Common hop (Humulus lupulus)

Also known as: European hop, Hop-vine

Humulus lupulus, known as hops, is a perennial climbing vine capable of reaching heights of up to 6 meters. Renowned for its pivotal role in beer brewing, hops impart both bitterness and aroma to the beverage. Additionally, hops contain natural sedative compounds, frequently utilized in herbal treatments for insomnia and anxiety. Remarkably, during the growing season, this plant can grow up to 20 cm per day, making it a striking presence in gardens and natural settings.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common hop

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Plant Height

10 m

Spread

1 m to 2 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow

Flower Size

1 cm to 6 cm

Flower Color

Green Yellow

Images of Common hop

Quickly Identify Common hop

Twining stems utilize support structures for climbing.

Broad, lobed leaves measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) wide.

Female flowers have thread-like styles and cone clusters.

Fruit clusters with small dry fruits enclosed in papery bracts.

Opposite, palmately veined leaves with soft hairs underside.

Scientific Classification of Common hop

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Rosales

Family

Hemp

Genus

Hop

Species

Common hop

Planting and Growing of Common hop

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Common hop?

Humulus lupulus thrives best when watered enough to keep the soil evenly moist. The goal is not to soak the plant but to keep the moisture consistent. Ensure water penetrates to a depth of about 20 cm without leaving water to stagnate.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common hop? ›

What should I do if my Common hop is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Common hop? ›

How to save an overwatered Common hop? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common hop?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Partial to full sun is best for Humulus lupulus, needing about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This ensures strong, healthy growth and optimal hop production.

What are the ideal lighting conditions for Humulus lupulus? ›

How can you achieve ideal lighting conditions for Humulus lupulus? ›

What benefits does Humulus lupulus gain from ideal lighting conditions? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common hop?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

For Humulus lupulus, maintaining an ideal temperature range between 60°F to 75°F is crucial for optimal growth. This range supports active metabolism and photosynthesis, ensuring the plant develops strong and healthy. Falling within this bracket facilitates robust hop production, crucial for commercial growers.

What Soil is Best for Common hop?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Humulus lupulus thrives best in well-draining soil. Good drainage allows the roots to breathe and prevents root rot, ensuring strong, vigorous growth vital for bountiful hops. Rich, loamy soil full of organic matter provides the essential nutrients Humulus lupulus needs. This nutrient-dense environment supports lush foliage and prolific cone production. The soil should retain moisture moderately; too much moisture can lead to root rot, while too little can parch the plant. A balanced soil ensures continuous hydration and nutrient transport.

How to Fertilize Common hop?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Humulus lupulus, the ideal fertilizer amount depends on the plant's growth stage. During active growth, aim for about 1 to 1.5 pounds of balanced fertilizer per 100 square feet. This allows the plant to absorb necessary nutrients without overwhelming it.

How to Prune Common hop?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by removing any dead or damaged stems, cutting back to healthy wood. Focus on cutting out tangled or crowded growth to improve air flow. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts at a slight angle just above a node. Pinch back the tips of young, soft shoots regularly to promote bushier growth. This encourages the plant to send out side branches, resulting in a fuller appearance and more robust structure, capable of supporting an abundant yield.

How to Propagate Common hop plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late winter

Choose plants that are disease-free and vigorous. The selected parent should show no signs of stress, as this ensures that the propagated offspring are healthy and robust.

Use sterilized pruning shears to take 4-6 inch cuttings below a node. Remove leaves from the lower half to reduce moisture loss and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.

Insert the treated cuttings into a moist, well-draining soil mix. It's crucial to keep them in a humid environment, possibly using a propagator or plastic cover, to encourage rooting.

How to Repot Common hop plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Humulus lupulus should be repotted when you notice that the roots are circling the bottom of the pot or coming out of the drainage holes. This usually indicates that the plant has outgrown its container and requires more space to grow. Additionally, if the soil is no longer retaining moisture, it might be time to refresh the medium.

Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant roots. The new pot should be heavy enough to support the top-heavy growth of hop bines, providing stability as they climb.

Go for well-draining loamy soil that retains some moisture but doesn't stay too soggy. The right soil mix should be rich in organic matter, which aids in feeding the plant and provides a lightweight structure for roots to thrive. A balanced pH is ideal for nutrient absorption.

Toxicity of Common hop

Is Common hop toxic to humans?

The common hop plant poses a toxic threat upon direct skin contact. Individuals with sensitive skin may develop dermatitis, with research indicating that around 1 in 30 may experience adverse reactions. Historically, common hop has been known to cause irritation to the hands, face, eyes, and legs. Contact typically leads to a rash characterized by small bumps that may rupture. While the specific toxic component of this plant remains unidentified, several chemical compounds are believed to pose risks, particularly the volatile essential oils humulene, myrcene, and farnesene. This plant should be avoided by pregnant individuals, those experiencing depression, or anyone suffering from breast, uterine, or cervical cancers.

Is Common hop toxic to cat?

Common hop poses a threat to cats when ingested. Cats can unintentionally consume the toxic components of this plant, especially the flowers and leaves. Such exposure may result in various symptoms that signal physical distress. It is essential for cat owners to keep a close eye on their pets and restrict their access to common hop. Should poisoning occur, prompt veterinary attention is crucial to address the cat's health issue and safeguard their welfare.

Is Common hop toxic to dog?

Common hops possess a moderate to severe level of toxicity for dogs. Every aspect of the plant is harmful, but it is primarily the flowers, which are utilized in brewing and tea-making, that are frequently consumed. The inherent bitterness of the plant typically deters dogs from overindulging; however, if they ingest substantial amounts, common hops can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and elevated body temperature. Should the temperature increase be severe enough, it can pose a risk to life, so it is essential to reach out to your veterinarian if you observe these symptoms.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.