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