Wait until the little Nettles are four inches high or so, and snip them off. They must be lightly steamed to disarm their stinging hairs. Eat the Nettles, and drink the water in which they were steamed. The seed must be subjected to cold, moist conditioning before it will sprout. Fall sowing is best.
Germination occurs in the spring.
Nettles will grow in the full sun in the garden, but must be kept moist. To naturalize, transplant seedlings 6 inches apart to an area of dappled shade near running water. Grows to 4 feet.