Stinging Nettle Seeds – Urtica dioica | Heirloom Perennial Herb for Herbal Teas, Cooking & Biodiversity Gardening

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$3.49 USD
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Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Grow one of nature’s most nutrient-rich herbs with Stinging Nettle Seeds (Urtica dioica). Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, this versatile perennial has been treasured for centuries in herbal and culinary traditions. Despite its famous sting, stinging nettle becomes a nourishing, mild-flavored green once dried or cooked—making it a staple in herbal teas, soups, and leafy green dishes.

A Hardy, Beneficial Herb for the Garden:
Stinging nettle thrives in a wide range of soils and conditions, often returning year after year. Growing up to 3–7 feet tall, it features heart-shaped, serrated leaves covered in fine hairs that create its signature sting when touched raw. In the garden, nettle enhances biodiversity, attracts beneficial insects, and supports soil health as a dynamic accumulator of minerals.

Why Gardeners Love Stinging Nettle:

  • Hardy perennial that thrives in sun or partial shade
  • Edible and medicinal once dried or cooked
  • Excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and plant protein
  • Perfect for herbal teas, soups, and nutrient-rich greens
  • Non-GMO, heirloom variety that naturalizes easily
  • Supports pollinators and beneficial garden insects

How to Grow:
Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late fall, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Nettle seeds need light to germinate, so press gently onto the soil surface without covering. Keep soil moist until germination, typically in 10–14 days. Transplant or thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart in moist, well-drained soil. Once established, stinging nettle requires minimal care and will spread naturally.

Harvest & Use:
Harvest young leaves before flowering for the best flavor and texture. Use gloves to avoid stings when harvesting. Leaves can be steamed, sautéed, or dried for tea. Cooking or drying neutralizes the sting, leaving a mild, earthy taste similar to spinach. Nettle tea is valued for its mineral content and traditional wellness benefits.

Net Wt. 500MG

Learn more planting Stinging Nettle in our Survival Garden Training Blog
The Benefits of Growing Stinging Nettle

Heirloom Herb Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Urtica dioica
  • Seasonality
    Perennial
  • Planting Zones
    4-10
  • Light
    Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    60-70 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    10-14 Days
  • Planting Depth
    0 Inches (Surface)
  • Plant Size
    3-7 Feet Tall, 1-3 Foot Spread
  • Days to Bloom or Harvest
    45-60 Days
  • Growing Instructions
    Sow stingining nettle anytime from late fall to early spring. If seeds do not overwinter, cold stratify for 2-4 weeks prior to planting. Start seeds indoors and transplant out after the last frost. Press into the soil lightly; light is required for germination. Space 12-18" apart.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Allow flowers to mature and form seed heads. Collect dry heads and shake to remove seeds. Separate seeds from chaff and dry for an additional week. Label and store for up to 2 years.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    3150 to 3700

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Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques.

You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our farmer seeds. All of our garden seeds for sale are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

In what zones can I grow your seeds?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these gardening seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.