Although the Humulus plant is a hardy perennial climber it is normally treated as if it is a half hardy annual inn the garden.
It has lobed foliage and produces hops in the autumn. Some common names for Humulus are Hop, Yunnan and Japanese Hop.
Humulus lupulus – Hops by Amandabhslater; creative commons.
Humulus japonica variegata by SuperFantastic; creative commons.
Common Names: Hop: Common, Japanese, Asian, Yunnan.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 24 to 600 inches (60 to 1250 cm).
Native: Europe, Asia, North America.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 9.
It depends upon when you want the hops to flower as to when you sow the seed.
For Autumn flowers sow in the summer. If you want the hops to flower in late spring, then sow the prior autumn. Sowing at the beginning of spring will result in summer flowers.
In all cases sow the seeds at a depth of about 6 mm (1/4 inch) into either a sunny or lightly shaded area of the garden that has good drainage. Hops like to grow in a rich and moist soil.
It usually takes just under a month for hop seeds to germinate at a temperature of 21 to 24 degrees Centigrade (70 to 75°F).
If you want to start Humulus plants off indoors, then plant seeds about two months before you put them out.
Once growing hops will require regular watering/ As as Humulus plant species are climbers, they will require a trellis or similar support to grow upon.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Humulus plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ beer relted growing guides: How to grow Artemisia vulgaris and Achillea millefolium plants.