St. John's Wort

What you'll need:

St. John's Wort seeds or young plants (you can find them at garden centers or online)

A pot (at least 10 inches wide) or a patch of ground in your garden

Well-draining soil (mix regular garden soil with some sand if it feels too heavy)

Some basic fertilizer (a general-purpose one works fine)

When to start:

St. John's Wort is pretty hardy and can handle cool weather, but it loves sunlight! The best time to plant is in early spring when the risk of frost has passed. If you're starting with seeds indoors, begin about 6 weeks before the last expected frost.

Choosing a spot:

This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate a bit of shade. Make sure the spot you choose gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It doesn't like soggy soil, so ensure the area drains well—raised beds or pots are great options if you're worried about water pooling.

Tip: If planting outdoors, loosen the soil a bit before planting to help roots grow more easily.

If you’re using seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with moist soil. Make sure the soil isn’t too wet!
2. Sprinkle a few seeds on top of the soil and lightly press them down—don’t bury them too deep, just cover them with a thin layer of soil.
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist.
4. Place the pots in a sunny spot indoors or under a grow light until they sprout, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
5. Once the seedlings have grown a couple of leaves and the weather is warm enough, you can move them outside.

If you’re using young plants:

1. Dig a hole in your garden or pot that’s slightly bigger than the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and gently fill in the soil around it, pressing lightly to secure it.
3. Water thoroughly right after planting to help the roots settle in.

Spacing tip: If you’re planting multiple St. John’s Wort plants, leave about 18-24 inches between each one so they have room to spread out as they grow.

Watering:

• St. John’s Wort doesn’t like to be overwatered! Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. In most cases, once a week is plenty unless it’s really hot and dry.
• Always water at the base of the plant rather than splashing water on the leaves to prevent diseases.

Feeding:

• You don’t need to fertilize this plant too often. Just give it a light feeding with a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring to early fall).
• Too much fertilizer can make the plant grow too fast and become weak, so less is more here!

Sunlight & Temperature:

• As mentioned, St. John’s Wort loves sunshine, so make sure it gets plenty of light throughout the day.
• This plant can handle a range of temperatures, but it prefers cooler climates. If you live in a very hot area, it might appreciate some afternoon shade.

Pruning:

• After the plant finishes flowering (usually in late summer), you can trim it back slightly to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead stems.
• Don’t worry if it dies back in winter—it’s a perennial, meaning it will come back next year!

Pest and Disease Control:

• St. John’s Wort is pretty tough and rarely bothered by pests or diseases. However, if you notice yellowing leaves, check for overwatering or poor drainage.
• Occasionally, aphids may appear, but a quick spray with water or insecticidal soap should take care of them.

When to harvest:

• You can start harvesting St. John’s Wort flowers when they bloom, typically in late spring to early summer.
• The best time to pick the flowers is in the morning when they’re fully open and still fresh.
• Look for bright yellow flowers with tiny black dots along the edges of the petals—that’s a sign they’re ready!

How to harvest:

• Use clean scissors or your fingers to snip off the flowering tops (the part where the flowers meet the stem). You can also gather some of the upper leaves if you like.
• Be gentle and avoid damaging the rest of the plant; this way, it can continue producing flowers throughout the season.

Drying the flowers:

• Spread the harvested flowers and leaves on a clean tray or paper towel in a dry, shady place with good airflow.
• Let them dry for about a week or until they feel crisp to the touch.
• Store the dried flowers in an airtight container away from sunlight for later use in teas or herbal remedies.

Tip: St. John’s Wort is known for its medicinal properties, but always consult with a healthcare professional before using it for health purposes.

Q: Can I grow St. John’s Wort indoors?

A: Yes, you can! But make sure it gets plenty of sunlight—place it near a south-facing window or use a grow light. Also, ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Q: Why are my St. John’s Wort flowers turning brown?

A: This could be due to overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil—if it’s soggy, reduce watering and improve the drainage. Brown flowers might also mean the plant is finishing its blooming cycle.

Q: Does St. John’s Wort come back every year?

A: Yes! St. John’s Wort is a perennial, meaning it will die back in winter and regrow in spring. Just make sure to prune it lightly after flowering to keep it healthy.

Q: Is St. John’s Wort invasive?

A: In some regions, it can spread quite a bit through self-seeding. To prevent it from taking over, you can remove spent flowers before they drop seeds or regularly pull up any unwanted seedlings.

Q: How do I know if my soil drains well enough?

A: A simple test is to dig a small hole, fill it with water, and see how quickly it drains. If it takes more than a few hours, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage.