"I thought that it may be appropriate to post this question under ingredients:

When is the best time to pick hops? I planted some hops rhizomes two years ago. Last year one vine grew to about shoulder high and others were only ground crawlers. This year, the one grew to the roof at about 12' and has lots of cones. The others are about chest high. So next year should be better.

So the question again. How do you know when to pick the cones?"