Seed the Change!
Stinging Nettle (Seeds)
Stinging Nettle (Seeds)
Urtica dioica
463 in stock
Height 1–1.5m (3–5ft) Spread 0.6–1.2m (2–4ft)
- Weight: 1g / 0.04oz
- Product Count: 350
- Growing Difficulty: Expert
- We ship Wednesdays !
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About Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle is a hardy perennial herb that has been treasured for centuries for its incredible versatility. From use as a nutritious wild green to applications in traditional medicine and even textile production, nettle is one of the most useful plants in the garden. The young spring leaves, once lightly cooked or dried to neutralise the sting, make a tasty spinach substitute and are packed with iron, Vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium. The plant’s fibres have long been used for making cloth, fishing net, and rope.
Where Can You Grow Stinging Nettle?
Thrives in Zones 3–9 in moist, fertile soil and partial shade to full sun. Best suited for wild edges, moist meadows, or shaded garden borders. May spread aggressively if not contained.
History and Historical Uses
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) has a long history of use by cultures worldwide. Traditionally harvested as one of the first spring greens, it was prized for its role in relieving arthritis, nourishing the blood, and restoring energy after winter. Its fibrous stems were used to create thread, cloth, and even paper. A true multipurpose plant, it continues to be valued in herbalism and regenerative gardening practices.
Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Sow directly outdoors in early spring or fall; will return year after year.
Zones 5-7: Sow in spring after last frost or start indoors in late winter.
Zones 3-4: Start indoors and transplant once frost danger has passed; mulch to protect roots.
How to Grow and Harvest Stinging Nettle
Planting: Cold stratify the seeds. Sow seeds on surface or barely cover with soil; space plants 30cm (12in) apart. Can be planted in fall to over winter
Watering: Prefers moist soil; water regularly in dry conditions.
Harvesting: Wear gloves; harvest young shoots in early spring for eating, older leaves for drying.
Maintenance: Cut back regularly to promote tender growth and prevent seed spread.
Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Allow to Flower and Seed: Let some plants flower and produce seed heads.
Harvest Seeds: Collect seeds once fully dry and brown.
Dry and Clean: Gently remove seeds from stalks and allow to air dry fully.
Store: Store in a cool, dry place; seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.
Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)
Customer Reviews
After 21 days no any nettle grow.
Thank you for this review.
We have contacted this customer and have offered to replace the seeds if they wish. But have not received a response. So please do get in touch so we can help you out.
Stinging Nettle is a difficult seed to germinate as it requires cold stratification prior to germination.
In the rare case that anyone of our seed products are past their Use By Date; we have a fresh supply that is same year generally to send.
Nothing germinated so for. I have been trying to germinate these seeds since March. I tried several different methods. No success at all. Waste of my time and money.
Thank you for your feedback.
We are so sorry to hear that you have had trouble with this seed. We guarantee germination across all our seeds and would love to send you a replacement. We have also made contact and would love to help resolve this issue. If the seed is bad we can always send a batch from our 2025 harvest. Please reply to our email so we can sort you out.
Also as an extra for anyone reading these reviews. Stinging nettle is not as easy to grow from seed as many other plants (That's not to say that this customer didn't get bad seed, which we can always replace).
To grow it either plant in fall directly in prepared beds. This will give it a lovely period of cold stratification, you can also stratify your self using about 12-14 days in the freezer.
Keep the bed moist but not wet. Water logging will hind germination every time.
Heat is another factor. They must have SOIL tempratures of ~13C or ~65F. They should germinate within 14 days at these temps. They can still germinate at lower or more variable temps but they may take many days or even weeks longer.
Please always free to get in touch with us if you are having trouble as we are always happy to help!
Growing plants is hard y'all!