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We have five plants. This is the Hallertau plant, which typically is the first to sprout.
These photos were taken February 13th (left), through May 30th. (right) The tips are curling around, and are halfway up the climbing strings. Although this plant starts early, the yield is fairly small. We typically only get about half an ounce each year.
We have two more plants, which have not produced any cones, a Willamette,
and a Kent Golding. The sprouts looked fat and happy earlier in the season, but lately have stopped growing. The leaves are starting to get yellow, probably from too much damp weather. Both of these plants were put in big clay pots to avoid root competition from the other plants.
Getting a slow start this year was the Cascade. It is now taking off and is starting to branch out. It produces a flowery hop with an alpha level about 5%. The yield is always good. We use it as flavoring in American-style beers.
The most prolific, and last to sprout, is the Nugget. It is a high alpha variety, which we estimate at 11%. It forms the bittering basis of most of our brews. Don't let the slow start fool you. In a week or two this plant will be towering above the others. Whoops, there it goes now, branching out and starting to form cones! This guy doesn't really know when to quit. We always get at least a pound per year off this guy.
Finally, here is the trellis they all live on. It is made from 16 foot redwood 2-by-4s. Each of the stringers can be lowered to make picking easier.
