St. John's Wort - Salt Spring Seeds

Hypericum perforatum

This herbaceous perennial grows naturally throughout much of the world’s temperate regions. Its growth habit can often confuse some growers as the plant displays 2 different looking growth patterns. In the first year it creeps along the ground, while in its subsequent years, the plant sends up freely branching erect stems to 3 feet with abundant blooms from June through until August. The first flowers commonly appear near June 24th, the day celebrated as the birthdate of John the Baptist, hence the name St. John.

When crushed, the fresh, star-shaped, golden yellow blossoms and flower buds exude a blood-red juice. When the flowers and buds are infused in olive oil, the resulting crimson oil, applied externally, helps to restore damaged nerve tissue from wounds, sores, ulcers, swellings and rheumatism.

The plant prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil with full sun and is hardy in Zones 3 to 7.

Seeds are best sown in spring on the surface of a sandy soil mix, keeping them evenly moist and in the light, as they are light dependant germinators. Transplant or thin to 3 or 4 feet apart.