Charlottesville Area Masters of Real Ale

Hey, all!

I've been lurking on this forum for a few months, taking what tips come my way.  Now I've got a question.

I planted 6 rhizomes about 4 weeks ago.  3 have multiple sprouts at 4-6 inches and growing.  One just poked a little sprout out last night.  The other two have absolutely no sign of action.  Those are the two I'm worried about.  Should I be worried?  If not, when should I get worried about it?

Thanks for any advice you may have.

Eric

I would give them another couple of weeks.  It is getting late in the season to plant rhizomes anyway, so you might just have to hope for the best.  If they don't come up, then you can try that location again next year.  One of the best tips I have seen is to plant multiple rhizomes per hole, at least 2.  That way, if one does not come up, the other likely will.  I seem to remember hearing that commercial growers plant up to 6 per hole, but they have access to lots of rhizomes.  Another tip would be to post interest here next spring, as several people make a habit of collecting rhizomes from their plants and giving them away to club members (I have been a lucky recipient of such a gift two years running).

Best of luck,

Tom

Hey Hops,

Tom is right but, me personally, I'd probably dig them up and check them out.  Just be gentle and don't worry too much because they aren't fragile roots.  Look them over and see if there is anything sprouting out of them, or if they look completely dead. 

When they are first starting out, too much water can be an issue.  We've had some solid rains over the past few weeks and if the soil around them won't let the excess water drain away, the hop rhizomes can just start to rot.  That’s why I usually mix a bit of sand in with the dirt when planting them.  Kinda like rice hulls for the mash.

Good to hear from you.

Thanks for the advice.  As of yesterday, my final holdout (cascades) poked up a little sprout, so I think all systems are go!

Eric