Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a perennial climbing plant that combines beauty and usefulness in the garden. It grows extremely fast – in spring, new shoots can grow decimetres per day – and forms lush greenery with decorative hop cones towards late summer. As an ornamental plant, hops is perfect for covering walls, pergolas and fences, or even creating a leafy green arch/arbour. In addition to its beauty, hops has historically been used as an important ingredient in beer brewing and is also appreciated for its calming properties. Growing hops at home is both fun and rewarding for beginners and experienced growers alike.
Climate zones – where can you grow hops in Sweden?
Hops thrives in our Nordic climate and is surprisingly hardy. The plant dies back each autumn and overwinters as roots, which means it tolerates Swedish winters well. You can grow hops outdoors in practically all of Sweden – from Skåne up to Norrland. In growing zones 1–5 it usually does very well without extra protection. Even in colder areas (zones 6–7) hops can do fine, especially if you choose hardy, northern varieties and protect the roots over winter with, for example, leaves or spruce branches. Place hops in a sheltered position (e.g. next to a wall or gable end of a house) if you live in a harsher climate, so the plant gets a bit of extra warmth in spring.
Soil and position
For hops to thrive and grow vigorously, it needs nutrient-rich, humus-containing soil that both retains moisture and is well drained. Prepare the growing site by digging deep and mixing the soil with compost or well-rotted farmyard manure. Hops likes a sunny spot or partial shade – it tolerates most aspects, but an east- or west-facing position is often ideal. Avoid extreme southern heat without sufficient watering, and avoid deep shade in the north. Also remember to give the plant plenty of space: each hop plant develops a large root system (at least one square metre of area) and the bines can become 4–6 metres tall in a season. Therefore make sure there is sturdy support to climb on – for example a trellis, a tall string up to the roof, or a robust pole.
Planting hops
Plant your hops in spring when the soil is workable and the risk of night frost has passed. You can buy hops as a potted plant or a root cutting (choose a female plant if you want cones, since it is the female plants that produce hop cones). Do the following when planting in the ground:
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Dig a generously sized hole (about 40–50 cm deep and wide) at the prepared growing site.
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Improve the soil in the hole with compost or manure so that the plant gets a nutrient boost.
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Set the hop plant at the same depth as it stood in the pot (the root collar just below the soil surface). Backfill with soil and press down gently.
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Water thoroughly after planting so that the soil settles around the roots.
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Support the plant straight away: Place a pole, trellis or climbing support next to the plant immediately. The new shoots will soon begin to search upwards, and it is good if they have something to grip from the start.
Keep the soil lightly moist for the first few weeks after planting. If you plant several hop plants, give them about 1.5–2 metres of spacing so they do not compete for space and nutrients.
Caring for hops – watering, feeding, tying in and pruning
Hops is easy to grow once established, but it requires care to reach its full splendour. Here are some important care tips:
Watering: Make sure the hops receives regular water. The soil should be kept evenly moist, especially during dry summer days and during the plant’s first year. However, avoid waterlogging – good drainage is important so the roots do not rot. A layer of organic mulch around the plant can help retain soil moisture.
Feeding: Hops is a nutrient-demanding plant with a big appetite, especially for nitrogen. Apply fertiliser regularly: start early in spring with a dose of well-rotted cattle manure or another nitrogen-rich feed, and continue feeding a few times during the summer (e.g. nettle tea or pelleted poultry manure at a weak dose). A nutrient-rich start helps hops develop abundant leaf growth and many cones.
Tying in: Because hops grows with long, twining bines, it needs proper training. Help young shoots find the support by gently winding them around poles or a trellis. Hop bines naturally twine (anti-clockwise around the support) but may need a little guidance at the beginning. Tie in the bines with soft tying material as they grow, and direct 3–5 of the strongest bines upwards for the best results. The remaining weaker shoots can be thinned out early in the season so the plant puts its energy into the main bines.
Pruning: In autumn the hop bines die back after the first frost. Cut the dry bines down then, or in early spring, to about 10–15 cm above ground level. This clears away old material and stimulates new shoots the following season. Each spring the hops will send up new shoots from the roots; remove dead stem remnants and apply a new round of fertiliser to start the season.
Author: Emma Vogiatzi - trained gardener
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last updated: 2026-01-15