Hops Vines

Photo Courtesy Visual Hunt

The Common Hops (Humulus lupulus) has been grown for centuries for the harvest of female fruits which are used to flavor and preserve beer. The Dutch were the first to use it widely in the 1300s. Washington is the largest producer of hops in the United States. Each year, about 75 percent of the nation’s hop crop comes from the Yakima Valley.

Even if you are not interested in harvesting hops, the vine can be used for ornamental value in the garden. The vines are fast-growing and can reach 20-30 feet in length. They can be grown on large trellises 10-15 feet tall. They should be planted in full sun (at least 6 hours per day), in average to rich soil that is well-drained. Planting them in an area protected by winds is also beneficial. The cones of the plant can be harvested beginning in late August.

We have several varieties now in stock. They include:

Willamette – grows to 25 feet in a single season. Very aromatic and best used for pale ales, brown ales or UK style ales. It is also used in teas for insomnia.

Nugget – Light green foliage on vines that grow 20′ to 25′ feet. ‘Nugget’ is a bittering hops that imparts bitterness to beer to balance the sweetness of the malt.

Centennial – has dark green and coarsely-lobed foliage. The fruits deliver a bitter flavor with notes of lemon and pine. It has been used in American craft beers such as IPA, Stout, Amber and Blonde ales.

Aureus – has bright chartreuse foliage and makes a beautiful contrast with darker green foliage. Part shade is recommended to avoid bleaching the leaves.