Well, my first year attempting to grow hops in Fresno, CA ended mostly in failure!
Towards the end, the Spider Mites won!!
I planted one ryzome each of Goldings, Mt Hood, Sterling, and Cluster.
The Goldings died quick, one small sprout and then bye bye... Too hot I think...
The other three all developed one good bine. The Sterling was a bit thin, but did finally develop 4-5 small cones about 1/2" before the spider mites won.
The Mt.Hood and Cluster had a bit more shade and grew up the twine nice, to the eve and then some... They even started showing small 1/4" cones (which quickly died)
By the time they reached the eve of the roof, the Spider mites appeared, and after spraying 3-4 times I lost! I sprayed Dursban, before the cones showed up. Some organics after that, and even Maliathyon towards the end, but with no luck!! I also sprayed the vines with water several times to try to knock them off... dirty little &^!%^#%&^!#%$!!
So now I am crying in my Red Ale... And looking to order from Freshops!
I assume the root stock is still good, and will come back stronger next year!?
Any suggestions for next year, to battle the Spider Mites??