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Hop

Humulus lupulus
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Humulus lupulus (Hop) — botanical photograph
Pl. C20F — Humulus lupulus
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I

Overview

Hop (Humulus lupulus) is a perennial vine native to Europe and parts of Asia, with a range that extends from the Baltic States to Turkey-in-Europe. This plant is known for its edible and medicinal properties, often used in traditional remedies for better sleep and stress relief. The hop's leaves, shoots, and roots are all edible and can be consumed fresh or dried. In terms of growing conditions, hops thrive in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making them adaptable to various environments. Its distinctive feature is its ability to climb up to six meters high, forming a robust vine that can be used for ornamental purposes or as a natural trellis. Hop's traditional use includes its role as a mild sedative and aid in digestion, often combined with valerian for better sleep quality and reducing stress and anxiety.

Quick answers

What is Hop?

Hop (Humulus lupulus) is a perennial vine native to Europe and parts of Asia, with a range that extends from the Baltic States to Turkey-in-Europe. This plant is known for its edible and medicinal properties, often used in traditional remedies for better sleep and stress relief.

What is Hop used for?

Traditionally used for digestion, better sleep, stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 3 evidence-ranked uses of Hop
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

3 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Traditional use: hops bitter aperitif — pre-meal to stimulate digestion + appetite.

    Bitter principles + flavonoids

    ▲ LimitedDigestion →
  • Traditional use: hops as mild sedative, often combined with valerian. Best in fresh extracts.

    GABAergic via myrcenol and humulones

    ▲ LimitedBetter sleep →
  • Traditional use: hops with valerian for anxious sleep. Gentle effect.

    Myrcenol GABA modulation

IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Hop support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Hop thrives in a light to partial shade environment and prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. It can grow in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay)—but needs moisture-retentive conditions that are not overly dry. This perennial vine reaches heights up to 6 meters and is hardy in temperate regions, typically zones 5-7. For propagation, use root cuttings or division in early spring. Harvest the leaves, shoots, and roots for culinary uses.
Light
5/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
6.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Hop for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple hop plant to experience growing this versatile vine.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Hop seeds or young plants, garden soil, and a trellis or support system.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5. For containers, use a mix of light, medium, or heavy soil.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors about 6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants when they have several leaves.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases, treating if necessary.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Train vines onto supports as they grow.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune hop plants after the first harvest to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Harvest cones for brewing when they turn from green to yellow.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, not providing enough support, using incorrect soil pH, and neglecting to prune properly.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: Drink, Rutin, Tea
Other uses:DyeEssential OilFibertextilesFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

47 native · 51 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 47 native· 51 introduced
Europe24 regions
native (23)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (1)Ireland
Asia7 regions
native (3)IranKazakhstanTurkey
introduced (4)AfghanistanChinaSouth KoreaUzbekistan
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Amur, Argentina South, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kirgizstan, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Prince Edward I., Québec, Queensland, Rhode I., Sakhalin, South Australia, Tasmania, Vermont, Victoria, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin
VIII

Garden companions

4 pairs
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Humulus lupulus (Hop) — botanical photograph
Hop (Humulus lupulus)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

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