Growing hops indoors presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts, transforming a traditionally outdoor crop into an accessible indoor pursuit. While it requires dedication and careful management, cultivating hops in a controlled indoor setting is achievable.
Essential Requirements for Indoor Hops
Hops are sun-loving plants, requiring abundant light to thrive and produce cones. For robust vegetative growth, they need at least 15 hours of light daily. Supplemental LED grow lights are necessary indoors to provide the intense illumination hops demand, helping to extend the photoperiod beyond natural daylight hours.
These vigorous climbers need a sturdy support system, as hop bines can reach impressive heights of 15 to 25 feet in a single growing season. A tall trellis, strong twine, or ceiling hooks can provide the necessary structure for the bines to climb in their natural clockwise direction.
Selecting the correct container and soil mix is also important for indoor hops. A large pot, ideally at least 18 inches in diameter and 24 inches deep, provides ample space for the extensive root system. The potting mix should be well-draining and rich in nutrients, with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0, to support healthy growth and prevent waterlogging.
Consistent moisture is crucial for hops, particularly for young plants establishing their root systems. The soil should remain consistently moist but never waterlogged, requiring regular watering several times a week. Drip irrigation can be beneficial, delivering water directly to the root zone and preventing moisture on leaves, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Hops are heavy feeders, benefiting from a regular nutrient supply throughout their growing season. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer supports vigorous bine development. Supplementing the soil with organic materials like manure or compost provides a steady release of nutrients.
Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels contributes to a thriving indoor hop plant. Hops prefer temperate conditions, with ideal temperatures generally ranging between 40 to 70°F (4 to 21°C). Average indoor humidity levels are typically suitable.
Choosing the Right Hops Variety
When cultivating hops indoors, selecting a variety suited to confined spaces simplifies the growing process. Dwarf or compact varieties are better choices for container and indoor cultivation, as they are bred for shorter internode lengths, resulting in a more manageable plant size.
Popular dwarf varieties include First Gold, which typically grows to 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) and is well-suited for smaller gardens or containers. Other adaptable options include Fuggle and Nugget, which can perform reasonably well in pots. Varieties like Summit, Pioneer, Herald, Sovereign, and Gimli are also viable choices for their compact growth habits.
Planting and Initial Setup
Growing hops indoors begins with sourcing healthy rhizomes, which are root cuttings from mature female hop plants. These are typically available in early spring (March-April) from online retailers or specialized nurseries. Store them in a cool, dark, and moist environment, such as a refrigerator, until planting to prevent them from drying out.
Prepare your large container with well-draining potting mix. Plant rhizomes horizontally, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) below the soil surface, or vertically with buds pointing upwards. After planting, provide a thorough initial watering, ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated. Some growers start rhizomes in smaller containers before transplanting to their final large pots once vigorous growth has begun.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Hops produce fast-growing shoots called bines, which naturally twine clockwise around a support structure. Select the strongest 1-3 bines for training, removing any weaker or excess shoots at their base. Guide these bines onto your vertical support system, such as string, poles, or a trellis, to encourage upward growth.
As bines extend, they can be trained to grow horizontally once they reach the top of your support, or across a ceiling with anchors, to maximize space and light exposure. Regular pruning of lower leaves and side shoots improves air circulation and directs the plant’s energy towards cone production.
Indoor environments can be susceptible to pests like spider mites or diseases like powdery mildew. Inspect plants regularly for any signs of infestation or discoloration. Good air circulation around the plant is a preventive measure against mildew, and promptly removing affected leaves limits its spread. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs can control common indoor pests such as aphids.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest
Harvesting hop cones indoors is crucial for maximizing their aromatic and bittering qualities. Cones are generally ready from mid-August through September, though timing can vary based on variety and growing conditions. Ripe cones feel papery, light, and dry to the touch, and should spring back to their original shape when gently squeezed. A key indicator is the presence of yellow, pungent lupulin glands inside the cone, which have a distinct, hoppy aroma when rolled.
After harvesting, proper drying is essential to preserve the cones and prevent mold. Hops should be dried quickly at low temperatures, ideally below 140°F (60°C), to retain their delicate oils and aromas. Methods include a food dehydrator, spreading them on screens with good airflow, or a well-ventilated oven with the door slightly ajar. Avoid direct sunlight during drying, as it can degrade the hop compounds.
Once dried to a brittle, papery texture, the hops are ready for storage. To maintain freshness and prevent oxidation, store the cones in airtight containers, preferably vacuum-sealed bags, in a cool, dark place like a freezer. This preserves their flavor and aroma for extended periods. While hops traditionally undergo a cold dormancy period outdoors, controlled indoor environments with LED lighting can allow for continuous growth and multiple harvests without traditional dormancy. If continuous growth is not desired, the perennial rhizome can be overwintered in a cool, moist, dark environment for the next growing season.