St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a popular perennial herb known for its bright yellow flowers and distinctive medicinal properties. It's among the undemanding plants that thrive well in regular garden substrate in a sunny location or in partial shade. It requires moderate watering and is suitable not only for herb beds, but also for drying for tea or preparing homemade tinctures.

🌼 Characteristics of St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is a perennial growing up to 80 cm tall. You can recognize it by its yellow flowers with red dots and leaves that appear perforated when held up to light (they contain oil glands – hence "perforatum"). It blooms from June to August and is popular with both gardeners and herbalists.

🌞 Location and Substrate

St. John's Wort loves sunny locations, but can also handle partial shade. It's undemanding and grows even in less fertile soil, but thrives best in well-draining garden substrate with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

It's easily grown in larger containers or planters – ideal for urban balconies.

💧 Watering and Fertilizing

Watering:
St. John's Wort is resistant to moderate drought. It needs watering mainly after planting, then only moderately – watch out for waterlogging.

Fertilizing:
Excessive fertilizing is not suitable – it is primarily planted in natural beds. In spring, it's enough to add a little compost or light organic fertilizer.

✂️ Harvesting, Drying and Use

Harvesting flowers and herb is carried out during flowering – ideally around noon in dry weather. Dry in shade at temperatures up to 40 °C.

From St. John's wort, you can prepare tea, tincture or oil macerate. The most well-known uses are for calming nerves, with insomnia, menstrual pain or digestive problems.

🧺 Growing Supplies and Recommendations

For easier planting and harvesting, you'll find useful:

• pruning shears for trimming
• planting dibber and gloves
• nets or paper trays for drying herbs
• dark bottles for tinctures or oils