How deep should I plant?

[Gabe]

??? Rhizomes allready have bines 8" long.

 

[Brewsmith]

I believe the rhizomes can be planted fairly shallow. I've heard only 1'' of soil over the top. I'd get them on the ground and immediately get some twine strung up for each bine.

 

[Gabe]

How fast will these puppies grow? The Nugget is already up and running for the stars and the Cascade is getting there. Do I have some time to plan my trellis method out or should I get these twined up fast?

 

[Brewsmith]

I'm not so sure on that one. I'm waiting for my LHBS to get the rhizomes in so I can plant a few. I'd say at least give them something temporary to climb on while you plan the trellis. Get some wide wire mesh from the hardware store.

 

[Gabe]

I think I'm going to use 1/2'' round stock for the stakes, with an eye welded to the top, then 25 ft poles( bury 5') at either end of my garden with a heavy gauge wire spanding the 2 poles. Then I can tie the coir yarn to my eyes and up to the wire. All my hops are going in a long row so this should work OK.

 

[Brewsmith]

Sounds great. I've got to plan something for mine. I'm checking tomorrow to see if they're in.

 

[jfish63]

In the spring when they start to run I have had mine grow almost a foot per day. The first year will probably be a little slower at first but you don't have much time.

 

[david_42]

Since you have growth already, I'd say plant them 2-3" down.

I've have bines go from 2' to the top of a 16' trellis in less than three weeks.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

The "general rule" is 3-4 Inches of soil cover for new rhisomes and a covering of compost/manure every fall which will deepen that. Typical practice is to set the rhisome on the soil surface and mound soil over the top to create a hill.

Hops at their most vigourous grow a full foot a day (mostly because they continue to grow at night). If you mark your lines with a sharpie and come back a few hours later you'll see for yourself.

Bine growth should be no less vigorous for the variety the first year than the second or third, IF the plant is healthy and likes the area you've given it.

Don't expect much, if any, cones the first year. Although some will surprise you.

The underground growth is almost as vigorous as the above soil growth so be sure to give them some room and if possible limit how far they spread with some barriers underground. A term called boxing in. Raised beds are ideal for this but not the only way. Edging will do little more than keep the grass out (but doesn't do even that well).

 

[Gabe]

These are mature rhizomes I dug up from another garden. 10 years old. I planted about 3" below the surface.