What's wrong with my hops?

[Laurel]

Hi Everyone,

I am growing a few hops plants (in large containers above ground) for the first time this year, eroica and cascade.

My eroica is doing quite well, with the exception of a few leaves with some chew holes from something eating it. Likely slugs or spittlebugs as I have seen some of those around. I plan on wrapping some copper tape around my pots to hopefully deal with the slugs at least. Whatever it is doesn't seem to be hurting the plant much because it is growing great.

I am having a hard time with the cascade hops, as seen in the attached pictures. It looks like something has been chewing on them a bit, but some of the leaves are also quite brittle and brown. I'm not sure if this is a problem with bugs or my soil. Whatever it is doesnt seem to start to effect the plant until it is 4-5 inches high. The really small plants are fine until they grow taller. I'm not really sure why this is happening with the cascade but not the eroica. Same soil, same bugs around etc....

Just wondering if anyone knows what might be causing this?

Thanks

[Ladd]

The first picture looks like insect damage (aphids or spider mites maybe?) so I would try some insecticidal soap to control them. If you open up that curled leaf in the first picture, you will likely see the little buggers in there! The last two look like it could be either insect damage but may also be nutrient deficiency. Are you fertilizing them? If not get something like Miracle Gro and follow the directions for administration. Hope that helps!

[mr x]

Spray the underside of the leaves.

[Laurel]

Great, thanks!

[GAM]

Laurel

First year growth can be very slow. The slugs are making a mess of my plants as well.


Sandy