Hops in Pots - Leaves Turning Brown and Dry

[PhillyDave]

Title says it all. Can anyone help me out here? I have six varieties of hops starting from rhizomes in 20" planters in potting soil and this plant, the Willamette, took off to 4' in 3-4 weeks, then stopped growing, then the leaves/stem turned color and feel dry. I have a soaker hose running for 30 min every morning. Could I be over watering? I just fertilized yesterday (3-4-4, it's what I had). I'm starting to see the same in my other varieties which are much smaller as well. These guys have full sun as they are on my rooftop deck.

 

[Cyclman]

That sounds like way too much water. 1" -2" per week is typical for summer weather.

 

[PhillyDave]

Ok, I'll take it off the schedule then and just monitor it, thanks.

 

[Bearfoot]

In my experience (which is limited) young potted hops wouldn't benefit much from a 3-4-4 fertilizer. Nitrogen, the '3' in that blend, is most essential at healthy leafy growth and most beneficial earlier in the season.

I cannot say whether or not your pictures indicate a deficiency, but I would start by switching fertilizers. I dilute a 5-1-1 fish fertilizer, for instance.

 

[PhillyDave]

I definitely agree 3-4-4 is not optimal, it was just what I had on hand because I use it on vegetables. Is the 5-1-1 fish fertilizer available at big box retailers like Home Depot, lowes, Walmart, etc., or do I need to hit a specialty store?

 

[Bearfoot]

I got mine at hope depot. Here's a link, though they do sell smaller bottles.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Alaska-5-1-1-Gal-Fish-Fertilizer-09301200/100211859#.UbM7IYIVzPA

Also, to be safe I always dilute my fertilizers beyond what the bottle recommends.

Best of luck with the plants!