- The methods of propagating hops
- sowing hops
- Propagating hops by cuttings or prunings
- Divide roots or cut root cuttings
Hops are a popular climbing plant that not only produces fruit, but also sprouts that can be eaten like asparagus. Propagation is not easy and does not always succeed. What you need to know if you want to propagate hops yourself.
For example, hops can be propagated by seeds
The methods of propagating hops
- sowing hops
- use cuttings
- cut cuttings
- Share rootstock
Sowing is not recommended, as it is not certain whether female or male offshoots will develop. Male plants are undesirable as they do not develop fruits with the healing and spicy ingredients.
sowing hops
The seeds must be stratified. In the spring they are sown in boxes filled with seed compost and only lightly covered. The box must not be in direct sunlight. The seeds must be kept moist but not wet.
Propagating hops by cuttings or prunings
When pruning the hops in spring, a lot of sprouts are produced. Instead of discarding them, poke them in loose soil the same day. Some of the cuttings will root if kept sufficiently moist.
To grow offshoots from cuttings, cut only slightly woody shoots about eight centimeters long from February to May. Remove the lower leaves and put the cuttings in small pots with potting soil or swollen peat.
Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep it in a warm, not too sunny place until the first sprouting.
Divide roots or cut root cuttings
In commercial cultivation, hops are often propagated by root division or root cuttings. To do this, the root ball must be partially removed from the ground. Only older plants are suitable for this.
The root ball is divided and the desired locations are planted. Root cuttings can be grown in the pot in the same way as shoot cuttings.
With this form of propagation it is guaranteed that a plant identical to the mother plant with the same characteristics and above all the same sex is created.
tips
In commercial hop growing, the varieties play an important role in propagation. This is the only way to produce plants with a high-quality aroma that gives the beer the right flavor. For exclusive use as an ornamental and climbing plant, the varieties do not play a major role.