Hops, along with m alt, are the most important ingredient in German beer. The plants are therefore grown on a large scale. But the climbing plant also cuts a fine figure in the garden or on the balcony. Interesting facts about hops – a profile.
What is the hop profile?
Hops (Humulus) is a hardy climbing plant from the hemp family and an important crop for beer production. There are three types: True hops, Japanese hops and Yuann hops. The plant can grow up to 9 meters high and blooms in June. Hop vines twist clockwise.
Profile of the ornamental and useful plant hops
- Botanical name: Humulus
- Plant family: Hemp family (Cannabaceae)
- Occurrence: Northern Hemisphere
- Plant type: climbing plant, useful plant
- Species: three species
- 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: not poisonous
- Winter hardiness: absolutely hardy, shrinks over winter
- Use in the garden: ornamental plant, privacy screen
- Use in the kitchen: sprouts like asparagus, fruits as tea
- Special features: tendrils wind clockwise
The three types of hops
There are three types of hops, all native to the northern hemisphere. The most commonly grown hops in Germany are real hops. 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 seeds, while real hops are primarily propagated via cuttings and root division.
The tendrils wind clockwise
A special feature of hops is that the tendrils wind to the right around plant sticks or climbing aids. If the plant climbs to the left, growth stops until the tendrils grow clockwise again.
Hops are dioecious
Hops produce male and female plants. Male plants are grown exclusively for ornamental purposes. The fruits of the female plant contain the yellow lupulin powder, which is used for beer production and in natural medicine.
Hops are difficult to remove
If the hops have established themselves well in the garden, they spread widely and can only be removed with great effort. This should be taken into account when growing hops.
The spread can be avoided by growing the plant in a pot.
Tip
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.
