Hops, Mystery

Mystery Hops (Humulus lupulus, unknown cultivar)

Mystery Hops is a vigorous, twining perennial vine from the Humulus lupulus species, grown for its aromatic cones used in brewing, herbal medicine, and ornamental gardens. While the specific cultivar is unknown, this hops plant still offers valuable qualities: rapid vertical growth, attractive foliage, and potential brewing or medicinal use. It’s perfect for those seeking to experiment with unknown terroir, native yeast fermentations, or simply enjoy the aesthetic and habitat benefits of a fast-growing perennial vine.

Key Characteristics

• Aromatic Cones for Brewing and Herbal Use
  Even without a known cultivar, Mystery Hops will produce lupulin-rich cones with a unique, unidentified aroma and bitterness profile. Ideal for homebrewers who enjoy experimenting with unique batches or for drying as herbal tea for its calming, sedative properties.

• Medicinal Value Beyond Brewing
  Traditionally, hops cones have been used as a sedative, nerve tonic, and digestive aid. Infusions of dried cones may support sleep and reduce anxiety. Even a mystery variety can contribute to these traditional uses.

• Vertical Growth for Living Walls and Shade
  Hops vines grow rapidly—up to 20–30 feet in a season—making them excellent for covering trellises, pergolas, fences, and even for shading summer chicken runs or patios. Their dense foliage also offers habitat for beneficial insects and small birds.

• Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Habitat
  While not a nectar source, hops foliage offers shelter for beneficial insects, and the plant supports biodiversity when used in perennial border designs or permaculture zones.

• Cold-Hardy and Long-Lived Perennial
  Hops die back to the ground each winter and re-emerge vigorously in spring. Once established, they can remain productive for 15–20 years or more, with minimal care beyond annual pruning and training.

Product Details

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial vine

• Sun requirements: Full sun

• Soil requirements: Medium, rich, well-drained soil

• Mature plant size: Vines 15–30 feet tall with support

• Cone qualities: Lupulin-rich hops cones; aroma/flavor unknown

• Uses: Homebrewing, herbal sleep support, living shade, insect shelter

• Days to maturity: First full cone harvest in year 2; full production by year 3

• Pollination requirements: Female plants produce cones; male presence not required unless seed formation is desired

• Bloom time: July–September

• Bloom color: Green (non-showy); cones mature late summer

• USDA Hardiness zones: 3–8

Mystery Hops offers adventure, beauty, and long-term usefulness—perfect for gardeners, brewers, and herbalists alike. Whether you're growing it for the cones or the climb, this unknown variety brings resilience and potential to your landscape.