Stinging Nettle [Urtica dioica]

The nettle is a very old perennial tea, vegetable and medicinal plant from Central Europe that has been used for centuries. From an ecological and medical perspective, the versatile and hardy species is an extremely valuable wild plant that is rich in silicates, iron, potassium, manganese and calcium as well as vitamins A and C. Prepared as manure, it is an important nitrogen fertilizer. The young, tapering and toothed leaves can be used as a spicy spinach vegetable and the shoot tips can be enjoyed raw. Large leaves can be used as tea before flowering or to prepare the well-known nettle soup. The half-ripened seeds are a superfood.

General information
Plant family: Urticaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 320 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -34 °C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, moist, slightly loamy, humus

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Light and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 12-20 °C
Germination time: 10-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 40x50 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Peppermint, Angelica, Dill, Lovage, Parsley, Tomato
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly in partially shaded open ground from November to January. In frost-free land, artificially stratify for 4 weeks. We also recommend pre-culture in small pots from December to April.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly outdoors in late autumn. We also recommend pre-culture in small pots from March to May with an artificial 4 week stratification.

General
The germination rate of seeds is naturally low. Sow scattered seeds in the open ground. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible nettle leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Stinging nettle prefers a partially shaded location in subtropical climates and a sunny to partially shaded location in temperate climates with permeable, moist, slightly loamy and humus-rich soil.

Additional tips
The species indicates over-fertilization or nitrogen enrichment. These stinging hairs act as a protective mechanism against predators and are predominantly present on the upper side of the leaf and can be deactivated by moisture or pressure. In the immediate vicinity of medicinal herbs, nettle ensures a stronger formation of essential oils and helps to enhance the scent of tomatoes and counteract fungal rot. The optimal time to harvest the leaves is early in the morning.
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds and root runners.

Plant care
Cut the tips of the shoots to encourage new growth. During long dry periods, it is advisable to give the plants additional water.

Germination ability of seeds: 1-2 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Urtica dioica
English Names: Stinging Nettle
German names: Brennnessel
Portuguese names: Urtica, Urtiga, Ortiga Verde
Spanish Names: Ortiga
French names: Ortie