Fertility Guidelines for Hops Grown in Ontario (updated Spring 2020)

There are currently no Ontario fertility recommendations for hops. The following tables for lime, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) applications are guidelines only and are provided for reference based on similar common crops and published research on hops in other jurisdictions (note: lime, phosphorus and potassium should always be applied according to a soil test).

Click the following link for a current PDF version of Fertility Guidelines for Hops Grown in Ontario (including Lime, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium compiled into one document).

Lime Guidelines:

Studies suggest that the optimal soil pH range for hops is 6.5-7.5. However, as with most horticultural crops, a pH range of 6.0 and above is typically suitable for plant growth. Ground limestone is traditionally used to correct soil acidity and is easiest to apply prior to crop establishment. In the case of perennial crops it can be difficult to incorporate large amounts of limestone after crop establishment. Applying and incorporating split applications of total recommended lime over multiple years will help distribute the lime more uniformly over a pre-existing yard and make it easier when working around perennial crops such as hops. Soil pH and buffer pH will be provided on your soil test.

Note: Full effects of lime may not be realized for up to three years after application.