St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Yellow flowering herb often used for landscaping grows up to 3' tall. Used to enhance mental well-being.

How to Grow St. John's Wort from Seed

Bed Preparation

St. John's wort tolerates a wide variety of soil types. Prefers full sun, although plants will tolerate partial shade.

Planting

Seeds need a period of cold, moist conditions for optimal germination. Direct sow outdoors in early spring or stratify seed in a refrigerator for 3-4 weeks before sowing. Seed needs light to germinate. Sow seed on top of soil and press down lightly. Seeds germinate in 14 days.

Thin seedlings so that mature plants are 12 inches apart. Keep adequately moist for first year until plants become well established. Drought tolerant once established.

Harvest

Delay harvest until second year. Harvest at peak flowering by removing flowers and top 1/3 of plant.

Dry and store plants in a cool dark place.

How to Save St. John's Wort Seeds

St. John's Wort is a hardy perennial whose seed matures in early fall. Seed is ready to harvest when the capsule has completely dried, turning brown. Store seeds in a cool, dry place.