Troubleshooting
Humulus lupulus problems — and how to fix them
Humulus lupulus (Humulus lupulus) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Downy and powdery mildew
The most serious hop disease; causes leaf spotting and ruins cones. Ensure full sun, space bines, water at the base and remove affected growth.
Aphids and spider mites
Hop aphid and two-spotted mite colonise the undersides of leaves, weakening growth. Encourage predators and hose off or treat early infestations.
Poor first-year crop
Newly planted hops put energy into roots and yield few cones in year one. Patience and good feeding bring full harvests from the second year.
Invasive rhizomes
The rootstock spreads underground and can colonise beds. Plant with a root barrier or lift and divide periodically to control spread.
Prevent humulus lupulus problems before they start
Most humulus lupulus issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Humulus lupulus varieties: common problems
Looking for humulus lupulus in general rather than its problems? Read the full humulus lupulus care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Humulus lupulus problems — FAQ
Why is my humulus lupulus downy and powdery mildew?
The most serious hop disease; causes leaf spotting and ruins cones. Ensure full sun, space bines, water at the base and remove affected growth.
Why is my humulus lupulus aphids and spider mites?
Hop aphid and two-spotted mite colonise the undersides of leaves, weakening growth. Encourage predators and hose off or treat early infestations.
Why is my humulus lupulus poor first-year crop?
Newly planted hops put energy into roots and yield few cones in year one. Patience and good feeding bring full harvests from the second year.
Why is my humulus lupulus invasive rhizomes?
The rootstock spreads underground and can colonise beds. Plant with a root barrier or lift and divide periodically to control spread.