Hops growing question

[pb_]

Hi, I've looked online and have asked freshops.com but can't seem to find a definite answer on this, but will hops grow around black walnut trees? I got the ok from the wife to grow them, but I don't want to buy them in the spring if they won't grow at my house. TIA

[corkybstewart]

I'm pretty sure hops will grow anywhere. I mean if they'll grow out here in the New Mexico desert they'll grow wherever you are. Plant some in the spring and be patient. You won't get much the first year or 2 but then they'll go wild.

[dparsons]

Some plants do drop chemicals that prevent others from growing. The amout of sun/shade might also be an issue. I don't know specifically with your Oak tree. I'm with Corky. Try them and see. The rhizomes aren't that expensive. Get a couple types and try them in a couple different places. They'll tell you if they're happy or not.

[Mill Rat]

pb_ does have cause for concern. Black Walnut trees do have a way of poisoning the nearby soil for other plants. I think it may be something to do with those wretched green/yellow husks on the nuts. But damn the black walnut meats are tasty once you get to them!. I use a big pair of vise grips to crack the nuts. However, I can't offer any guidance on whether hops will grow under one of those trees. Hops do like lots of sun, so if it's real shady you'll have another problem to contend with. You might want to start the rhizome in a large pot and then plant it once it has a good head of steam going.

[corkybstewart]

The shade issue might be a real problem. My hops plants have to have some midday-early afternoon sun because of the withering heat, but too much shade won't work. Cascades is a good hop to start with, it's practically indestructible and has heavy yields after just a couple of years.

[pb_]

Yeah the black walnuts contain a substance that is given off by the roots, leaves, bark, and walnut husks. Some plants thrive in the vincinity of black walnuts and some do not due to this substance. Just curious if anyone has some first hand knowledge regarding if the hops are fine in the soil around the walnut trees.

I've cut down most of the walnut trees so there will be sun for the hops - priorities ;) it's just that the substance isn't water soluble so it remains in the soil for years.

Also, just curious as to what varities would be best to plant, ie most common types in receipes.

[dparsons]

Corky is right about the Cascades being more robust. Other than that I really don't know. Ask freshops. Pick your favorites.

[Payson]

Also, just curious as to what varities would be best to plant, ie most common types in receipes.

As you might guess, the American strains of hops are more hardy and robust on this side of the pond. Cascades, as previously mentioned, are a great choice!

[corkybstewart]

For me the Cascade does very well, my Nuggets do alright, maybe the 3rd year they'll take off, and my Liberty are struggling at best. I'll move them to a sunnier spot. This year I actually had harvested 3 oz (dry)of Cascade in May and they produced almost continually until October.
I was gone most of July and August so I didn't get to pick them so many cones were lost, but this year I should have an abundance.

[Payson]

This will be my cascades 3rd year in the ground. After this year I'm almost frightened to think how much i'll get! :D

[pb_]

Thanks for the info so far. I'll put Cascades on my list. Will Williamettes and Fuggles lend themselves to many receipes as well? Just getting started (if you couldn't tell) and want to plant ones that I will be able to frequently use.

For storage of the picked hops, I'm assuming vacuum sealing and refridgeration (freezing?) is best. Correct? Thanks.

[corkybstewart]

I'm actually pretty stupid since I don't really like Cascade hops. I'd rather be growing Fuggles but the Cascade works well here. So if anybody out there is growing Fuggles and wants to trade for Cascade let me know.

[dparsons]

Willamette is a US version of the Fuggles. I don't know if you want both. I'd go for Hallertau as well.

[Mill Rat]

Originally posted by dparsons
Willamette is a US version of the Fuggles. I don't know if you want both. I'd go for Hallertau as well.

I selected four varieties to grow last year. I picked Centennial for a citrus left-coast hops with some good AA content, either Mt. Hood or Liberty (I can't remember which right now, I'll have to check the receipt) for a noble hoppish variety, Sterling for a Saazish hop that has a chance of one hill producing enough for a batch, and Willamette for the English variety.

All but one (I think the Sterling) I bought the Freshops jumbo rhizome and they grew well. Lots of vine growth, but no cones the first year, so we'll see what next year brings (other than the vegetal imperative to weld up the trellis for their climbing pleasure).

[dparsons]

That seems like a good balance.