In the first year of growing hops, you can expect a significant amount of growth, with the bines reaching a height of 8 to 10 feet. It's truly fascinating to witness the rapid growth of these plants and see them reach for the sky. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of cultivating hops in my own garden and watching them flourish.
When the first bines start to emerge and reach a height of 2 to 3 feet, it is essential to train them up a support system. Hops have a natural inclination to grow in a clockwise direction, so it's important to guide them accordingly. This clockwise growth pattern is inherent in the plant's genetics and is known as “circumnutation.” By training the bines in this manner, you are allowing them to fulfill their natural progression and maximize their growth potential.
To train the bines, you can gently wrap them around a support structure such as a trellis or twine. It's crucial to be mindful of not causing any damage to the delicate shoots during this process. The bines will naturally cling to the support system as they continue to grow. As they reach higher, you may need to guide them further up the trellis or twine to ensure they stay on the desired path.
It's fascinating to observe how quickly the hops can climb and reach impressive heights. The growth rate of hops in the first year is truly remarkable, and it's exciting to see them thrive under the right conditions. As a brewer, witnessing this growth is a reminder of the journey from plant to pint and the attention to detail required to cultivate quality ingredients for brewing.
In the first year of growing hops, you can expect them to grow to a height of 8 to 10 feet. When the first bines reach 2 to 3 feet, it is important to train them up a support system in a clockwise direction. This natural progression of growth ensures that the hops reach their full potential and sets the stage for a successful harvest in the future. So, get ready to witness the incredible growth of hops and enjoy the rewarding experience of cultivating your own brewing ingredients.