AbstractThe resin and essential oil contents of hops (Humulus lupulus L., var., Pride of Ringwood) together with cone weight were studied over a period of 4 weeks prior to and 1 week subsequent to the estimated time of normal harvesting. The petrol ether‐ and methanol‐soluble fractions of the hop cone showed no significant change during this period. Essential oil and α‐acid contents increased gradually over the sampling period, whilst cone weight increased up to the estimated time of normal harvesting and decreased thereafter. The results indicate that, with the particular variety studied, harvesting could have been conducted over a 4‐week period without significantly affecting α‐acid or hop cone yield. The advantages of harvesting high‐yielding hops over a 4‐week period rather than planting an earlier maturing but lower‐yielding variety are discussed.