Large Flowered Hemp Nettle
Galeopsis speciosa
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Pl. 2782 — Galeopsis speciosa
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IOverview
Overview
The Large Flowered Hemp Nettle (Galeopsis speciosa) is a hardy annual herb that thrives in moist to light soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Native to regions across Europe including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and parts of Russia, this plant has spread its range widely. Known for its edible properties, it can be found growing up to one meter tall in various habitats such as meadows and ditches. One distinctive feature is its large, showy flowers which give the plant its common name. Another notable characteristic is its light requirement, making it suitable for areas with moderate sunlight.
Quick answers
What is Large Flowered Hemp Nettle?
The Large Flowered Hemp Nettle (Galeopsis speciosa) is a hardy annual herb that thrives in moist to light soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Native to regions across Europe including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and parts of Russia, this plant has spread its range widely.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Large Flowered Hemp Nettle thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is an annual forb/herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. This plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. For propagation, sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Given its native range across Europe, it is hardy in temperate regions but may require protection in colder climates. Regular watering is essential during dry periods to maintain moist soil conditions.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Large Flowered Hemp Nettle for the first time
8steps
Start with Large Flowered Hemp Nettle to gain experience in growing herbs and perennials.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden fork, compost, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds outdoors after the last frost in spring or start seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun. Amend soil with compost for rich, well-draining conditions between pH 5.5–6.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep and 30-45 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep weeds at bay and provide regular watering, especially during dry spells. Stake taller plants if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to stake tall plants, and not removing spent flowers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Europe20 regions
native (20)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 2782d004-d161-4dbf-834f-df8154717850
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