How to Grow Hops Centennial
Hops Centennial
Humulus lupulus 'Centennial'
vineCentennial is a high-alpha bittering hop variety bred in 1974 by Oregon State University, prized for its clean, herbal bitterness and citrus-floral notes. This perennial climbing vine produces cone-shaped flowers (lupulin glands) used primarily in brewing. It's a vigorous grower that can reach 15-20 feet in a single season once established.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-7, with good performance in zones 3-8
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Growth Stages
Dormancy & Spring Emergence
March-May depending on zoneRhizomes lie dormant underground through winter; shoots emerge in spring as soil warms above 50°F. Early shoots are tender and vulnerable to frost.
Do not disturb roots during dormancy. Apply mulch in fall. Remove frost-damaged shoots and allow regrowth. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Vigorous Growth & Vine Development
May-July (8-10 weeks)Rapid vertical growth with dense foliage; vines climb string or trellis. Main bine (central stem) and lateral shoots develop. Leaves are lobed and coarse-textured.
Train vines up trellises or strings oriented north-south for even sun exposure. Provide sturdy support (vines are heavy). Apply balanced fertilizer in early growth. Monitor for pests. Pinch lateral shoots if desired to direct energy to main bine.
Flowering & Cone Formation
June-August (6-8 weeks)Lateral flower clusters appear at leaf axils in mid-summer. Female flowers develop into papery green cone-shaped structures (strobiles) containing aromatic lupulin glands. Males are rarely present in cultivated varieties.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage at expense of cone development. Increase potassium and phosphorus. Ensure consistent water supply. Monitor for spider mites and other pests in heat.
Cone Maturation & Harvest Readiness
August-September (3-4 weeks)Cones enlarge and change color from green to yellow-gold. Lupulin glands become fragrant and powdery. Cones feel papery and lightweight when mature. Inner bracts yellow.
Reduce water slightly in final weeks to concentrate resins. Cones are ready when they feel dry, brittle, and easily remove from stems. Harvest when cones are light in weight and have strong aroma.
Dormancy & Winter Senescence
September-NovemberVines yellow and die back after frost. Above-ground biomass dies completely while roots remain alive underground. Plant enters dormancy for winter rest.
Cut back dead vines to ground level in fall (before or after frost). Remove cuttings to reduce disease. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch (compost or straw) over root zone. Do not disturb soil.
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide in severe cases. Improve air circulation. Monitor stressed plants in hot, dry conditions.
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Remove infected leaves immediately. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide preventatively. Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering.
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Spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate. Thin foliage for airflow. Remove infected leaves. Apply in early morning or evening.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap for heavy infestations. Remove heavily infested leaves. Encourage natural predators.
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Hand-pick rolled leaves. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar control. Monitor in early summer.
Uses
Brewing & Beer Production
CulinaryCentennial is a premium bittering hop with 9-11% alpha acid content, providing clean herbal and citrus bitterness ideal for IPAs, pale ales, and other craft beers. It's one of the most widely used hop varieties in commercial and homebrewing. [source]
Sleep & Relaxation Herbal Tea
MedicinalHops have been traditionally used in herbal medicine to promote sleep, reduce anxiety, and calm nervous tension. A mild tea or herbal blend with hops can support natural relaxation and restful sleep. [source]
Homemade Herbal Pillows
HouseholdDried hops cones have been used in traditional herbal pillows and 'hop pillows' placed under the head to promote sleep and relaxation due to their aromatic compounds. [source]
Craft & Decoration
CraftDried hops cones make attractive natural decorations for wreaths, dried flower arrangements, and rustic craft projects. Their unique cone shape and golden color add visual interest. [source]
Traditional Digestive & Wellness Support
MedicinalIn traditional herbalism, hops are used to support digestive health, appetite, and general wellness. They contain bitter compounds believed to stimulate digestive function. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest in late August to September when cones are papery, lightweight, and golden-yellow with strong aromatic quality. Gently pull cones from stems or cut stems and hand-pick. Spread on screens in well-ventilated area with temperatures 120-140°F to dry within 1-2 hours. Target moisture content of 8-10% (test by breaking—cone should snap easily). Store dried cones in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers at cool, dark conditions. Alpha acid content peaks at harvest maturity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Centennial hops were developed in 1974 at Oregon State University and named to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. They were bred specifically to be a workhorse bittering variety, replacing imported European varieties.
- 🌱 A single mature Centennial hop plant can produce 1-2 pounds of dried cones per year once fully established (3+ years), making them surprisingly productive for home brewers.
- 🌱 Hops are one of the few dioecious perennial crops (separate male and female plants), but cultivated varieties like Centennial are all female clones—males are unwanted because they're not used in brewing.
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