Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Hop: when and how to prune
Humulus lupulus
Hop is best pruned in November–March.
| Pruning months | November–March |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March |
| Flowering | July–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Hop: when to prune it?
In late autumn or winter (November–March), once the stems have died back.
Prune while dormant, from November to March, but not in freezing weather.
What else to prune in those months? January · February · March · November · December
Hop: how to prune it?
- Cut all dead stems off just above the ground and pull them off the support.
- New shoots appear in spring: keep a few per plant and train them up a string or wire.
- You can leave some of the dead stems until February: they give winter shelter to insects.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: November–March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Caution: The rough stems scratch the skin: wear gloves and long sleeves.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from white bryony · Difference from grapevine
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.