NETTLE SEEDS

Urtica dioica

ORGANIC

One of the most useful of weeds, Nettles contain a great deal of nutrition for both humans and gardens. Ideal for the permacultural landscape. Perennial to at least zone 2! New growth in early spring may be carefully harvested with gloves for use as a cooked vegetable, or dried for medicinal use. Subsequent growth should be harvested just before plants flower for use as mulch, in compost, or to brew an amazing vegan fertilizer with yarrow, chamomile and comfrey.

Sow seeds directly where they are to grow in spring or start indoors six weeks before the last frost: press seeds into moist soil; mist gently with warm water; kept warm (70F) and moist in bright light, seeds will germinate in a week or two. Carefully prick out seedlings (wearing gloves) and transplant to individual cells or pots to grow on at room temperature until planting outdoors around the last frost.

Nettles spread by both seeds and rhizomes. Plant as far as possible from the garden proper. Plants will tolerate a great deal of shade and dry soils. Invasive, especially in moist soil. Choose location carefully!! Contact with the fresh leaves can cause temporary pain in sensitive individuals. Heating and drying will deactivate the irritating compounds contained in the trichomes of the stems and leaves, rendering the plant safe for consumption and handling.

The long tough stalks of mature nettles contain a strong fiber that may be processed like flax and dyed as easily as cotton. Makes a fine paper. Decoction of the leaves may be used as an alternative to rennet to curdle milk for cheese. Native American uses for this species are so extensive that I dare not even begin to describe them here. Medicinal uses are myriad. Tragically maligned, Nettle is truly one of our most valuable native species. Metaphysically, it demands that we be present and pay attention. Healing may be found where we least expect it.

Packet contains around 500 seeds.