
Details
Nettles are dioecious, meaning that the plants are either male or female. Not self-fertile, as both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required, and the seed will occur on female plants only. Native to temperate climates worldwide. Wait until the little Nettles are four inches high or so, and snip them off. They must be lightly steamed to disarm their stinging hairs. Eat the Nettles, and drink the water in which they were steamed.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
Botanical Name | Urtica dioica |
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Life Cycle | Perennial |
Min. Time to Germinate | 10 Days |
Max. Time to Germinate | 18 Days |
Depth to Sow Seeds | Surface Sow; press seeds gently into the soil to make good contact, but do not cover with any additional soil; these seeds require light to germinate |
When to Sow | Indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past, Outdoors in early spring, a month before the last spring frost |
Growing Height | 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) |
Plant Spacing | 15-18 in. (38-45 cm) |
Hardiness | USDA Zone 3a: to -35F, USDA Zone 3b: to -30F, USDA Zone 4a: to -25F, USDA Zone 4b: to -20F, USDA Zone 5a: to -15F, USDA Zone 5b: to -10F, USDA Zone 6a: to -5F, USDA Zone 6b: to 0F, USDA Zone 7a: to 5F, USDA Zone 7b: to 10F, USDA Zone 8a: to 15F, USDA Zone 8b: to 20F, USDA Zone 9a: to 25F, USDA Zone 9b: to 30F, USDA Zone 10a: to 35F, USDA Zone 10b: to 40F |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade |
Danger | Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction |
Bloom Color | Chartreuse (Yellow-Green) |
Bloom Time | Late Spring/Early Summer, Mid-Summer |
Other Details | Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater, This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds |
Soil pH Requirements | 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
Days to Harvest | 80-90 |
Propagation Methods | By dividing the rootball, From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; stratify if sowing indoors, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
Seed Collecting | Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds |
Seeds Per Pack | 50 |