Hop Demonstration at the Beaumont Horticultural Unit

1. Hop Demonstration at the Beaumont Horticultural Unit Scott A. Langlois, Christine E. H. Coker, Mike Ely, Thomas Freeman Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center • Hops (HumulusLupulus) are herbaceous perennials which produce vines (or more accurately, bines) from a crown. These bines may grow 15’-25’ in one year and will die back each winter. The female plant flowers form the basis for flavor, aroma and stability in beer. They have been cultivated since the 8th century and used in brewing since the 1500’s. • Hops can be grown between the 30° and 50° Latitude and rely on long days for maximum flower production. Most commercial US hops are grown in Washington, Oregon and Idaho (approx 32K Acres / 24K tons). • In May 2013, a two row Hopyard was constructed at the Beaumont Horticultural Unit. The Hopyard consists of 10 poles, 12’ in height set 20’ apart with a 10’ row center. A single mutli-strand wire supports the sacrificial jute twine on which the hops will grow. The hops were planted in soil amended with organic matter and are watered with drip irrigation. • Hop Varieties planted as rhizomes in Beaumont • Poles are set in ground 4’ • Hop Rhizome • During the 2013 growing season, Cascade, Nugget and Mt Hood appeared to perform better than the other varieties. None of the varieties had more than 3’ of growth. No flowers were produced in year 1. • Hop lateral • 2-3 bines per upright string