Expert: Ed Westemeier - 5/30/2007

Question
Hi Ed, Craig here. I tried to grow rhizomes a few years back, planted them a few inched down and promptly killed them. Apparently they have to be *just* below the surface to get going. Is is too late for this year? I mean, just to get the root stock going? I was wondering if it would work better to start them in an outdoor flower pot or something to give them ideal growing conditions with fertilizer and such before putting them in the ground. Thanks!

Answer
Depends what you want to do. Normally, March is the month for planting rhizomes. It might (stress on the I Don't Know part) be possible to get some living rhizomes from someone and plant them now. You wouldn't get any hops this year, but they might get a good head start on next year.

I like to cover them with a good inch or more of mulch, too. That seems to help.