best hops to grow in fl

[phatspade]

I'm interested in growing my own hops and i'd like to know what hop breeds do the best with the climate in florida. To help keep it down to specific all purpose would be great since I mainly do blonde ales and ipa's.

 

[Tropidolaemus]

Hops need more light than they get in FL. This sounds wrong but here in FL closer to the equator we get less hours of sunlight than they do further North. I too wish I could grow my own here in FL but it is not really viable. When I move north in the next few years I will certainly start. Feasibly northern GA is about as south as you can grow hops reliably.

 

[StanJohnson]

You can grow hops in Florida. Check out this thread. Most recommend hops that begin with a "C".

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f92/south-florida-hop-growing-261214/

 

[WrathsU]

I have Willamette, Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook growing right now. The Chinook is having a harder time than the rest, but I am getting cones off of all them (they are first year plants too) right now!

 

[Rbeckett]

My willamettes, Nuggets, centenials and cascades are all growing slowly along. They are all first year bines and rhizomes so not too bad in actuality. Woulda liked em to grow faster but they got here kinda late. Thanks a bunch Hops Shack........
Bob

 

[CaBBs]

You can certainly grow hops in FL! I have Cascade, Willamette, Chinook, and Nugget all growing. We've already gotten the first Harvest from the Chinook, and Hops are starting to grow on Willamette and Nugget. The Cascade are growing a little slower, but are at least 2-3 feet tall. The days are only shorter by 40 minutes or so in the far south (compared to far North). Hops need about 8 hours of full sunlight, and summer days in the continental US are 13-14 hours. Give it a shot, and good luck!

 

[phatspade]

thank you all for replying back. I'm all for the cascade and cent. think those would be best for me to try when/if i can. let's see where i'll end up when the time comes.

 

[Tropidolaemus]

I stand corrected! Thanks for the link and info!!!

 

[Boris_the_Russian]

First year Cascade from central Florida.
1 bine at 9ft and the other is face level and growing strong.

 

[StanJohnson]

I notices some small cones on my plants today.

 

[phatspade]

I'm sold! Obviously I'm too late to start this year, but this gives me time to prep for next year. My last question is what type of soil do you all use?

Thank you again gentlemen for your input and especially the pics.

 

[Boris_the_Russian]

I used a 1/3 mix of black Kow compost, 1/3 general organic top soil, 1/3 organic cypress mulch. Mixed in some bone meal fertilizer and stirred. Everything was from my local lowes garden department and, including the two 20" pots, was under $80.
Satisfaction of my first hop plants actually growing..... Priceless