Hops are a warm-season crop; during the active growth phase
the crop requires light of similar intensity to tomato, cucum-
ber, and pepper crops. Good air flow is essential, particularly
around the lower levels of the plant where high humidity can
promote disease. While vigorously growing hop bines under
ideal growing conditions are relatively problem free, they can
be prone to mite infestations in warmer, drier conditions. Early
detection and ongoing control is advisable as mites can cause
considerable crop damage. Powdery mildew may also be a
concern in some hop varieties, particularly where air flow is
insufficient around a dense canopy.
HARVEST
Under good growing conditions, cones will develop along
the bines in succession and ripen at slightly different times.
For this reason, hand-harvesting ripe cones from the bines
and leaving immature ones to develop further can be carried
out on a small scale. Determining harvest ripeness can take
some experience, but mature cones will appear plump, fully
sized, soft and dry, light weight, slightly paler or yellow in
color, and will have developed a high level of fragrance.
Immature cones are generally greener, firmer, and compact
and can be left to ripen on the plant. For larger scale hop
crops, all the bines can be cut back and removed at harvest
for easier cone removal leaving three to four feet at the base
of the plant for regrowth. Once harvested, the fresh cones can
be used immediately, however, shelf life is relatively short,
and the quality can decline rapidly under warm conditions.
“ HOPS ARE relatively easy to grow as
they are extremely vigorous and heavy
feeders that benefit from the controlled
nutrition of hydroponic systems.”
Fresh cones can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days if
necessary but are best used within 24 hours. Most fresh hops,
once removed from the vines, are rapidly dried to maintain
quality. On a small scale, this can be done by laying the
cones in a cool, dry place, out of direct light for several days
until fully dried. These can then be stored in vacuum sealed
bags either under refrigeration or in the freezer before use.
Hydroponic hops production may be a relatively new
trend and an unusual plant for protected cultivation, but
their value is in the demand for high-quality fresh cones
that are best used within a day or two of harvest. With a
wide range of cultivars to select from and several differ-
ent training system possibilities, hydroponic hops are a
crop that has a promising future.
Maximum Yield
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