Can anyone tell me how long it takes from planting a new rhizome till any sprouts show up from the ground...I know I've read that the root system is developing the first year but I think that after 2 to 2 1/2 months there should be something coming up. Can anyone enlighten me on the progress? I live in Tn. (eastern) and was unfortunatly 1 month late in planting. I have four varieties that went in the ground in the middle of June...put in the ground with potting soil-sand-dirt and a nitrogen plug with all white sprouts pointing up and the rhizomes in a vertical position put about 2 inches below ground level to top of rhizome. I have kept ground around roots damp as much as possible having read they need more water after the first year moreso than the intial planting. I have yet to see anything come up. I also put mulch on the top of the small mound I made for each root planted. Still nothing. Is this normal?
When I planted mine, I neglected them and they came up in about a week or so. I think yours didn't make it. Gently dig around the mound and see if anything is trying to come up. My first year plants would get at least 6-8 ft. high. You may have overwatered. They like water, but not too much.
Sadly...they are in all likelihood...toast...having rotted b/c the soil was too moist from over-watering and mulching.
Veering slightly from the OP's topic. Do hops plants only climb upward? I live on a steep lot and planted a few rhizomes on the uphill side the lot and ran some ropes to states below the planting zone. I've tried to train the runners to the rope, but their very hesitant to take to my training. Their just spreading out in every direction except to the rope guides. This is the first year, the vines look fairly healthy, and are getting more vigorous as the summer progresses. Guess I'll just trim them back this fall and try a different trellis method next year.
