The Common Hop (Humulus lupulus ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY)
The common hop, scientifically known as Humulus lupulus ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY, is a captivating plant that has gained popularity not only for its ornamental characteristics but also for its practical uses. This article delves into the culture, uses, care tips, diseases, pests, and more associated with this fascinating plant.
What is a Common Hop?
The common hop, Humulus lupulus, is a vigorous, climbing perennial plant that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. It is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and is particularly well-known for its use in beer production, primarily for its bitterness, flavor, and aroma. However, in recent years, it has also been exploited for its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.
The ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety of the common hop is especially cherished for its unique characteristics and adaptability, making it a favorite among gardening enthusiasts and brewers alike.
Key Takeaways – Common Hop (Humulus lupulus ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY)
Here are some key takeaways pertaining to the common hop plant and its ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety:
- Hop Plant Varieties: There are numerous hop plant varieties, and the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY is one of the sought-after options due to its distinct features.
- Humulus lupulus Cultivars: The ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY is a cultivar of the species Humulus lupulus, commonly known as the common hop.
- Best Hop Plants for Brewing: When it comes to brewing, the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY stands out as one of the best hop plants, offering unique qualities for beer production.
- Growth Habits: Understanding the growth habits of the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY is essential for successful cultivation and harvest.
- Uses in Beer Production: The ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY is renowned for its use in beer production and is favored by brewers for its distinct flavor and aroma.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the characteristics, culture, and care requirements of the common hop, focusing on the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety.
Culture
Water
The common hop, including the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety, thrives well in moist but well-drained soil. While it requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, it’s essential to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. In hot climates, providing consistent moisture is crucial for the plant’s overall health and productivity.
Sunlight
The common hop plant benefits from full sun to partial shade, with a preference for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight exposure promotes robust growth and enhances the development of hop cones—essential for both ornamental and brewing purposes.
Soil
When it comes to soil preferences, the common hop, including the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety, thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Soil rich in organic matter provides the necessary nutrients for vigorous growth and optimal hop cone development.
Fertilizer
To support healthy growth and abundant cone production, it’s beneficial to fertilize the common hop plant, particularly in the early spring as new growth emerges. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied, ensuring that it provides essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support vigorous vine growth and robust cones.
Uses
Ornamental Purposes
The ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety of the common hop plant has gained recognition for its ornamental appeal. Its lush green foliage, coupled with its ability to climb and cover structures, makes it a charming addition to landscapes, particularly in gardens, arbors, and trellises.
Beer Production
One of the most celebrated uses of the common hop plant, including the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety, is in beer production. Its unique flavor and aroma qualities make it a preferred choice for adding bitterness, aroma, and flavor to various beer styles, ranging from pale ales and IPAs to stouts and lagers.
Pruning
Proper pruning is essential for managing the growth of the common hop plant and optimizing cone production. Pruning can be carried out in the early spring to remove old, weak, or damaged growth, promoting the development of vigorous new shoots. Additionally, removing excess lateral shoots can enhance air circulation and sunlight exposure, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
Propagation
The common hop plant, including the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety, can be propagated through various methods such as rhizome division and stem cuttings. Rhizome division involves separating and replanting the underground rhizomes, while stem cuttings can be rooted to establish new plants. Propagation allows for the expansion of hop plantations and the introduction of new cultivars to the market.
Container Popularity
The common hop, particularly the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY cultivar, has gained popularity for container cultivation. This approach allows gardeners and brewing enthusiasts with limited space to cultivate and enjoy the benefits of this remarkable plant. Growing hops in containers requires careful attention to watering, sunlight, and support for the climbing vines.
Common Diseases
Downy Mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli)
Downy mildew is a common fungal disease that can affect the common hop plant, including the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety. It is characterized by the appearance of yellowish-green lesions on the upper surface of the leaves, often accompanied by a grayish downy growth on the lower leaf surface. Implementing preventive measures and utilizing resistant cultivars can aid in managing this disease.
Powdery Mildew (Podosphaera macularis)
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can impact the common hop plant. It manifests as a powdery, white coating on the surfaces of leaves, often leading to leaf distortion and reduced photosynthetic activity. Maintaining adequate spacing between plants, promoting air circulation, and employing fungicidal treatments can assist in controlling powdery mildew.
Disease Diagnosis
Diagnosing diseases in the common hop plant, including the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety, involves careful observation of symptoms such as leaf discoloration, wilting, and unusual growth patterns. Additionally, seeking support from plant health experts and diagnostic laboratories can aid in accurately identifying and addressing potential diseases, ensuring the plant’s long-term health and productivity.
Common Pests
Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)
Two-spotted spider mites are common pests that can infest the common hop plant, causing stippling and discoloration of leaves due to their feeding activities. Regular monitoring and the application of predatory mites or insecticidal soaps can help in managing two-spotted spider mite populations and minimizing their impact on plant health.
Aphids (Aphidoidea)
Aphids are sap-feeding insects that can colonize the common hop plant, including the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety, leading to distorted growth and the transmission of viruses. To control aphid infestations, natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can be encouraged, and insecticidal sprays may be employed when necessary.
Botanist’s Tips
Tip 1: Support Structures
Providing sturdy support structures, such as trellises or arbors, is essential for accommodating the vigorous growth of the common hop plant, particularly the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY cultivar. Robust support enhances vine stability, promotes optimal sunlight exposure, and facilitates efficient harvesting.
Tip 2: Harvest Timing
Timing the harvest of hop cones is critical for preserving their aroma and flavor characteristics. Monitoring the development of hop cones and conducting aroma and moisture tests can aid in determining the ideal harvest time, maximizing the quality of the harvested cones for brewing purposes.
Fun Facts
- The common hop plant has been cultivated for centuries and has a rich history intertwined with beer production and traditional herbal medicine.
- Female hop plants produce the cone-like structures that are utilized in brewing, while male hop plants are primarily grown for ornamental purposes.
Links to External Resources
For further exploration of common hop plants and their ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety, the following external resources are recommended:
- Hop Growers of America
- The British Hop Association
- American Homebrewers Association
- Master Brewers Association of the Americas
- Royal Horticultural Society – Growing Hops
- BeerAdvocate – Beer Styles
In conclusion, the common hop, specifically the ‘Sumner’ SUMMER SHANDY variety, is a multifaceted plant with a wealth of cultural, ornamental, and practical uses. Its valuable contributions to beer production, coupled with its enchanting presence in gardens, underline the remarkable significance of this plant in horticulture and brewing traditions. By harnessing the insights and practices related to its culture, care, and utilization, enthusiasts can embrace the richness of the common hop in various facets of their lives.
