How to Grow Amarillo Hop
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Amarillo Hop
Humulus lupulus var. Amarillo
vineAmarillo is a popular dual-purpose hop variety prized for both bittering and aroma in craft beer brewing. This vigorous perennial vine produces cone-shaped flowers (lupulin glands) with a distinctive citrus and floral aroma profile. It is one of the most widely cultivated hop varieties in North America due to its reliable yields and versatile brewing applications.
When should you plant Amarillo Hop in your zone?
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Example Amarillo Hop timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Amarillo Hop
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Amarillo Hop
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; best results in zones 5-7 with cool, moderate summers
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Dormancy & Spring Emergence
March-April (varies by zone)Rhizomes remain dormant underground over winter; new shoots emerge in spring once soil temperature reaches 50°F
Ensure winter mulch protection in zones 3-4; remove mulch as shoots emerge; clean up old growth from previous year
Vegetative Growth
May-July (3 months)Vigorous vine growth with heart-shaped leaves climbing up trellis or support string; rhizomes develop lateral roots
Provide sturdy trellis (6-8 feet tall minimum); train vines to climb; apply balanced fertilizer monthly; monitor for disease and pests; prune side shoots to 1-2 main cones per plant for commercial quality
Flowering & Cone Development
July-August (4-6 weeks)Female plants produce cone-shaped flowers (strobiles) with papery bracts and yellow lupulin glands containing alpha acids and essential oils
Ensure only female plants are grown; reduce nitrogen feeding; maintain consistent watering; increase potassium to support cone development; watch for spider mites and powdery mildew
Maturation & Harvest Readiness
Late August-SeptemberCones transition from green to pale yellow-brown; lupulin glands become resinous and fragrant; cones feel dry and papery
Monitor for full maturity by checking cone color and feel; harvest when cones are pliable but dry to touch; avoid over-ripening which reduces alpha acid content
Dormancy Preparation
September-NovemberAfter harvest, vines senesce and die back; plant energy returns to rhizomes for winter storage
Cut back vines to ground level after final harvest; apply 2-3 inches of mulch for winter protection; cease watering; rhizomes will regrow next spring
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use sulfur dust or neem oil in early infestations; introduce predatory mites; maintain humidity below 70%
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Insecticidal soap spray; neem oil; reflective mulches; encourage natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps
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Improve air circulation; remove infected leaves; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; avoid overhead watering; resistant varieties if available
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Ensure excellent drainage; apply copper-based fungicides; remove infected basal leaves early; improve ventilation; avoid working with wet plants
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Hand-pick early morning; use netting if severe; traps; spray neem oil; encourage parasitic wasps
Uses
Beer Brewing
CulinaryAmarillo hops are a dual-purpose variety widely used in craft brewing for both bittering (early boil addition) and aroma (late/whirlpool additions). They impart a distinctive citrus, orange, and floral character with moderate alpha acids (8-11%), making them versatile for IPAs, pale ales, and blonde ales. [source]
Herbal Infusions & Teas
CulinaryDried Amarillo hop cones can be steeped to create a mildly bitter herbal tea with sedative properties; often used in relaxation blends combined with chamomile or valerian. [source]
Sleep & Relaxation Aid
MedicinalHops have been traditionally used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality due to their mild sedative compounds including myrcene and humulone. Amarillo cones can be used in herbal pillows or sleep teas. [source]
Natural Preservative & Flavoring
HouseholdBeyond beer, hop extracts and dried cones have been historically used as natural food preservatives and flavoring agents in foods and beverages. [source]
Home Brewing & Agricultural Craft
CraftGrowing Amarillo hops at home connects craft brewers to hop cultivation; the dried cones are a rewarding harvest representing months of care and a key ingredient for brewing homemade beer. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest cones when they are light golden-yellow in color and feel dry and papery (typically late August to early September). Cones should crumble slightly when squeezed and have a strong citrus aroma. Dry cones immediately after harvest to 10-12% moisture content using a hop dryer or low-heat dehydrator (140-160°F for 8-12 hours) to preserve alpha acids and aromas. Store dried cones in a cool, dark place in vacuum-sealed bags with oxygen absorbers; properly stored hops maintain quality for 6-12 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amarillo is a patented hop variety originally developed in the Pacific Northwest and was the first new hop variety released by the American Dwarf Hop Association.
- 🌱 The name 'Amarillo' means 'yellow' in Spanish, referring to the distinctive golden color of the hop cones at harvest.
- 🌱 Hops are a perennial crop that can produce commercially for 15-20+ years from a single planting, making them an excellent long-term investment for homebrewers and small farmers.
Gardening Terms
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