How Tall Do Hops Grow

If you’re planning to grow hops for homebrewing or simply for their beautiful, fast-growing vines, your first question is likely, ‘how tall do hops grow?’ These vigorous perennial plants, known scientifically as Humulus lupulus, are famous for their rapid vertical growth each spring and summer. They can truly reach impressive heights, often surprising new gardeners with just how much space they need to thrive.

Understanding their potential size is the first step to a successful harvest. It influences everything from your choice of support structure to the spacing in your garden. Let’s look at what you can expect and how to manage these towering climbers effectively.

In a single growing season, hop bines can soar to heights of 15 to 25 feet. Under ideal conditions, with perfect soil, ample sunlight, and a robust variety, some plants may even exceed 25 feet. Their growth is remarkably fast; they can put on several inches in a single day during their peak in early summer. This vertical rush is why having a strong trellis system ready before you plant is absolutely non-negotiable.

Factors That Influence Hop Height

Not every hop plant will hit 25 feet. Several key factors determine how tall your specific vines will get:

Variety (Cultivar): This is the biggest factor. Some are naturally more compact, while others are legendary climbers.
Sunlight: Hops demand full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. Less sun equals weaker, shorter growth.
Climate and Growing Season: Longer, warmer seasons allow for extended growth periods. Plants in shorter-season climates may not reach maximum hight.
Soil Health and Nutrients: Rich, well-draining soil with adequate nitrogen supports vigorous growth. Poor soil stunts the plant.
Water: Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during the initial growth sprint and later cone development.
Age of the Crown: First-year plants often focus on root establishment and may not grow as tall. Second and third-year plants are the real performers.

Popular Hop Varieties and Their Typical Heights

Knowing your variety’s habit helps you plan. Here’s a quick guide:

Cascade: One of the most popular, often reaches 18-22 feet. It’s a vigorous, reliable grower.
Centennial: Similar to Cascade, typically growing 18-25 feet tall.
Chinook: A very strong grower, frequently hitting 20-25 feet or more.
Nugget: Known for its disease resistance and robust growth, often 18-22 feet.
Fuggle: A classic English variety that tends to be slightly shorter, around 15-18 feet.
Neomexicanus Varieties (e.g., Neo1): Wild American hops known for extreme vigor, easily surpassing 25 feet in good conditions.

Building a Support System for Tall Hops

A flimsy trellis is a disaster waiting to happen. Your support must be sturdy enough to handle not just the height, but also the weight of the leafy bines and a full crop of cones, plus wind.

Trellis Design Options

Vertical Trellis: The classic method. Use a strong pole (like a 20-foot treated timber or metal pole) sunk 3-4 feet into the ground. Run strong coir twine or wire from the top to anchors at the base of each plant.
Overhead Cable System: Ideal for multiple plants. Set two tall posts at either end of a row with a strong cable between them. Drop lines down to each hop crown. This is common in commercial yards.
Wall or Fence Training: For a few plants, you can train them up a very tall, sunny fence or wall using a heavy-duty lattice or wires. Ensure the structure is firmly attached.

Key Trellis Construction Tips

Use durable, weather-resistant materials. Galvanized steel wire or heavy-duty natural twine are good choices.
Anchor your main posts deeply in the ground with concrete for stability.
Provide 2-3 training strings per crown to allow for multiple bines and easier management.

Step-by-Step: Training Your Hops to Climb

Hops don’t have tendrils; they climb with stiff hairs that grip rough surfaces. They need your help to get started.

Select Bines: In late spring, choose 3-4 of the healthiest, strongest shoots from each crown. Prune away the rest.
Initial Training: When bines are about 1-2 feet long, gently wrap them clockwise around their training string. They will continue this direction naturally.
Regular Guidance: Check plants daily during peak growth. New shoots may need to be tucked back onto their string to prevent tangling.
Prune Lower Growth: Once bines are about 3-4 feet tall, remove leaves and side shoots from the bottom 3-4 feet. This improves air flow and reduces disease risk.

Annual Care for Maximum Growth

To support that impressive vertical climb, your hops need consistent care throughout the season.

Spring Feeding: As growth begins, apply a balanced fertilizer or one higher in nitrogen. Compost or well-rotted manure is excellent.
Watering: Water deeply and regularly, providing 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Drip irrigation is ideal to keep foliage dry.
Mid-Season Care: Switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium as flowering and cone production nears. This encourages good cone development instead of just more leafy growth.
Winter Prep: After the first hard frost, cut the bines down to about 2 feet. Mulch the crown heavily with straw or leaves to protect it over winter.

Common Challenges with Tall Hop Plants

Wind Damage: Tall, heavy vines act like a sail. A secure trellis is your best defence. Consider planting in a somewhat sheltered location if possible.
Harvesting Difficulty: Picking cones 20 feet in the air is hard. Plan for this! Some gardeners lower their cables at harvest time, or use a tall, secure ladder.
Pests and Disease: Good air circulation (from proper spacing and pruning) helps prevent powdery mildew and spider mites, two common issues.
Space Limitations: If you’re short on vertical space, look for dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties like ‘Prima Donna’ or consider growing in a large container, which will naturally restrict size.

FAQ About Hop Plant Growth

How fast do hop bines grow?

During peak season (late spring/early summer), hops can grow an astonishing 6 to 12 inches per day under optimal conditions.

Can I grow hops on a shorter trellis?

Yes, but it’s not ideal. When bines reach the top, they will start to grow laterally and can become a tangled, shaded mess. This can hurt cone production and increase disease. It’s better to choose a variety suited to your available height.

Do hops grow back every year?

Absolutely. Hops are herbaceous perennials. The above-ground bines die back completely each winter, but the root crown (rhizome) survives underground and sends up new shoots every spring.

How much horizontal space do hop plants need?

Space plants at least 3 to 5 feet apart, and more if possible. This ensures good air circulation and reduces competition for water and nutrients between the extensive root systems.

When should I start training my hop vines?

Begin training when the selected bines are 1 to 2 feet long. They are flexible and easy to guide at this stage. Waiting to long makes them brittle and more likely to snap during handling.

Growing hops is a rewarding project that combines gardening with the craft of brewing. By understanding just how tall hops grow and preparing with the right support and care, you can cultivate a healthy, productive vine that will provide a bountiful harvest for years to come. Remember, their towering nature is a sign of a happy, healthy plant reaching for the sun it loves.