2 replies to this topic

[matt6150]

Im trying to figure out when to pich my hops. I thought they were harvested all at the same time? But I have some that are really small and just budding and some that look ready to pick and even some that look dried out and dead. What to do?

[chuck_d]

In large scale production the plants are usually harvested "all at the same time" because of the mass production of it. One common harvesting method involves cutting the bines down and transporting them to a facility for picking. At home however, you can do a running harvest, where you pick the individual cones as they are ready. You can do a harvest earlier in the season when you have enough developed for harvesting, then let the remaining hops continue to mature and pick again in a few weeks. You can do that a couple of times if you want. I believe this method is described in Homegrown Hops by Beach.

[brewskee]

In large scale production the plants are usually harvested "all at the same time" because of the mass production of it. One common harvesting method involves cutting the bines down and transporting them to a facility for picking. At home however, you can do a running harvest, where you pick the individual cones as they are ready. You can do a harvest earlier in the season when you have enough developed for harvesting, then let the remaining hops continue to mature and pick again in a few weeks. You can do that a couple of times if you want. I believe this method is described in Homegrown Hops by Beach.

+1. Usually they peak in groups. Last year I had both of my plants peak at nearly the same time, but that was just luck. The ones you do pick should be feathery and greenish-light yellow. Also, try splitting a few open to see if they smell good and hoppy!