How to Grow Goldings Hop

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Goldings Hop

Humulus lupulus 'Goldings'

vine

Goldings is a classic English hop variety prized for its delicate, refined bittering and aromatic qualities in brewing. This perennial vine produces cone-like flowers (lupulin glands) that are harvested and dried for beer production. Known for its noble heritage dating back centuries, Goldings remains a favorite among craft brewers and home brewers worldwide.

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Example Goldings Hop timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Goldings Hop
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Goldings Hop
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Goldings Hop dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours minimum daily; 8+ hours ideal for best cone production

💧

Water: Moderate to regular watering; keep soil consistently moist during growing season but never waterlogged. Reduce watering in late season as vine naturally prepares for dormancy.

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Spacing: 24-36 inches between plants; rows 6-8 feet apart inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from emergence to first hop cone harvest; full productivity by year 2-3

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Planting depth: Plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep; transplants at same depth as soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Peat moss or coco coir Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Balanced NPK fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 4-8; thrives in cool to temperate climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Dormancy & Spring Emergence

3-4 weeks

Plant is dormant underground in winter. In spring (April-May in Northern zones), shoots emerge from rhizomes and grow rapidly upward.

Ensure mulch protects rhizomes through winter. Clear old vines and debris. Fertilize as shoots emerge.

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Long shoots grow 12-18 feet or more, developing heart-shaped leaves and twining around support strings or trellises. Plant is lush and green.

Provide sturdy vertical support (strings, twine, or trellises). Maintain consistent moisture and regular watering. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Remove dead or weak growth.

Flowering & Cone Development

4-6 weeks

Small greenish flowers appear in clusters; female flowers develop into cone-shaped structures (strobiles) with papery bracts and lupulin glands (yellow resin) inside.

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; apply phosphorus and potassium to support cone development. Maintain steady watering. Monitor for pests and diseases.

Cone Maturation

2-3 weeks

Cones enlarge, feel papery and dry to touch, change from bright green to golden-green or brown. Lupulin glands become prominent and aromatic.

Reduce watering slightly as cones mature. Smell cones for proper maturity (strong, pleasant aroma indicates readiness). Check for pest damage.

Harvest & Dormancy

Harvest in August-September; dormancy October-April

Mature cones are picked by hand or cut from bines. Vines die back naturally in fall as plant enters dormancy for winter.

Harvest when cones feel dry and papery. Dry cones immediately (105-170°F for 1-2 hours). Cut back dead vines to ground level in late fall. Mulch bed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Nitrogen-fixing legumes Garlic Onions Chives Comfrey Stinging nettle

Avoid planting near:

Other hop varieties (to prevent cross-pollination and hybrid vigor issues) Potatoes Brassicas (excessive shade competition)

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in early season. Encourage beneficial insects. In severe cases, use permitted organic insecticides.
Increase humidity through overhead watering. Use miticide sprays if populations explode. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Remove by hand or use row covers on young plants. Spray with neem oil if needed.
Ensure good air circulation and drainage. Remove affected foliage. Apply sulfur or copper fungicides. Plant resistant varieties if available.
Spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate. Improve air flow. Remove infected leaves promptly.

Uses

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Beer Brewing

Culinary

Goldings hops are a noble hop variety prized in traditional English ales, bitters, and pale ales for their refined bittering qualities and subtle floral, earthy, and slightly spicy aroma. They contribute complexity and a smooth bitterness (25-40 IBU depending on usage). [source]

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Sleep & Relaxation Support

Medicinal

Hop cones contain compounds like humulene and myrcene that have been traditionally used in herbal teas and preparations to support relaxation and sleep quality. Modern studies suggest hops may help with insomnia and anxiety. [source]

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Herbal Tea & Infusions

Household

Dried hop cones can be steeped into a mild herbal tea with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. Often combined with chamomile, passionflower, or valerian for a calming evening beverage. [source]

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Decorative & Craft Uses

Craft

The distinctive papery cones and vines are attractive for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and fall decorations. Dried hops retain their color and structure well. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Hop flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The dense vines provide shelter and nesting habitat for beneficial insects and birds. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Goldings hops are typically ready to harvest in late August to mid-September (Northern Hemisphere). Cones are ready when they feel papery and dry, have a pleasant aroma, and are golden-green to light brown in color. Pick by hand or cut whole bines and pick cones from stems. Dry immediately in a kiln or oven at 105-170°F for 1-2 hours until moisture content reaches 8-12%. Store in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Fun Facts

🌱 Goldings is one of the oldest documented hop varieties, with records tracing it back to England in the 1700s. It remains virtually unchanged after centuries, making it a living link to brewing history.
🌱 All commercial hop plants are female clones propagated from rhizomes; male hop plants are not grown because the female cones (strobiles) contain the valuable lupulin glands used in brewing.
🌱 A single mature hop plant can produce 1-2 pounds of dried cones per year, and a well-maintained plant remains productive for 10-15+ years, making it a long-term investment for home brewers.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Perennial pH Trellis

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