This is when the flower is receptive to pollen and if males are present, wind-borne pollen will fertilize the female flower and result in a seeded female hop cone. Regardless of pollination, the styles eventually fall off and miniature petals grow which eventually result in a cone-like structure. Commercial growers actually delay flowering by removing the earliest vines in the Spring in order to enhance regrowth and encourage a higher yield of flowers. After the flowers ripen, the vine will continue to build reserves until it totally dies back with the first freezes of Fall. 1 to 3 vines are trained clockwise on a string which has been staked to the hill.
Hops mainly grow vertically, but lateral sidearms extend from the main vine and produce flowers.
The main concern is to support the vines and prevent sidearms from tangling. Most cones are produced on the upper part of the plant. In July, the lowest 4 feet of foliage and lateral branches can be removed to aid in air circulation and reduce disease development. In August allow additional bottom growth to remain to promote hardiness of the crown and the plant vigor for next year. At the end of the season you can bury healthy bottom vines for propagating new plants the next spring.