Hop cultivation involves growing the hop plant, primarily for use in brewing beer. Hops are the flowers of the plant Humulus lupulus, and they add bitterness, flavor, and aroma to beer. The plants thrive in well-drained soil and require a support system, often in the form of tall trellises, to grow upwards. Farmers typically plant hop rhizomes in the spring, and the plants can take a few years to reach full production. Harvesting usually occurs in late summer to early fall when the cones are ripe. Proper care, including irrigation and pest management, is essential for a successful hop crop.