The Trouble with Nettles

Netles . I wish they were Tribbles . This is the second year I have planted nettles from seed . Bought from 2 reputable sources. Nada. I have planted the seed in a variety of settings . Garden bed. Below trees with a lot of duff. Wood edge. Shady moist area beside shed. Partial to full sun . Seems that I have trouble with plants that are labeled " So easy a five year old can grow it" . Like chives. I just want to get a batch started and then use root cuttings . Any advice on starting from seed ?

Hi, I successfully germinated stinging nettles indoors using seed starter trays warmed by a heating pad, once established, with stingers, the seedlings were transplanted in several different locations in the garden. I've had close to 100% success rate. By the way where did you purchase your nettle seed?

JL Hudson , Horizon Herbs. I do not wish to sully their reputation with my foibles. Interesting that you used a warming device indoors. It has just started to warm here , I thought they were more of a cool weather crop . Peas , lettuce , beets , fava , are all up. Perhaps there is still a chance they will germinate. If not I will just purchase root cuttings next year or maybe next week. I do not believe this is too far south for nettles but they seem to do better up north .

Thanks. I'm a patron of Horizon Seeds, great company. I should mention, when I stated 'indoors using a heat pad" it was in a cool (40 to 50 degree) green house. Also, I don't claim that the heat had anything to do with germination, It's just how I did it and it worked great. Good Luck