Why Your Hops Plant Is Growing Sideways

Introduction

Hops plants are an essential ingredient in brewing beer, and many home gardeners are now growing their own hops to add a personal touch to their homebrews. However, it can be quite frustrating when you notice that your hops plant is growing sideways instead of upwards. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide some tips on how to encourage your hops plant to grow in the desired direction.

The Nature of Hops Plants

Before we delve into the reasons behind sideways growth, it’s important to understand the nature of hops plants. Hops are vigorous climbers and have a natural tendency to grow upwards. They have long, twining stems that wrap around supports such as trellises or strings, enabling them to reach impressive heights of up to 20 feet or more.

Reasons for Sideways Growth

Lack of Support

One of the most common reasons for hops plants growing sideways is a lack of proper support. Hops plants need sturdy structures to climb on, such as trellises or strings. If they don’t have adequate support, they may start growing in any direction they can find, often resulting in sideways growth. It’s crucial to ensure that your hops plant has a strong and stable structure to climb on from the beginning.

Weak Shoots

Another reason for sideways growth is weak shoots. Hops plants produce multiple shoots each season, but not all of them are strong enough to grow vertically. Weak shoots might not have enough strength to climb upwards and instead start growing horizontally or even downwards. To prevent this, it’s important to select and train the strongest shoots early on.

Improper Training

Proper training is essential for guiding the growth of your hops plant in the desired direction. If you fail to train your hops plant correctly, it may start growing sideways instead of upwards. Training involves gently guiding the shoots to wrap around the support structure. When training, it’s crucial to ensure that the shoots are wrapped in a clockwise direction, as this is their natural growth pattern. If you wrap them in the wrong direction, it can lead to twisted and tangled growth.

Sunlight Availability

Sunlight is a crucial factor for the healthy growth of hops plants. They require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. If your hops plant is not receiving enough sunlight, it may start growing sideways in search of more light. Ensure that your hops plant is located in a spot where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day, especially during the growing season.

Tips for Encouraging Vertical Growth

Now that we understand the reasons behind sideways growth let’s explore some tips on how to encourage vertical growth in your hops plant.

Provide Adequate Support

The first step is to ensure that your hops plant has proper support from the beginning. Install a sturdy trellis or set up a string system for your hops plant to climb on. Make sure the structure is strong enough to support the weight of the plant as it grows taller and heavier.

Select and Train Strong Shoots

When your hops plant starts producing shoots, carefully select the strongest ones and remove any weaker ones. Gently train the selected shoots to wrap around the support structure in a clockwise direction. Use soft twine or clips to secure the shoots to the trellis or strings, ensuring they have enough flexibility to grow without being constricted.

Prune Sideways Shoots

If you notice that some shoots are growing sideways despite your efforts, don’t hesitate to prune them. By removing sideways shoots, you redirect the plant’s energy towards vertical growth. Regular pruning also helps maintain good airflow and prevents overcrowding, reducing the risk of diseases.

Ensure Ample Sunlight

Make sure your hops plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If necessary, consider relocating the plant to a sunnier spot in your garden. Keep in mind that hops plants are sensitive to excessive heat, so choose a location that provides a balance of sunlight and shade.

Water and Fertilize Properly

Proper watering and fertilization are crucial for the healthy growth of hops plants. Water your hops plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other issues. Additionally, provide regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer or compost to ensure your hops plant has the nutrients it needs for vigorous growth.

Conclusion

Sideways growth in hops plants can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can encourage your plant to grow vertically as desired. Remember to provide adequate support, select and train strong shoots, prune sideways growth, ensure ample sunlight, and provide proper watering and fertilization. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a healthy and thriving hops plant that will provide you with an abundant harvest for brewing your own delicious beer. Cheers!