Just like any other plant in your backyard or growing on your balcony, hops can run into their fair share of trouble with pests and diseases. If your hops are looking a little under the weather, one of these common culprits is likely to blame.
Common Hop Diseases and Pests at a Glance
- Hop Wilt (Verticillium wilt)
- Powdery Mildew
- Hop Aphids
- Two-Spotted Spider Mites
When it comes to hops, once you actually see the damage, it’s often a bit late in the game. That’s why I always say prevention is your best friend! Keeping your plants healthy with proper care is the best way to avoid drama. Make it a habit to check the flowers, leaves, and cones regularly so you can catch any changes early on.
Identifying Hop Wilt
Hop wilt is a nasty fungal disease that attacks young shoot tips and the root system. It basically clogs up the plant’s “plumbing,” preventing water from moving through the vines, which causes the plant to wither and eventually die. Unfortunately, there’s no real cure for hop wilt. If your plant gets it, you’ll need to pull the whole thing out and dispose of it to keep it from spreading.
Getting Rid of Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a classic garden headache that affects all sorts of plants. It usually pops up when the weather gets warm, especially if your vines are growing too close together and lacking airflow. You’ll recognize it by a white, flour-like coating on the tops of the leaves. If you spot it, pluck those leaves off immediately and toss them in the trash (not the compost!). If the mildew is starting to take over, a DIY spray of diluted milk can actually work wonders to stop it in its tracks.
Dealing with Pests
If you’ve got hop aphids, you’ll notice a sticky, greasy film covering the buds and leaves. On the other hand, spider mites usually give the leaves and buds a distinct copper-red tint. You can try fighting both of these off with a natural stinging nettle tea spray. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might need to pick up a specialized organic spray for vegetables at your local garden center. Just a heads-up: if you use heavy-duty pesticides, you won’t be able to use those hops for brewing or cooking later on.
