they require stratification. This process involves placing the seeds between layers of moist sand or pest at 5°C/40° F. When seeds begin to germinate (up to 6 weeks) they can then be transplanted to the desired location. A simply way to achieve the same end result is to sow the seed in the Fall, covering with mulch and letting Winter take its course. In the spring look for signs of germination (very small plant- lets). At this time remove the mulch. It is hard to believe that by the third year these little plants may tower over 9 metres.

Hops do not require very much horizontal space all of their growth above ground is vertical. The first years growth is not very impressive because all the activity is occurring below the ground. The root system is quite extensive spreading out horizontally and vertically, the horizontal roots spread out at a depth of 20-30 cm giving rise to a fibrous root zone. The vertical downward roots can reach a depth of 152 cm. During the second year with an established root system to feed the vines the growth is much more vigorous. By the third year the vines are considered mature and may persist for 10-20 years.

Hops require deep, rich, soil, on dry bottom, with a south or south-west exposure - free circulation of air is necessary. The ground should be well pulverized and manured to a considerable depth with a spade before planting. Plants are commonly planted 3 to 6 feet apart depending on the density you are trying to achieve.

Hops are perennial. The stems (vines) that emerge every year are of a twisting nature and should be trained to follow a vertical wire or heavy nylon string. The vine early in the season is very flexible but looses this flexibility as the season advances. Hops die back to the ground in the Fall/Winter months. The old vines may be used in weaving baskets or in everlasting arrangements. As a family, we coil and weave some into decorative Christmas wreaths every year.

The leaves are large on mature vines, heart shaped and lobed (resembling grape leaves). They are attached to the main stem by stalks which are arranged on alternate sides. They are dark green in colour with their edges finely toothed.

Hops are dioecious (i.e. male and female flowers are carried on separate plants). The male flowers are in loose bunches or panicles, 3 to 5 inches long. The female flowers which are aromatic at maturity are in green leafy cone-like catkins, called strobiles ( see image in the upper right corner). The aromatic nature of the female flower is due to the presence of yellow translucent glands, which appear as a granular substance within the cone. Much of the value of Hops is due to this powdery substance which contains 10% of the Lupulin, the bitter substance to which Hops owe much of their tonic properties.

Dried female flowers have been used in folk medicine for centuries. The aroma of the dried flowers is said to have a calming effect indeed it is reported that King Geroge III slept on a pillow stuffed with hops.

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