Herb · Urticaceae family
Stinging nettle
Urtica dioica
In short a 10-second read
spacing 15¾ in
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun to shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Soil
Watering
Frost
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
Plant 15¾ in apart.
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–September · green
Sowing
direct sowing: March–May, September–October
Harvest
May–June
What to plant now (March) full list in March (284) →What to plant now (April) full list in April (323) →What to plant now (May) full list in May (185) →What to plant now (September) full list in September (146) →What to plant now (October) full list in October (243) →
Feeding
Nutrition.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does stinging nettle flower?
In June–September; the flowers are green.
When do I sow stinging nettle?
In March–May, September–October (direct sowing).
When is stinging nettle harvested?
In May–June.
Does stinging nettle tolerate shade?
Yes, it tolerates full shade.
How much space does stinging nettle need?
At maturity 11¾ in–2 ft 11⅜ in wide and 1 ft 7⅝ in–4 ft 11 in tall; recommended spacing 15¾ in.
Sources (12) Checked 19 October 2026
- plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- rhs.org.uk
- pladias.cz
- api.gbif.org
- samen-maier.at
- kraeuter-und-duftpflanzen.de
- ema.europa.eu 2
- yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, EASIN 2, Slovakia
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