My hop rhizomes are in the ground.

[Phoenix]

I dug holes about a foot across and at least that deep. I filled the hole with wet Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil, and planted two rhizomes of the same variety in each hole. Those of the same variety were planted 3 feet apart, the different varieties are 5 feet apart.

• Cascade
  Cascade
  Cascade
  Fuggle
  Willamette
  Hallertau
  Tettnang
  Centennial

The 6 cascade rhizomes were very sad looking. They were tiny, and I've had them for a number of weeks. The 2 each of the other varieties were big, fresh, and looked great.

Did I mention that I have no idea what I'm doing here? All I know is what I've read on the Internet. Why did I choose the varieties I did? I guessed. I've only used half of them. Any other suggestions?

[Jdl973]

I put my hops in 2 weeks ago...

make sure you put the hops in with the "tips" of new growth pointed up. I planted mine about 2 inches deep. Spacing sounds good. I also hit mine with a small amount of liquid root stimulator. When the hops come up, pick 2 of the best shoots and cut back the rest and any others that come back up. this will focus the plant on root growth the first year not flower production. you will need to give the hops something to climb. The vine will go clockwise and will grow on just about anything.

Hops like lots of direct sun and can grow up to 14-20 feet in one season.

Give a good soaking after planting and about every 3-4 days depending on the weather and your soil. Do not over water, or they will rot in the ground.

Once the hop is about 3 feet tall, trim back the bottom 8-12 inches of leaves to the ground. This will help minimize the potential for fungus to grow on the hop. Do not water the leaves directly for the same reason.

I used Liquid Fence (thank you MRS BOURBONDRINKER) to keep the bunnies off my hops. Works like a charm, but DO NOT get any of it on you...stinks to high heavens. after it rains you will need to re-apply it.


Our hop garden





Hops just coming out of the ground. Our "stake" are left over full size keg guts with some small modification...you done taught me well Swagman....



Mt Hood after about a week of growth



This is a Sterling we planted last year and clearly has the jump on the new hops.



We have:
Sterling
Mt Hood
Magnum (yes Andy I will share with you )
Cascade
Centennial


Good luck.

Jason