Hops ‘Centennial’ (Humulus lupulus ‘Centennial’) ‘Centennial’ is one of the most popular American hop cultivars, celebrated for its dual-purpose brewing qualities—offering both aromatic intensity and bittering strength. Originally released in 1974 and often called a “Super Cascade,” this vigorous, fast-growing perennial vine (technically a bine) produces high oil content and citrus-forward aromas that make it a favorite in IPAs, pale ales, and other hop-forward beers. Beyond brewing, hops are also valuable medicinal herbs traditionally used for relaxation and digestive support. Key Characteristics Dual-purpose hop with strong citrus character‘Centennial’ hops offer a balanced profile of bright lemon, grapefruit, and floral notes with medium to high alpha acids (~9–11%), making them excellent for both bittering and aroma. They're a go-to for homebrewers seeking complexity in a single variety. Vigorous perennial climber for trellises and fencesHops die back in winter and reemerge in spring, rapidly growing up to 20 feet tall in one season. Ideal for growing on fences, trellises, or arbors in sunny gardens. Plants are dioecious; only female plants produce the hop cones used in brewing. Traditional medicinal uses for sleep and digestionHops strobiles (the cone-like flowers) have long been used as a calming herb for anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. They are also mildly bitter and stimulate digestion when used in teas or tinctures. Thrives in full sun with rich, well-drained soilHops prefer deep, loamy soil high in organic matter, and require strong sun exposure for high cone production. They benefit from regular watering and a sturdy trellis system to support their climbing growth habit. Useful in herb gardens and agroforestry systemsWhile primarily grown for brewing, hops also make a beautiful vertical element in herbal gardens and permaculture designs. Their dense foliage can provide summer shade, living screen functions, and insect habitat. Product Details Plant type: Perennial vine (herbaceous bine) Sun requirements: Full sun Soil requirements: Medium; prefers well-drained, fertile soils Mature height: 15–20 feet in one season Bloom time: Summer (cones ready for harvest in late summer to early fall) Flower color: Inconspicuous green; female cones are the harvested part USDA Hardiness zones: 4–8 ‘Centennial’ hops combine brewing performance with medicinal history and strong garden presence. Whether you're crafting your own beer or building a vertical herb layer, this hop has you covered.
