How to Grow Magnitude Hop

Magnitude Hop

Humulus lupulus 'Magnitude'

vine

Magnitude is a high-alpha bittering hop variety bred in England, prized by brewers for its clean, herbal bittering character and high alpha acid content (12-16%). This vigorous perennial vine produces large cone-shaped flowers used in beer production. It's a dual-purpose variety suitable for both bittering and aroma in craft brewing.

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

Plant Magnitude Hop
Around Apr 17

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

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

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; prefers 8+ hours for vigorous growth

💧

Water: Moderate and consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Hops are drought-tolerant once established but produce better with regular watering during growing season. Reduce water in late summer to encourage cone maturation.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: 365 (perennial; first year establishes, full production by year 2-3)

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Planting depth: Plant rhizomes 2 inches deep; space 3 feet apart along trellis or support structure

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter content

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost aged manure peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 4-8 are ideal; hardy to zone 3 with winter protection

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

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Growth Stages

Establishment

First growing season

First-year plants focus on root development and establishing main bines; minimal cone production expected

Keep weeds controlled, stake early growth, apply light nitrogen fertilizer. Do not harvest in year 1. Mulch around base to retain moisture.

Bine Development

Late spring through early summer (May-July in Northern Hemisphere)

Vigorous vining growth with thick stems (bines) reaching 15-20 feet; side shoots emerge along main bines

Train bines up trellis or string support. Prune to 2-3 main bines per plant for better air circulation and disease prevention. Remove dead or diseased growth.

Flowering & Cone Formation

Mid-summer (July-August, 6-8 weeks)

Delicate flowers form along side shoots; elongated cone-shaped buds develop and swell with lupulin glands

Continue watering consistently. Support developing cones as they become heavy. Monitor for powdery mildew and spider mites. Apply sulfur spray preventatively if needed.

Cone Maturation & Harvest

Late summer to early fall (August-September, 2-3 weeks)

Cones turn golden-brown, feel papery to touch, and emit strong herbal aroma; lupulin glands become visible and fragrant

Reduce watering in final weeks to concentrate oils. Harvest when cones feel light and dry, bracts separate easily. Cut entire cone clusters from bines.

Dormancy & Pruning

Fall through early spring (September-March)

Foliage yellows and dies back after first frost; underground rhizomes remain dormant underground

Cut back dead bines to ground level after frost. Clear debris to prevent disease. Cut back to 6 inches above soil. Mulch crown with 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure for winter protection in cold zones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Chives Garlic Nasturtiums Lavender Calendula

Avoid planting near:

Cucumber Celery Fennel Potatoes (disease pressure concerns)

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use sulfur or neem oil every 7-10 days. Encourage beneficial predatory mites. Increase humidity around plants.
Apply sulfur powder or potassium bicarbonate fungicide at first signs. Ensure good air circulation by pruning. Avoid overhead watering. Plant resistant varieties when possible.
Remove affected leaves; use row covers in early spring. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe. Encourage beneficial insects.
Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly as needed. Release ladybugs or lacewings for biological control.
No cure; remove infected plants. Sterilize tools. Practice crop rotation. Select resistant varieties. Improve drainage and avoid planting in contaminated soil.

Uses

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Beer Bittering & Brewing

Culinary

Magnitude hops are valued by brewers for clean, herbal bittering in IPAs, pale ales, and traditional English ales. With 12-16% alpha acids, they provide reliable bitterness without harsh or grassy off-flavors, making them ideal for both extraction and late-addition aroma contributions. [source]

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Traditional Sleep & Relaxation Aid

Medicinal

Hops contain humulone and lupuline compounds with mild sedative properties. Historically used in herbal teas and sleep pillows to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, though effects are subtle. [source]

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Herbal Sleep Pillows & Aromatics

Household

Dried hop cones can be filled into pillows or sachets for their calming aroma and traditional sleep-promoting use. The resinous lupulin glands provide a distinctive herbal scent valued in aromatherapy and household crafts. [source]

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Home Beer & Mead Production

Craft

Home brewers and mead makers use Magnitude for precision bittering calculations and consistent flavor profiles. The reliable alpha acid composition makes it predictable for small-batch fermentation experiments. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

Hop flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects that feed on pollen and nectar. The dense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for native 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

Harvest cones in late August to early September when they feel papery and dry. Cones should snap cleanly from bines and release fragrant lupulin dust when squeezed gently. Pick early in the morning after dew dries. Dry immediately using a kiln or dehydrator at 130-150°F for 8-12 hours until moisture content drops to 8-12%. Store in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers in cool, dark conditions (below 50°F if possible) to preserve alpha acids. Use within 1-2 years for best results.

Fun Facts

🌱 Magnitude was bred at the Wye College in Kent, England in the 1970s and is now grown commercially across North America, Europe, and New Zealand for the craft brewing boom.
🌱 Hop plants can grow 25+ feet in a single season under ideal conditions, making them one of the fastest-growing perennial vines; they die back completely each winter regardless of height.
🌱 The distinctive papery bracts and lupulin glands in hop cones are botanically modified leaves and flowers that were co-selected by ancient brewers and medieval monks—the bitter compounds preserved beer before modern refrigeration.

Gardening Terms

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

Compost Crown Full Sun Mulch Perennial pH Trellis

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