It is best to prune off a few of the many sprouts produced from the crown. This will produce a stronger vine that will be more attractive for its 20-foot length. There is a sizeable root and rhizome system underground. If you aren't sure you want hop permanently, plant it in a sturdy container. The bines die to the ground each winter and begin sprouting in spring when the ground is warm.
Full sun is best.
The plant is dioecious, but those sold are generally female vines, which produce the desired flowers for brewing. The female produces scaly cones about 1 inch long that are loaded with lupulin, a yellow powder that contains the bitter resins and essential oils that give beer its flavor. Hop is generally pest free. You may notice some colorful orange, brown and black butterflies darting in and out of the vines.