March, April and HOPS

As we all probably know, Hops, Humulus Lupulus, is the main ingredient in beer. Homemade and specialty beer drinks are becoming more and more popular...I'm thinking Happy St. Pat's Day and a strong cold one right now...yum yum... As a result of this increasing interest, there is a shortage of Hops availability to producers. Local farmers and backyard gardeners are picking up the slack and beginning to grow more Hops. See Michigan State University Extension website for the courses they offer in how to grow Hops at this link http://hops.msu.edu.

Because Hops can easily be grown at home, one of our Reno County Master Gardeners did just that last year.

Growing the Hop Bine

Humulus, or hop, is frequently referred to as a hop vine. This is technically incorrect as the species H. lupulus of Humulus is technically a "bine". Bines have significant stems with stiff hairs that aid in their ability to climb while vines use suckers or tendrils to attach themselves to surfaces. Hop bines grow from rhizomes, which are also known as rootstocks or creeping rootstocks. A rhizome is essentially a stem of a plant that most commonly grows underground, along which roots and stems sprout along its length. When a rhizome is cut into individual pieces, each of those pieces, properly cared for, should grow into a new plant in a process called vegetative reproduction.
Hop rhizomes are only available during a short period of time each year, most usually during March and April, which is when hop farms dig up the rhizomes, package them, and ship them to retailers.
- See more at: http://herbgardening.com/growinghops.htm#sthash.YQ8wIEP8.dpuf

Growing the Hop Bine

Humulus, or hop, is frequently referred to as a hop vine. This is technically incorrect as the species H. lupulus of Humulus is technically a "bine". Bines have significant stems with stiff hairs that aid in their ability to climb while vines use suckers or tendrils to attach themselves to surfaces. Hop bines grow from rhizomes, which are also known as rootstocks or creeping rootstocks. A rhizome is essentially a stem of a plant that most commonly grows underground, along which roots and stems sprout along its length. When a rhizome is cut into individual pieces, each of those pieces, properly cared for, should grow into a new plant in a process called vegetative reproduction.
Hop rhizomes are only available during a short period of time each year, most usually during March and April, which is when hop farms dig up the rhizomes, package them, and ship them to retailers.
- See more at: http://herbgardening.com/growinghops.htm#sthash.YQ8wIEP8.dpuf

Medicinally, hops have been used as a sleeping aid, for tension relief, and to improve digestion. Some varieties are used for ornamental purposes in the garden and for use in dried floral arrangements and garlands. Surprisingly, Humulus lupulus is closely related to the cannabis, or hemp plant, and has both. - See more at: http://herbgardening.com/growinghops.htm#sthash.YQ8wIEP8.dpuf

Here are some examples of how he used his Hops plants. He gave the  plant adequate support by letting it climb on a post or flagpole. Below Hops is shown also growing on a porch railing. It also works well in containers.  These are all first year Hops he grew from rhizomes so they should really begin to flourish this Spring 2016. They must get at least a half day of full sun.

 

Hops on left, King Tut Papyrus on the right

Hops is an extremely vigorous growing plant and can grow up to 20 ft or more in a single season. It is so vigorous some use it as a privacy or shade screen on arbors and trellises.  It is hardy in zones 4 to 8. Our Reno County area is considered zone 6 so it will come back year after year as a perennial.

Hops are considered an herb and the dried, flowering part of the plant is used to make medicine. The attractive flower pod would be something I'd hope to add and use in this dried arrangement to make it fuller looking. 

Medicinally, hops have been used as a sleeping aid, for tension relief, and to improve digestion. Some varieties are used for ornamental purposes in the garden and for use in dried floral arrangements and garlands. Surprisingly, Humulus lupulus is closely related to the cannabis, or hemp plant, and has both. - See more at: http://herbgardening.com/growinghops.htm#sthash.YQ8wIEP8.dpuf

Medicinally, hops have been used as a sleeping aid, for tension relief, and to improve digestion. Some varieties are used for ornamental purposes in the garden and for use in dried floral arrangements and garlands. Surprisingly, Humulus lupulus is closely related to the cannabis, or hemp plant, and has both. - See more at: http://herbgardening.com/growinghops.htm#sthash.YQ8wIEP8.dpuf

Medicinally, hops have been used as a sleeping aid, for tension relief, and to improve digestion. Some varieties are used for ornamental purposes in the garden and for use in dried floral arrangements and garlands. Surprisingly, Humulus lupulus is closely related to the cannabis, or hemp plant, and has both. - See more at: http://herbgardening.com/growinghops.htm#sthash.YQ8wIEP8.dpuf

Medicinally, hops have been used as a sleeping aid, for tension relief, and to improve digestion. Some varieties are used for ornamental purposes in the garden and for use in dried floral arrangements and garlands. Surprisingly, Humulus lupulus is closely related to the cannabis, or hemp plant, and has both. - See more at: http://herbgardening.com/growinghops.htm#sthash.YQ8wIEP8.dpuf

Medicinally, hops have been used as a sleeping aid, for tension relief, and to improve digestion. Some varieties are used for ornamental purposes in the garden and for use in dried floral arrangements and garlands. Surprisingly, Humulus lupulus is closely related to the cannabis, or hemp plant, and has both. - See more at: http://herbgardening.com/growinghops.htm#sthash.YQ8wIEP8.dpuf

Our Master Gardener grew his Hops from rhizomes. A rhizome is essentially a stem of a plant that usually grows underground, and has roots and stems which sprout along its length. These cuttings can then be grown into a new plants.

Commercially purchased Hop rhizomes are only available during a short period of time each year, mostly during March and April. 
I know the Easter Bunny will be hopping around soon at the end of March but now I'm wondering...do we add our Master Gardeners to the list of hoppers... Hmmm...Plant photos submitted by jzabel.