Humulus lupulus FEMALE HOPS (Plant)

Female hops is a perennial, twining, and climbing variety native to Europe that develops very quickly.
Often called the "northern vine," it is primarily found at the edges of humid forests.

The flowers of the female hops possess very fine yellow and white filaments.

Its leaves are green, generally palmate in shape, and serrated.
Their texture is quite soft to the touch due to the presence of small, fine hairs.

The cones are the female reproductive organs of the plant; they contain the lupulin glands responsible for the unique aroma of this species.

- Properties:

Lupulin: The Secret to Aroma and Bitterness

Female Hops owe their reputation to lupulin, a precious and fragrant resin nestled at the heart of the female flowers.
This unique compound gives brews their characteristic bitterness and complex aromas, while naturally acting as a traditional preservative.

A Spectacularly Vigorous Climbing Vine

Ideal for quickly covering a pergola, trellis, or fence, this young hop female plant impresses with its ultra-rapid growth and highly decorative foliage.
Hardy and robust, it adds a wild, graphic touch to your garden while remaining incredibly easy to maintain.

A Bountiful Late-Summer Harvest

The cones are traditionally harvested in September, just when their resinous scent and alpha acids are at their peak concentration.
To preserve all their botanical and aromatic qualities, these flower heads are carefully dried flat before being stored away from the light.

- Planting and Cultivation:

• Plant Female hops in a pot with horticultural soil or directly in the ground, taking care not to cover the root collar.
• Firm the soil well and water copiously during planting.
• Train the plant using a stake or trellis to guide it during its rapid growth.

- Substrate:

Feminized hops requires slightly basic (alkaline) and aerated soil.
It is also beneficial to add a little slow-release fertilizer after 6 months.

- Location and Hardiness:

It acclimates to all kinds of light, tolerating both indirect sunlight and full sun.
However, the plant will produce significantly more cones in a very sunny location. Its USDA hardiness zone is 6a.

- Watering / Humidity:

Its drought resistance is excellent if the base is well-protected.
In the height of summer, water the base occasionally and apply mulch to prevent evaporation.
In winter, allow the plant to enter its dormant phase without watering.

- Maintenance:

Humulus lupulus plant can be pruned down to the ground if necessary starting at the end of October.

This article was written by Julien on 07/16/2026.