The vegetative propagation with cuttings is simple, but very labor-intensive. A machine normally used for cabbage planting proved applicable for setting fiber nettles. In the first nettle year the weed control is very important to get a dense population without gaps. In 1999 the average dry stem weight per plant was about 35g. Due to the very low single plant yield we decided not to harvest.
Emphasis is placed on establishing the crop.
Once set, the crop can be kept under cultivation for about 10 years. This crop will give the raw material fiber processing and research on fiber extraction can be started with. The optimal harvest time and most efficient harvesting techniques have to be worked out. Anbau zur Fasergewinnung. Die Fasernessel als nachwachsender Rohstoff.