Nugget Hops (Humulus lupulus ‘Nugget’) are a popular hop variety, favored by home brewers for their balanced profile. Developed in the United States, this vigorous plant is known for its dual-purpose brewing use. Nugget hops provide a clean, firm bitterness with mild herbal, woody, and slightly spicy notes, making them suitable for a wide range of beer styles like IPAs, stouts, and American ales.
Establishing Nugget Hops
Successful cultivation of Nugget hops begins with proper site selection and soil preparation. Nugget hops thrive in full sunlight, ideally receiving six to eight hours of direct sun daily, with a south-facing location beneficial. Well-drained, loamy soil is preferable, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0, though they can tolerate a broader range of 6.0-8.0. Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure improves fertility and drainage.
Plant rhizomes horizontally about one inch deep in prepared soil. Space individual plants approximately three feet apart for the same variety, or five feet apart if planting different hop types to prevent tangling. Hop bines are vigorous climbers, growing up to 20-25 feet annually, so a sturdy support structure is essential. This can include a tall trellis, poles, or strong twine strung from a high point.
Routine Care for Nugget Hops
Consistent moisture is important for Nugget hops, as they do not tolerate prolonged dry conditions. While requiring ample water, good drainage is important to prevent root rot. Regular watering, particularly at the plant’s base in the morning, helps maintain soil moisture and can reduce the risk of certain diseases by allowing foliage to dry during the day.
Nugget hops are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Nitrogen is particularly important during the vegetative growth phase, while phosphorus and potassium support cone development. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in spring. Incorporating compost or manure can also provide necessary nutrients.
As the shoots emerge in spring, select the two or three strongest bines per plant to train, removing weaker ones to concentrate energy into cone production. Train these selected bines to climb their support structure by gently wrapping them clockwise. This promotes good air circulation, important for disease prevention. Nugget hops exhibit some resistance to powdery and downy mildews, but adequate spacing and removing infected leaves are beneficial. Addressing common pests like aphids can prevent potential virus transmission.
Harvesting and Winterizing
Nugget hop cones typically mature for harvest between mid-August and late September, depending on the specific growing region and year. Signs of maturity include a papery, dry texture, a light and springy feel when squeezed, and a strong, pungent aroma. The cones should also be sticky, indicating the presence of lupulin, the yellow substance containing brewing compounds.
Harvesting can be done by hand-picking individual cones, or by cutting down the entire bine about two to three feet above the ground. For first-year plants, it is recommended to hand-pick to allow the plant to direct nutrients back to the root system. After harvesting, hop cones need proper drying. They can be spread thinly on screens in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, or dried using a food dehydrator below 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the growing season concludes and the bines begin to die back, preparation for winter ensures the plant’s survival and vigor for the following year. Cut back the dead bines to the ground after the first hard frost. Applying a layer of mulch over the crown of the plant helps protect the rootstock from freezing temperatures. This prepares the plant for dormancy, allowing it to re-emerge vigorously in the spring.