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Description
Humulus Lupulus, commonly known as hops, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. This species is native to Europe, western Asia, and North America, and is widely known for its use in brewing beer. The hops plant is a climbing vine that can grow up to 25 feet tall, and it produces cone-shaped flowers that are used for flavoring and preserving beer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Genus | Humulus |
Appearance
The Humulus Lupulus plant has a fast growth rate and can grow up to 6 inches per day. It has a thick, woody stem that can reach up to 25 feet in height. The plant produces large, green, lobed leaves that are about 4 inches long and 3 inches wide. The flowers of the hops plant are cone-shaped, and they grow up to 2 inches long. They are green in color and are covered with small scales.
Care Guide
The hops plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun exposure and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. In terms of fertilization, the plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The hops plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The hops plant is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, downy mildew, and powdery mildew. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while downy and powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plants.
Habitat
The Humulus Lupulus plant is native to Europe, western Asia, and North America. It thrives in areas with a temperate climate and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Hops are typically grown in areas with a long growing season, and they require full sun exposure to thrive.
Question and Answer
Q: Can hops be grown indoors?
A: While it is not impossible to grow hops indoors, the plant requires a lot of space and sunlight to thrive, making it difficult to grow in a typical indoor environment.
Q: How long does it take for hops to mature?
A: Hops typically mature in late summer or early fall, about 120 to 170 days after planting.
Q: Can hops be propagated from cuttings?
A: Hops are typically propagated from rhizomes, which are underground stems. While it is possible to propagate hops from cuttings, it is not recommended as it can be difficult to achieve a high success rate.
Q: Are hops plants toxic to pets?
A: Hops plants can be toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets. The consumption of hops can cause hyperthermia, panting, and increased heart rate in pets, and can be fatal if left untreated.
Related Plants
- Humulus Japonicus
- Humulus Scandens
- Humulus Lupulus var. Neomexicanus
- Humulus Yunnanensis
References
- “Humulus Lupulus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a162.
- “Hops.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10749/humulus-lupulus/details.
- “Hops: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Hops Plants.” Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/plant/hops.
