In article , Todd
writes
How long does it take hop seed to germinate?
Any special requirements?

I have 12 brewing hop plants growing along a large trellis. I grew them from seed
from a bine given to me by a Kentish brewer in 1994 and I believe it took a
couple of years before the plants started producing. So if you sow the seeds this
autumn, the plants will start growing next year and you should get some hops in
2006.

If you want to use them for home brewing, you will need to discard all the male
plants except one. Males have very tiny flowers; it is the females that bear the
hops.

Beware! Once the plants are established, the roots spread, and the plants grow
very tall - in excess of 20 feet. Mine are already about 10 feet tall and I have
to train them up the longest hazel nut sticks I can find. Even then they grow off
the top.

If you are thinking of purchasing seed, the new dwarf varieties like First Gold
would be better for a garden.
--
Roy Bailey
West Berkshire.