I planted three varieties of hops last year.
They came as a piece of root about 10 inches long and looked like a dead stick. Two of the plants did not grow very well because I put them in a fencerow that has other trees and bushes stealing sun and nutrients, but the third one ‘cascade’ was planted out in the open next to the t.v. tower.
By the end of the season, the cascade had grown two vines over 18 feet tall and yielded about 4 ounces of flowers. I will be moving the two varieties out of the fence row this spring, cutting up whatever roots I find into 10inch pieces to replant.
I ordered my rootstock from Freshhops out of Philomath, Oregon
http://www.freshops.com/rhizinfo.html . I have also ordered hops flowers for brewing from them, and testify to the reliability and integrity of this company.
There are actually four important things to consider concerning hops. The first of course is to grow them but added to that are the following:
• Harvesting at the proper time
• Initial drying of the flowers unless you plan to use them immediately during August or September when they are picked
• Long term storage
I failed at the final step last year and my hops lost their fresh smell and probably flavor because I left them sit out instead of bagging and freezing them until I was ready to use them. Unless I was purchasing from a fellow brewer who knew the rules of correct hop harvest and storage, I would rely on a professional hop distributor over a farmers market source.
