Hops are becoming a huge favorite for gardeners looking for a fast-growing climber or a natural privacy screen. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can actually eat the young shoots like asparagus, and of course, use the cones for homebrewing! If you’re thinking about growing your own hops, just a heads-up: it can be a little tricky. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the different propagation methods to make sure your garden thrives.
Propagation Methods
- Sowing seeds
- Cuttings (softwood)
- Cuttings (semi-hardwood)
- Root division
Sowing Hop Seeds
Here’s the deal with seeds: in many professional hop-growing regions, growing male plants is actually discouraged (or even restricted) because they can pollinate the female plants used for brewing. Because seeds produce a mix of male and female plants, sowing isn’t usually the go-to method. However, if you’re set on growing hops from seed, remember that they need to be stratified (a cold treatment) first to wake them up.
You’ll want to start your seeds in the spring. Use a seed tray or window box, scatter the seeds over the soil, and give them a very light dusting of dirt on top. Keep the tray in a spot with indirect light—no harsh direct sun just yet! Keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to let it get soggy.
Using Cuttings
When you’re pruning your hops in the spring, you’ll end up with plenty of extra material to work with. If you want to try the easy route, you can take those fresh trimmings and stick them right back into the ground. As long as you keep the soil nice and damp, a good portion of them should start to take root on their own.
For a more “pro” approach, take semi-hardwood cuttings between February and May. Look for shoots about three inches long that are starting to feel a bit woody. Strip off the bottom leaves and tuck them into pots filled with a high-quality seed-starting mix. To create a mini-greenhouse effect, pop a plastic bag over the pot to keep the humidity high. Place them in a warm spot away from direct sunlight, and you’ll see new growth before you know it!
Propagation via Root Division
If you have an established, older hop plant, root division is a fantastic way to get new plants. Carefully dig around the base to expose part of the root ball and divide a section off. Then, simply transplant that piece into its new home. It’s a great way to spread the hop-love around your yard!
