How to Grow Loddon Royalist
Loddon Royalist
Hop (Humulus lupulus 'Loddon Royalist')
vineLoddon Royalist is a premium British hop variety bred at Wye College, prized for its balanced bittering and aroma qualities in craft brewing. This vigorous climbing vine produces cone-like flower clusters (lupulin glands) that are dried and used in beer production. It has become a favorite among home brewers and craft breweries for creating complex, well-rounded ales.
When should you plant Loddon Royalist in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Loddon Royalist timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Loddon Royalist
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Loddon Royalist
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Loddon Royalist dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8; grows well in zones up to 9
Sign up free to see if Loddon Royalist grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Loddon Royalist timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Emergence
March-April in northern zonesRhizome at rest over winter; new shoots emerge in spring as soil warms
Plant rhizomes in early spring; provide mulch to protect and regulate soil temperature; ensure good drainage to prevent rot
Vegetative Growth
May-JulyVigorous vining growth with heart-shaped leaves; shoots climb rapidly up support structure
Install sturdy trellis, string, or pole system before planting; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture; pinch back lateral shoots if desired
Flowering
July-AugustSmall yellow-green flowers appear on lateral branches; cone-shaped flower clusters (strobiles) develop with visible lupulin glands (powdery yellow resin)
Stop heavy fertilizing to avoid excessive vegetative growth; maintain adequate water; monitor for pests and diseases; support heavy cone development if needed
Maturation
August-SeptemberCones fully develop, becoming lighter in color; papery bracts around cone become crisp and brittle; aromatics fully develop
Reduce watering slightly; cones should feel papery and spring back when squeezed; smell should be distinctly aromatic
Harvest & Dormancy
September-OctoberVines yellow and die back; prepare for winter dormancy
Harvest when cones are dry, papery, and fragrant; cut vines back to ground level after harvest; apply mulch for winter protection; cones can be dried immediately
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; use reflective mulches; prune affected foliage
-
Increase humidity; spray with water forcefully; use miticide if severe; ensure adequate fertilization for plant vigor
-
Improve air circulation; prune lower leaves; apply sulfur dust or fungicide; avoid overhead watering
-
Remove infected leaves; improve drainage and air circulation; apply copper fungicide; avoid overhead watering in spring
-
Hand-pick beetles; use row covers on young shoots; apply neem oil; use Japanese beetle traps away from plants
Uses
Craft Beer Brewing
CulinaryLoddon Royalist is a dual-purpose hop variety used for both bittering and aroma in ales, particularly English bitters, pale ales, and brown ales. Its balanced 7-10% alpha acid content and classic earthy, floral, and spicy notes make it ideal for brewing well-rounded beers. [source]
Herbal Remedies
MedicinalHop cones contain compounds traditionally used in herbal medicine for insomnia, anxiety, and digestive support. Lupulin, the aromatic resin, has mild sedative and calming properties. [source]
Tea and Infusions
HouseholdDried hop cones can be brewed into a mild tea or added to herbal blends for their calming effects and subtle bitter flavor. Often combined with chamomile or lemon balm. [source]
Decorative and Dried Arrangements
CraftThe attractive cone-shaped flowers dry beautifully and can be used in wreaths, dried floral arrangements, and home décor for their aesthetic appeal and pleasant aroma. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeHop flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the bloom period, contributing to garden biodiversity and ecosystem health. [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, are dry to the touch, and have a strong aromatic (spicy, floral) smell. Cones should compress slightly then spring back, and inner bracts should be light yellow or golden. Cut entire cone clusters from the vine. Dry immediately on screens or in a dehydrator at 120-140°F for 1-2 weeks until completely brittle. Store dried cones in vacuum-sealed bags or containers in a cool, dark place. For home brewing, use fresh cones within a year; alpha acid content peaks when properly dried.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Loddon Royalist was bred at Wye College in Kent, England in the 1970s and is now one of the UK's most widely grown hop varieties.
- 🌱 The plant is a perennial that returns from a dormant underground rhizome each spring, with vines capable of growing 15-20 feet in a single season.
- 🌱 Hop flowers are actually modified pine cones; the lupulin glands contain bitter compounds (alpha acids) and aromatic oils that give beer its characteristic flavor and bitterness.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Loddon Royalist planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Loddon Royalist seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Loddon Royalist timeline →