Alongside malt, hops are the most important ingredient in German beer. The plants are therefore cultivated on a large scale. But the climbing plant also looks good in the garden or on the balcony. Worth knowing about hops - a profile.

Hop is a fast-growing climbing plant

Characteristics of the ornamental and useful plant hops

  • Botanical name: Humulus
  • Plant family: Hemp family (Cannabaceae)
  • Occurrence: northern hemisphere
  • Type of plant: climber, useful plant
  • Types: three types
  • Age: up to 50 years
  • Size: up to 9 meters
  • Leaves: green, reminiscent of vine leaves
  • Female flower: green, cone-shaped
  • Male flower: inflorescences in panicles
  • Flowering time: June
  • Fruits: green-yellow cones (nuts)
  • Harvest time: sprouts in spring, fruits in August / September
  • Growth: up to one meter per week
  • Toxicity: non-toxic
  • Hardiness: absolutely hardy, withers over winter
  • Use in the garden: ornamental plant, privacy screen
  • Use in the kitchen: sprouts like asparagus, fruits as tea
  • Features: tendrils twist clockwise

The three types of hops

There are three types of hops, all native to the northern hemisphere. Real hops are the most commonly grown in Germany. The largest growing area is the Hallertau or Holledau, where the hops of the same name are grown.

Another type of hop is Japanese hop, which grows as an annual, and Yuann hop. Both varieties are grown from seed, while real hops are propagated primarily by cuttings and root division.

The tendrils wind clockwise

A special feature of hops is that the tendrils wind to the right around plant stakes or climbing aids. If the plant tends to the left, growth will stop until the tendrils grow clockwise again.

Hops are dioecious

Hops form male and female plants. Male plants are grown for ornamental purposes only. The fruits of the female plant contain the yellow lupulin powder used in beer making and natural medicine.

Hops are difficult to remove

Once the hops have settled well in the garden, they spread widely and can only be removed with great effort. This should be considered when growing hops.

The spread can be avoided by growing the plant in a bucket.

tips

Hops are not just an easy-care ornamental plant for the garden. The young sprouts are edible and can be prepared in a similar way to asparagus.

Category:

Vegetable garden