Photo: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Common nettle: when and how to prune
Urtica dioica
Common nettle is best pruned in March and June–July.
| Pruning months | March and June–July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Common nettle: when to prune it?
In two rounds, from late June to mid-July; remove the dead stems in March.
Common nettle: how to prune it?
- Never cut the whole patch at once: take one half first and the other half 2–3 weeks later.
- Check for caterpillar nests first and leave those spots alone.
- Leave the dead stems standing in winter: eggs and insects overwinter in them.
- Cut them down to just above the ground in March and put them on the compost heap.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and June–July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Wear sturdy gloves and long sleeves. Check the plants for caterpillars first: a web full of black caterpillars is a future cloud of butterflies.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Common nettle · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.