Pruning a hop bush is an important task in maintaining the health and productivity of the plant. While there are different opinions on the exact method of pruning, I would suggest leaving a portion of the bine behind when cutting back the plant. This approach allows the crown and plant to continue receiving small amounts of sugar from the bine, which can be beneficial for its overall health.
Some sources recommend cutting the hop bush all the way back to ground level. While this may seem like a clean slate approach, it can be quite drastic and may result in a slower recovery for the plant. By leaving a portion of the bine behind, you are providing the plant with a source of nutrients and energy to support its regrowth.
When deciding how much of the bine to leave behind, I would recommend leaving anywhere from one to three feet. This range provides a good balance between allowing the plant to receive some nutrients from the bine while also giving it room to grow and develop new shoots.
In my personal experience, I have found that leaving a portion of the bine during pruning has resulted in healthier and more vigorous growth in the following season. The plants seem to recover quicker and produce more abundant yields.
It’s important to note that hop plants are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. Therefore, proper pruning techniques are essential for their long-term health and productivity. Regular pruning helps to remove dead or diseased parts of the plant, promotes airflow and sunlight penetration, and encourages new growth.
When pruning, it’s also a good idea to remove any side branches or lateral shoots that may be crowding the main bine. This allows the plant to focus its energy on the main bine and promotes better airflow throughout the plant.
While there are different opinions on the exact method of pruning a hop bush, I would recommend leaving a portion of the bine behind. This allows the plant to continue receiving small amounts of sugar and nutrients, promoting its overall health and productivity. Regular pruning is important for maintaining the long-term health of the plant, and removing any crowded or diseased parts can further enhance its growth.