- Which location does the stinging nettle prefer?
- What should the soil be like?
- How can the stinging nettle be propagated?
- How and when are the seeds sown?
- When is harvest time?
- Which plant neighbors are suitable?
Whether for eating, for tea or for preparing liquid manure - the stinging nettle can be used in many ways. There are definitely many reasons for cultivating nettles…
Nettles thrive best in partial shade
Which location does the stinging nettle prefer?
Stinging nettles prefer to grow in semi-shade. They don't get along with full sun, and yet they sometimes make that compromise - better than not growing at all. Nettles can also thrive in the shade.
What should the soil be like?
If you want to plant nettles, you should choose the right substrate. Stinging nettles need a lot of nutrients and especially nitrogen. The substrate in which you plant the nettles should have the following properties:
- nutritious
- humorous
- wet
- permeable
How can the stinging nettle be propagated?
In the wild, these plants reproduce most strongly through root suckers. Over time, they form entire carpets with them and seem to literally proliferate. With your own hands, nettles are good to reproduce by stolons and seeds.
How and when are the seeds sown?
Some nettle seeds are poorly germinable. This is especially true for direct sowing. If you want to multiply the nettles by seed, note the following:
- Pre-cultivation at home or in a greenhouse is recommended
- Period: early March to mid-May
- Minimum germination temperature: 10 °C
- Germination time: 10 to 14 days
- Distance between plants: 25 cm
- Sowing depth: max. 0.5 cm (light germinator)
When is harvest time?
Nettles can be harvested throughout their growing season. The optimal harvest period is from the end of April/beginning of May to the end of June. Then comes the flowering period. The flowers are present from July to September.
Which plant neighbors are suitable?
Ideal plant partners for stinging nettles are those that are easily attacked by pests such as aphids. All vegetable plants are suitable as planting partners. Stinging nettles also feel in good hands next to or under fruit trees and bushes.
tips
Anyone who plants the nettle should be aware that it quickly proliferates with its root suckers. Once it has formed a whole sea, it is difficult to fight again. The cultivation should therefore be well thought out!