It grows into a herbaceous perennial and can look great in a herb bed as well as in a perennial bed or even in a pot on the terrace or balcony. But twice a year we recommend using scissors!
How and when should you cut a sweet nettle?
The sweet nettle should be cut twice a year: after the first flowering in July to stimulate a second wave of flowers, and in autumn to remove old inflorescences and leaves. Simple secateurs are suitable for cutting.
Stimulate a second wave of blooms
The scented nettle (Agastache) blooms for the first time of the year in June. The flowers dried up around the beginning/mid of July. Then the candle-like, upright inflorescences should be cut off. It is best if you cut them down to 10 cm above the ground.
The Agastache then produces flowers again - admittedly with a bit of luck and the right care (good watering, no drought and a little fertilizer) - towards the end of August/beginning of September. This is the secondary bloom that can last until October.
Cut down to the ground in autumn
The second start of cutting will take place in autumn. Then it’s time for the scented nettle as it retreats. Since their old inflorescences and leaves don't look much in winter, they should be cut back close to the ground - about 5 to 10 cm above the ground. You can use simple secateurs for this (€14.00 on Amazon). Then dispose of everything – done!
Seed formation desired?
If you intend to harvest the seeds of the sweet nettle or leave them to sow yourself, you should not rigorously cut off the old inflorescences. Wait until the seeds have formed and cut off the seed heads in autumn (targeted sowing in spring) or spring (seeds have fallen out; self-sowing).
Cutting for decorating and eating
The scented nettle is edible. You can therefore also cut off individual parts of the plant and flowers of the Agastache and pick off the leaves to use them to decorate dishes or to eat them directly. The plant parts smell wonderfully of anise or mint.
Cut to propagate: get cuttings
Cutting may also be appropriate for propagation:
- in spring
- only possible for hardy species
- Cut off 5 to 10 cm long shoots
- Shoots: Leaves should still be in bud position
- Put in potting soil and keep moist
- Rooting after 4 weeks
Tip
As part of good care, diseased parts of the plant should also be cut off. The sweet nettle, for example, is sometimes attacked by downy mildew.