How to Grow Hops Goldings

Hops Goldings

Humulus lupulus 'Goldings'

vine

Goldings is a classic English hop variety prized for its mild, pleasant aromatic character with subtle spice and herbal notes. This perennial climbing vine produces cone-shaped flower clusters that are dried and used primarily in brewing and herbal applications. It's a vigorous grower that returns year after year from its rhizomatous root system.

Growing Conditions

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

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Water: Consistent moisture during growing season (1-1.5 inches per week); allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter dormancy. Good drainage essential to prevent root rot.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: First year establishment, full productive harvest in year 2-3

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Planting depth: Rhizomes planted 2 inches deep; transplants at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-8, prefers cooler climates with adequate moisture

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

Growth Stages

Dormancy & Emergence

December-May

Plant appears dead in winter; spring shoots emerge from rhizomes in mid-to-late spring

Plant bare rhizomes in early spring. Mulch heavily. Wait patiently—shoots may not emerge until late spring. Remove old vines in late winter before growth begins.

Vegetative Growth

May-July

Rapid vine growth with heart-shaped leaves; vines climb up support strings and twine vigorously

Provide tall trellises or strings (8-10 feet minimum). Train vines up support system. Water consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Remove lateral shoots below 3 feet to improve air circulation.

Flowering & Cone Development

July-August

Female plants produce small greenish cone-like clusters (strobilae) with papery bracts; clusters gradually enlarge and accumulate lupulin (golden powder)

Increase potassium-rich fertilizer to support cone development. Continue consistent watering. Monitor for pests. Cones should feel papery and release aromatic oils when rubbed.

Maturation & Harvest Readiness

August-September

Cones turn from green to pale yellow-brown; lupulin glands become prominent; cones feel light and papery

Stop watering 1-2 weeks before harvest to concentrate oils. Harvest when cones feel dry and papery but still retain slight flexibility. Perform final quality check.

Drying & Storage

2-3 weeks

Harvested cones are dried to ~10% moisture content; ready for storage

Dry at 130-150°F in kiln or dehydrator for 8-12 hours until brittle. Cool completely. Store in vacuum-sealed bags or nitrogen-flushed containers at cool temperature (32-50°F). Can store 6-12 months with proper humidity control.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Blackberry Comfrey Chamomile Nettle Borage Lavender

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Wormwood Plants requiring very different moisture levels

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases; maintain humidity and air circulation
Improve air circulation by pruning; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate spray; remove infected leaves
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; remove heavily infested shoots
Hand-pick in early morning; use Japanese beetle traps away from plants; apply neem oil
Plant disease-resistant rootstocks; ensure excellent drainage; remove infected plants; rotate planting location

Uses

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Beer Brewing

Culinary

Goldings hops are a classic aroma hop used primarily in traditional English ales, IPAs, and various craft beers. They contribute mild bittering and a pleasant, subtle floral and herbal character without overwhelming hop flavor. [source]

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Herbal Tea & Sleep Aid

Medicinal

Hops have been used for centuries as a calming herbal remedy, traditionally combined with valerian or chamomile to promote relaxation and sleep. The lupulin glands contain compounds that may have mild sedative properties. [source]

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Pillow Filling & Aromatherapy

Household

Dried hop cones can be used to fill herbal pillows (hoppy pillows) that release calming aromatics when the head rests on them. The dried cones retain their pleasant herbal aroma for months. [source]

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Wreaths & Decorative Arrangements

Craft

The attractive dried cone clusters make excellent additions to wreaths, dried flower arrangements, and seasonal decorations. They add rustic charm and retain their structure and color well when properly dried. [source]

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Estrogen-Mimicking Phytoestrogens

Medicinal

Hops contain 8-prenylnaringenin, a phytoestrogen that has been studied for potential benefits in hormonal balance. This compound is being researched for menopausal symptom relief. [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 in late August to early September when cones feel papery and dry but retain slight flexibility. Pick individual cones or cut entire cone clusters. Morning harvest after dew dries is ideal. Cones should feel light and papery, not dense or damp. For fresh use in brewing, harvest at slightly earlier stage. Dry immediately after harvest for best aroma preservation.

Fun Facts

🌱 Goldings is one of the oldest continuously cultivated hop varieties, documented in English brewing since the 16th century and still a benchmark for traditional ales.
🌱 Hops are one of only a few plants where growers cultivate the female flowers exclusively—male plants are avoided as they would pollinate females and reduce cone quality.
🌱 The papery bracts and lupulin glands (the golden powder) in hop cones contain hundreds of aromatic compounds that intensify during drying, with the characteristic pine-floral notes developing during the kiln process.

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