I got a bumper crop of Chinook that the beetles are starting to show interest in. At this point it is just the high leaves and I can live with that. The cones went from nothing to what looks like full size in about 2 weeks. I'm just wondering can I pick the cones once they reach full size or do I need to wait to make sure they reach full bitterness potential?
Hop growers
#1
Posted 16 July 2014 - 05:04 PM
#2
Posted 16 July 2014 - 09:12 PM
The longer you wait to harvest, the better. I usually wait until mine are turning yellow or brown, that's when they have the most alpha AND aroma compounds. When in doubt, wait a couple weeks longer than you think you need to. You'll be glad you did. Otherwise they'll just taste like grass.
#3
Posted 17 July 2014 - 06:39 AM
Thanks, that is what I suspected. So I'll avoid temptation and leave them for a bit.
#4
Posted 17 July 2014 - 06:46 AM
i've generally tried to harvest when the hops are just starting to turn tan/brown at the tips. it's tricky though b/c they don't all seem to get this point at the same time and I hate to spend a ltitle time each day harvesting hops for a couple of weeks.
#5
Posted 17 July 2014 - 07:50 AM
Get rid of the beetles and wait.
#6
Posted 17 July 2014 - 08:39 AM
Get rid of the beetles and wait.
hit em with some detergent in a hose sprayer
#7
Posted 17 July 2014 - 02:33 PM
I break one open and see how much lupulin is in it. And yes, waiting past the green is best too.
Watch what you spray them with.
#8
Posted 17 July 2014 - 04:09 PM
I sprayed with a soap solution one year and it got rid of the beetles. Then 2 days later I noticed the leaves turning brown and very brittle. The beetles are only on a few leaves now so I'll monitor and will take action only if needed. Thanks for the help all.
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