The scented nettle not only smells delicious, but also looks fantastic when it is in the middle of its flowering period. It is a real bee magnet and looks great next to other perennials. But only if it is cared for properly.
How do you properly care for a scented nettle?
Caring for scented nettle (Agastache) includes regular watering, especially in dry conditions, fertilizing once in spring, pruning after the first flowering and in autumn, as well as frost and moisture protection in winter. Pests are rare, downy mildew occasionally occurs.
Do you have to water a sweet nettle outdoors?
To grow, it is important to water the scented nettle (Agastache). Later, watering only becomes more important again when there is persistent heat and drought. The scented nettle does not like a dry environment in the soil. It is best to water it regularly to preserve its flowers for a long time.
What can you fertilize this perennial with?
Fertilizing is also negligible for this plant. It is enough to fertilize them once a year. The perfect time for this is spring between the end of February and the beginning of April. For example, the following are suitable for economical fertilization:
- special herbal fertilizers
- Long-term perennial fertilizer
- Manure
- Horn shavings
- rotten manure
- rotted compost
When and how do you cut back the sweet nettle?
You should cut the nettle twice. The first cut takes place after the first wave of flowers, around the beginning of July. Simply cut off the old flowers with secateurs. This stimulates a second flower bloom.
The second cut can be done in autumn. In October, all above-ground plant parts are cut back to the ground. If you are hopeful about self-sowing, leave the old flowers standing so that seeds can develop!
How hardy are the plants and is it worth overwintering them?
This is what you should know:
- few species are well hardy (-23 °C)
- most species are frost-resistant down to -10 °C
- To be on the safe side, generally plant in a protected place and protect with brushwood in winter
- More important than protection from the cold is protection from winter wetness
- Scented nettles in the pot overwinter frost-free (10 to 15 °C) and brightly
What pests and diseases do scented nettle like?
Nudibranchs like to eat scented nettles (Agastache). Disease infestation rarely occurs. Only downy mildew can play a role. You should cut off and dispose of affected parts of the plant immediately!
Tip
It is particularly practical and ecological to add some nettle manure to the irrigation water once or twice a month and use it to water and fertilize the nettle at the same time.
