Hops - Fast Growth and Early Signs of Cones

Lesson: Hops grow awfully fast. Back in early June, I planted two Golding Hops plants, and posted a picture (Hops in the Garden). That was about seven weeks ago. Those little plants now look like this:

As you can see, I attached heavy garden twine to the downspout on the eaves trough so the hops could grow upwards. It's been fun to watch the hops bines wrap themselves around the twine as they grow. I have also been watching carefully for any signs of the beginnings of cones. Today, I took a close look and discovered many clusters of little 'burrs' on one of the plants. These burrs, I understand, grow into the cones that we harvest. So, this is exciting. Given all the little clusters on this one plant, I think there should be enough hops for batch of home brew.

Cluster of Pre-Cone Burrs on a Hops Plant