Hops 'Cascade' 150 mm

HOPS

Humulus lupus

Cultivation originated from south east Asia over 10,000 years ago. it adds the 'bitter' flavour and is a preservative against bacteria in the fermentation process Over thousands of years many cultivars have been selected for a mixture of flavour styles and for growing conditions. Visit www.clivescorner.com.au to find out the characteristics of each cultivar.

Hops require long periods of daylight and moderate temperatures. To get sufficient light, they need to be grown south of central NSW: Plant in 18cm high mounded rows running in east west directioh for maximum sun exposure. This also aids in drainage and root control.

Can be planted as living, growing plants in spring/summer or as dormant rhizomes in late winter. Hops are deciduous and die back to an underground rhizome in late autumn.

Hops are a "bine" and produce rapidly growing,climbing stems that should be grown up 'string lines' for best results. The strings should be around 4 to 5m long. After planting (and each spring) choose the three strongest shoots and train them anticlockwise up the string. They need regular watering (around 5 litres per day) which is best delivered through a drip system. They respond to high nitrogenous fertiliser and a pH of 6 to 7. Trim off leaves from bottom 75cm to improve plant health.

The flowers will appear in late January and grow through to early autumn. When the flowers have a dry papery texture and are just starting to go brown they are ready for harvest. After harvest they should be dried and vacuumed sealed for future use. After a year or two one plant should give enough hop flowers for several craft home brews.