Humulus lupulus HOPS (25 seeds)

Hops is an aromatic, dioecious, and climbing herbaceous plant from the Cannabaceae family. This very fast-growing perennial vine requires a lot of space; it grows in European forests and along watercourses, blending harmoniously into the landscape while bringing a touch of greenery and vitality to its environment. It covers an area of approximately 5 m² per specimen. During cultivation, it requires a sturdy support such as a trellis or a fence to develop effectively.

Hops seeds from Humulus lupulus are rounded, slightly granular, and flattened, with gray and yellow coloring. The rather earthy smell of the seed is due to the lupulin it contains. Equipped with a small wing, the seed is easily disseminated by the wind. 

The male plant blooms in panicles, forming very small flowers with abundant pollen, while the female plant produces very fine filament-like flowers. Flowering takes place starting in August.

The fruits, produced only by the female, become scaly cones covered in a very fragrant, sticky resin.

Its stems have small white spikes that are very abrasive but not dangerous.

- Properties:

- Harvesting and Storing Cones:

Harvesting the cones occurs at the end of the flowering period between August and late September, when the cones are well-developed and their scent is intense.

It is advisable to dry the cones in a ventilated place away from light to preserve the quality of the resin. It may take several years to reach full production, generally between 3 to 4 years.

- Germination and Sowing:

• It is strongly recommended to sow hops between November and the beginning of March so that the seeds can germinate correctly. It is also possible to perform artificial stratification by placing the seed tray in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 8 weeks.
• Sow the seeds 2 to 3 millimeters deep in a tray of fine potting soil.
• Firm the soil with your fingers using a back-and-forth motion.
• Water the culture gently by spraying every 3 to 4 days. Germination will generally begin 2 to 3 weeks after stratification and sowing.

- Soil Type:

It thrives in light, fresh soil that is rich in organic matter. Remember to ensure good drainage at the bottom of the pot.

- Sunlight:

It grows very well in forest clearings; therefore, it does not necessarily need full sun all day and appreciates shaded areas.

- Hardiness:

It grows very quickly when temperatures exceed 20°C. Below this, growth is slower. It can withstand very harsh winters with extremely low temperatures (-25°C).

- Water Needs:

This hardy vine particularly loves water. It is recommended to mulch the base of the plant to keep the soil constantly moist, which will limit the frequency of watering.