Home brewers can take their hobby to the next level by growing their own hops, a perennial plant that is surprisingly easy to cultivate from a rhizome or stem cutting. Once established, hop bines emerge each spring and produce flowers, or cones, ready for picking in late summer.
To propagate hops, take a 15cm rhizome cutting from a healthy parent plant in spring, using a clean, sharp knife. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, or pot it up if immediate planting is not possible. Stem cuttings taken in spring or summer can also be rooted in gritty compost.
Hops are dioecious, so seeds are not recommended as they may produce male plants, which do not yield cones. Only female plants bear the cones used in brewing. Ensure ample space, as hops can be vigorous and may overwhelm nearby plants.
Support structures like trellises help manage growth and improve yield. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling bines to avoid grazes from their hooked hairs. Harvest cones when they turn from green to yellow, feel papery, and release a strong aroma. Dry them thoroughly before brewing or store in the freezer.
Beyond beer, hop cones can be steeped in hot water to make a bitter tea believed to aid sleep.
