St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - A revered perennial medicinal herb with a history of use dating back thousands of years, St. John’s Wort has long been valued for its role in supporting emotional well-being and easing symptoms of mild depression and mood imbalance. Traditionally prepared as teas, tinctures, and infused oils, the plant is most famous for the deep red oil released when the fresh flowers are crushed. Plants form a small, woody, shrubby habit, reaching 12–18 inches in height, and produce an abundance of bright yellow, star-shaped flowers in early summer. Though it readily naturalizes, St. John’s Wort tends to establish in scattered patches rather than spreading aggressively. On our farm, it has settled comfortably along field margins in small, stable clusters. The foliage is punctuated with tiny translucent “perforations” when held to the light, an identifying feature of the species.

250 seeds per packet 

Planting Instructions: Seeds require cold stratification for optimal germination. Stratify seeds for 3–4 weeks prior to sowing. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last spring frost, sowing just beneath the soil surface and allowing light to reach the seeds. Keep soil evenly moist but not wet. Transplant outdoors after the risk of spring frost has passed.

Alternatively, seeds may be direct sown outdoors in autumn, 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost, allowing natural winter stratification. Plants often appear as a low, prostrate ground cover during the first growing season before developing upright flowering stems in subsequent years.

Harvest flowers on dry mornings once the dew has evaporated. When crushed or infused, the fresh blossoms release a characteristic reddish oil traditionally used in topical preparations.