Growing Hops in a conservatory

[Will]

Hi all, basically thinking of growing hops in a conservatory. Is it doable?

[mcgrath]

I grew some in a bay window. New shoots kept dying of mould or mildew until I left the window open a crack. Some air flow seemed necessary. It took off then but became limited by the size of the pot. I enjoyed the experiment but gave it to someone who could grow it outside in the ground and it grew much larger.

[Will]

Was the crop worth the effort McGrath?

[mcgrath]

They ended up in a bag in the hotpress..  I didn't have the confidence to use them:)
but I got probably enough for one brew. I'd do it for the fun more than anything, its not going to save you any money in my experience.. Pretty sure they need watering every day too. just a consideration..

[UpsidedownA (Andrew)]

Growing hops in a conservatory might work, but I would think the hops will grow too well initially and use up all the space in the conservatory. How well they do in subsequent years would depend on how cold it gets in the conservatory in the winter. Hops apparently need a good cold spell over winter to help them hibernate or something.

[Will_D]

Hops in a conservatory will probably succumb to Verticillium wilt (caused by warm moist conditions)

They are best grown outdoors

[Will_D]

OK but its still not a good idea!

[JayMc]

Is there a preferred time of year to plant them?

[Fatcontro11er]

you can certainly do it but the chances are it will totally take over and fill the whole place!!!!

[Will_D]

Is there a preferred time of year to plant them?

Indeed there is!

Usually you plant out bought-in hops in March/April time (this is when they are dispatched) depending on the weather.

Begged and borrowed cuttings are planted when they are obtained - so you may plant in say May or June but you won't get much from either in the first year - just let them establish

HTH Will