How to Grow St. John's Wart
St. John's Wart Germination Information
How to Sow St. John's Wart: - Best sown indoors, 10-12 weeks before planting out, at a temperature of 68-70°
- NO cover is needed as light aids in germination
- Expect germination in 25-30 days
- Seeds can also be sown outdoors in spring or summer, up to two months before first frost
- Outdoors, sow with barely any cover
- Seeds are very small and germination can be erratic
How to Grow St. John's Wart: Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves
Spacing: Space 12-18 inches apart
Lighting: Site in full sun or light shade
Soil: Site in a light soil with excellent drainage. Very tolerant of sandy, poor soils
Additional Care: Prune in early spring to promote compact growth and feed at this time with a balanced fertilizer.
Appearance and Use:
Mainly grown in herb gardens, but it is also planted in borders and rock
gardens. It is a 1-2 foot tall, shrubby plant that has 1-2 inch, dark green leaves that are dotted with
oil glands. The summer-appearing, bright yellow flowers grow in cymes. Harvest all parts of the
plant for use in herbal medicines and to make golden yellow dyes.
About St. John's Wart: Botanical name: Hypericum perforatum
Pronunciation: hi-per’i-cum per-fôr’a-tum
Lifecycle: Perennial
Origination: Hypericaceae; native to Europe and Asia Minor