Even though hops are famous for being lightning-fast climbers, you don’t need a huge backyard to grow them—they actually do great in containers! This makes them a fantastic choice for adding some lush greenery to balconies and pergolas. Just keep in mind that since they love to reach for the sky, you’ll need to provide a sturdy trellis or support system to keep them happy.
Growing Hops on Your Balcony
Hops are a brilliant natural privacy screen for your balcony. If you keep them well-fed and watered, these climbers grow incredibly fast. One of the best perks for renters is that unlike ivy or certain vines, hops won’t damage your brickwork or siding. You can let them climb away without worrying about losing your security deposit!
Trellis Ideas for Small Spaces
If you’re growing hops in a pot on the balcony, you might already have a built-in head start: the balcony railing. While railings are a great anchor point, they usually aren’t tall enough to satisfy a hop plant’s ambitions. To keep the growth from stalling out, I recommend adding some tall bamboo stakes or even mounting some sturdy twine or ropes for them to spiral up.
Caring for Potted Hops
Growing hops in a container is a little different than growing them in the ground. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Go big: Use a large pot to give the roots plenty of room.
- Drainage is key: Layer some gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom to prevent root rot.
- Stay hydrated: Water regularly; you never want the soil to dry out completely.
- Feed them: Use a vegetable fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Give them a lift: Always provide a trellis or support.
- Winter prep: Don’t forget to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
Winter Protection: Don’t Skip This!
While hops are naturally hardy plants, container-grown hops are more vulnerable because they don’t have the deep earth to insulate them. To keep your plant safe during a cold snap, place the pot on a sheet of Styrofoam and wrap the container in bubble wrap or burlap. This extra layer of insulation keeps the root ball from freezing solid.
Sunlight and Harvest
When it comes to choosing the right spot, hops are pretty flexible—they’ll even grow on a north-facing balcony as long as it’s bright enough. However, there is a catch: if you’re hoping to see those iconic hop cones (the fruit), your plant is going to need plenty of direct sunlight. Shady spots will give you beautiful leaves, but sunny spots give you the harvest!
