Caring for a scented nettle is completely uncomplicated, isn't it? While watering and fertilizing can be seen as secondary to the survival of this perennial, proper wintering is crucial!

Some species of sweet nettle tolerate more frost than others

Not all species are well hardy

Most species of sweet nettle tolerate more or less frost. Some scented nettles are hardy down to -23 °C. This is mostly the Agastache rugosa, which originally comes from Asia. The other scented nettles tolerate frost down to a minimum of -10 °C. These are usually the representatives of the Agastache mexicana.

How to protect the nettle from frost?

The sensitive scented nettles such as the Agastache mexicana varieties and also those that have been planted outside in rough locations such as in coastal areas and mountainous regions should be protected from frost as a precaution.

How it works:

  • cut back to the ground in autumn
  • place a layer of compost over the root area
  • with brushwood e.g. B. Cover with spruce or fir
  • free from winter protection from March/April

Attention: Winter wetness is your biggest enemy!

In many cases it is not so much the frost that bothers the scented nettles outside. Often it is standing moisture in the root area that announces the imminent end of a scented nettle. For example, the roots rot due to melting snow if the water cannot drain away.

It is therefore extremely important that when planting a sweet nettle you ensure drainage in the soil, among other sand, gravel or expanded clay (19.73€)! On top of that, it is advisable to only plant scented nettles in protected locations.

Overwinter potted plants indoors

Is your nettle in a bucket on the balcony, the terrace or in front of the house entrance? Then you should put them in in autumn, otherwise the root ball will freeze through and the plant will die! That's how it's done:

  • Cut down sweet nettle in October
  • choose a bright, frost-free room
  • well suited for winter: bedrooms, conservatories, stairwells (10 to 15 °C cool)
  • water sparingly
  • do not fertilize
  • check for pest infestation

tips

If you have left the seed heads of the perennial plant in place, you may be lucky enough to see new, more fragrant nettles next year (self-sowing).

Category:

Herbs