Hops (Humulus lupulus) are an essential ingredient in brewing, lending distinctive flavors and aromas to beers while also serving as a natural preservative. With the craft beer industry booming, many homebrewers and commercial brewers alike are turning to hop cultivation. If you’re in Colorado and looking to grow your own hops, you’re in luck! This guide provides an extensive overview of how to cultivate hops successfully in Colorado’s unique climate.
Hops are climbing perennial plants that belong to the Cannabaceae family. They thrive in well-draining soil and require adequate sunlight, making them ideal for various climates, including Colorado’s mountainous regions. Hops grow as bines—twining stems that can reach heights of up to 20 feet or more.
Understanding the local climate is crucial for hop cultivation. Here are some factors you need to consider:
Climate: Colorado has a semi-arid climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Hops require a minimum of 120 frost-free days, thriving best with daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F.
Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is essential. Ideally, the soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Conduct a soil test before planting to determine nutrient levels and amendments needed.
Sunlight: Hops require full sun exposure—at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Select a location that is not shaded by trees or buildings.
Different hop varieties produce various flavors and aromas, making it essential to choose varieties suited for your brewing needs and local growing conditions.
Cascade: Known for its floral, citrusy aroma, Cascade hops are versatile and widely used in American Pale Ales.
Centennial: Often referred to as a “super Cascade,” Centennial hops have a balanced aroma of floral and citrus notes.
Chinook: This variety has a spicy, piney aroma with hints of grapefruit, making it suitable for IPAs.
Citra: Renowned for its strong grapefruit and tropical fruit characteristics, Citra hops are highly sought after in modern brewing.
Columbus: With earthy and pungent notes, Columbus hops are primarily used as a bittering hop.
Choose a sunny area with good air circulation to help prevent diseases like powdery mildew that can thrive in humid conditions.
Test Your Soil: Conduct a soil test through your local extension service or home testing kits.
Amend Your Soil: Based on the soil test results, add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches to ensure good drainage and mix organic materials into the ground.
Since hops are climbing plants, they require support structures:
Trellis Height: Construct a trellis that is at least 6-8 feet high; some hop growers prefer even taller structures.
Materials: Use durable materials such as treated wood or metal piping for the vertical posts. Wires or twine will serve as rows for the hops to climb.
The best time to plant hops in Colorado is in early spring after the last frost date—typically between mid-April and mid-May depending on your specific location within the state.
Seedlings vs Rhizomes: While seedlings can be grown, most growers plant rhizomes—small root cuttings with buds.
Spacing: Space rhizomes approximately 3-4 feet apart in rows that are at least 8 feet apart, allowing sufficient space for growth.
Planting Depth: Dig holes about 2 inches deep for rhizomes; place buds facing upward and cover lightly with soil.
Hops require consistent moisture, especially during their growth phase in spring and summer:
Irrigation: Implement drip irrigation or soaker hoses to provide deep watering without saturating the leaves.
Frequency: Water regularly but be cautious not to overwater; this can lead to root rot.
Hops are heavy feeders that benefit from regular fertilization:
Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizer: Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like fish emulsion) during the initial stages of growth.
Balanced Fertilizer: Once plants establish themselves, switch to a balanced fertilizer to promote flowering and cone production.
Regular pruning helps maintain healthy plants:
Remove any dead or diseased foliage immediately.
Train new shoots around trellis lines during early growth stages; pinch tips once they reach several feet high to encourage lateral branching.
Hops can suffer from various pests and disease issues:
Aphids: These small insects can weaken plants; use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Spider Mites: Keep humidity levels appropriate; wash leaves with water if mites appear.
Cutworms: Protect seedlings by using collars around their base.
Powdery Mildew: Ensure adequate air circulation; use fungicides if necessary.
Downy Mildew: Plant resistant varieties if possible; remove infected leaves promptly.
Knowing when to harvest is critical for maximizing flavor potential:
Look for bright green cones that feel dry but not brittle.
Cones should have an aromatic fragrance when squeezed gently.
Harvest usually occurs from late summer through early fall (generally August-September).
Cut bines off at ground level using sharp shears.
Carefully remove cones from bines without damaging them.
Dry cones quickly on screens or mesh trays away from direct sunlight for optimal storage.
Growing hops in Colorado can be an incredibly rewarding experience—both personally and commercially—especially with its thriving craft beer scene. By understanding your local environment, selecting appropriate hop varieties, setting up proper supports, and maintaining diligent care throughout the growing process, you can cultivate healthy hop plants yielding quality cones for brewing delicious beers.
Whether you’re aiming for homebrewing adventures or considering launching your own craft brewery, growing hops allows you to connect deeply with this fascinating agricultural journey while contributing directly to the art of brewing!