Whether for making a manure, for infusing a dehydrating tea or for cooking spinach - the nettle should be harvested at the right time. But when is that and what difference does it make whether it is harvested in spring, summer or autumn?
When is the best time to harvest nettles?
The optimal harvest time for nettles varies depending on the part of the plant: seeds in early autumn, flowers from July to September, fresh shoots in April and May and large, strong leaves from the end of April to June. Process or preserve them quickly after harvest.
Harvest time depends on the plant parts
The stinging nettle can generally always be picked when it has grown large enough. This time is between May and September. It usually sprouts in April and lasts well into autumn.
But there are certain periods in which harvesting certain parts of the plant is particularly worthwhile or even possible:
- Seed harvest: In early autumn
- Flower harvest: July to September
- Harvest of fresh shoots: April to May
- Harvest of large, strong leaves: end of April to June
Tip
Don't wait long before processing the nettle or preserving it by drying or freezing it!