Grow Hops In Containers

Want to brew your own beer but think you need a farm to grow hops? Think again. You can absolutely grow hops in containers, even if your only space is a sunny balcony or patio. This guide gives you the simple steps to cultivate these vigorous vines in pots, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your own aromatic cones for homemade brews.

Growing hops in pots is a fantastic solution for small-space gardeners. While hops are known for their towering height in fields, they adapt surprisingly well to container life with a little planning. The key is understanding their basic needs: lots of sun, something tall to climb, consistent water, and a rich soil mix. Let’s get your container hop garden started.

Why Choose Container-Grown Hops?

There are several big advantages to growing hops in pots. First, you have complete control over the soil quality and drainage, which is crucial for healthy roots. Containers also naturally restrict the plant’s spread, preventing it from taking over your garden like it might in the ground.

For renters or those with limited yard space, containers offer portability. You can move them to catch the best sun or even bring them along if you move. It’s also easier to manage pests and diseases when the plant is up off the ground and contained.

Selecting the Best Hops Variety for Pots

Not all hop varieties are created equal, especially for container growing. Some are more vigorous and might outgrow a pot quickly. Look for dwarf or moderate-growth varieties that are better suited to confined spaces.

Cascade: A very popular, reliable choice with good yields and a floral, citrusy aroma. It’s adaptable and a great for beginners.
Centennial: Known for its high alpha acids and versatile use, it has a moderate growth habit that works well in large containers.
Fuggle: An English variety with a milder, earthy profile and less aggressive growth, making it ideal for pots.
Nugget: A high-yielding, disease-resistant variety with a bittering profile. Its robustness translates well to container life.

When you buy, look for healthy rhizomes (root cuttings) or potted plants from a reputable nursery. Starting with a strong plant is half the battle.

Essential Supplies You’ll Need

Gathering the right materials before you plant sets you up for success. Here’s your shopping list:

Container: Go big. A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended, with a diameter of at least 18-24 inches. Larger is better. Ensure it has excellent drainage holes.
Potting Mix: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Avoid heavy garden soil. You can mix in some compost for extra nutrients.
Support Structure: Hops are bines that climb clockwise. You’ll need a tall, sturdy trellis, pole, or a system of strings. Aim for at least 8-10 feet of vertical support.
Fertilizer: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one formulated for vegetables is perfect.
Mulch: A layer of straw or wood chip mulch helps retain soil moisture.

Setting Up Your Container and Support

Place your container in its permanent spot before filling it. Hops need 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Once positioned, install your support. For a single plant, a sturdy bamboo pole or tomato cage reinforced with twine works. For a balcony, you can run coir strings from the pot up to a railing or overhead anchor.

Make sure the support is secure. A mature hop plant with wet cones can get heavy, especially on a windy day.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Prepare the Container: Fill the bottom third of your pot with potting mix. If your pot is very deep, you can add a layer of broken pottery or pebbles for extra drainage, but it’s not always necessary with a good mix.
Plant the Rhizome: Place the hop rhizome horizontally about 1-2 inches below the soil surface. If you have a potted plant, plant it at the same depth it was in its nursery pot. The eyes or new shoots should be facing upward.
Fill and Water: Gently fill the rest of the pot with soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top for watering. Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes. This settles the soil around the roots.
Add Mulch: Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Train the Bines: Once shoots are 6-12 inches long, choose the 2-3 strongest ones and carefully wrap them clockwise around your support. Remove any weaker shoots to direct energy to the main bines.

Caring for Your Container Hops

Consistent care is simple but vital for a good harvest.

Watering and Feeding

Hops are thirsty plants. Check the soil daily in summer. Water deeply when the top inch feels dry, ensuring even moisture. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely or stay soggy.

Feed your hops with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season (spring to mid-summer). Stop fertilizing by late summer to let the plant prepare for dormancy.

Pruning and Maintenance

As the bines grow, continue to gently guide them. Pinch off any side shoots (laterals) that grow low on the bine to encourage growth higher up where the cones will form. Keep the base of the plant clear of leaves to improve air circulation.

Watch for common pests like aphids or spider mites. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually handles them. Good air flow from proper spacing helps prevent mildew.

Harvesting and Drying Your Hops

Harvest time is usually in late summer or early fall. Cones are ready when they feel papery and light, have a strong aroma, and leave a yellow lupulin powder on your fingers when rolled.

Pick cones individually when they’re dry from the morning dew.
They should come off the bine easily with a slight tug.
Spread the cones in a single layer on a screen or breathable tray in a dark, warm, well-ventilated area.
Dry them for a few days until the inner stem becomes brittle. Store dried cones in an airtight bag in the freezer until you’re ready to brew.

Overwintering Your Potted Hops

After the first frost, the bines will die back. Cut them down to about 2 inches above the soil. In colder climates (below USDA zone 5), you’ll need to protect the pot from freezing solid.

You can move the container to an unheated garage, bury the pot in the ground, or wrap it with insulating materials like bubble wrap or burlap. Water very sparingly over winter, just enough to keep the soil from turning to dust.

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of over or under-watering. Check soil moisture. Could also indicate a nitrogen deficiency, so ensure you are feeding regularly.
Powdery Mildew: Appears as white powder on leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage when watering, and remove affected leaves. There are organic fungicides available.
Small or No Cones: Usually due to insufficient sunlight. Hops need full sun to produce well. Also, first-year plants often have a smaller harvest; they hit their stride in year two and three.

FAQ: Growing Hops in Small Spaces

Can I grow hops in a 5-gallon bucket?
It’s possible for the first year, but the plant will quickly become root-bound and stressed. A 20-gallon or larger container is strongly recommended for healthy, productive plants over multiple seasons.

How many hop plants can I put in one container?
Stick to one plant per large container. Hops are vigorous and need ample room for their root system to develop. Crowding them will lead to competition and poor growth.

Do container hops need less water?
Actually, they often need more frequent watering than in-ground plants because pots dry out faster, especially in hot weather. Consistent moisture is critical.

What is the best trellis for patio hops?
A tall, obelisk-style garden trellis works well. For balcony growers, securing heavy-duty strings or netting from the pot to a sturdy overhead point is a space-saving solution. Just make sure it can handle the weight.

Growing hops in containers is a rewarding project that connects you to the brewing process from the ground up. With the right pot, a sunny spot, and a bit of daily attention, you’ll be harvesting your own homegrown hops before you know it. The fresh aroma of your own cones will make that first homemade beer taste even better.