How to Grow St. John's Wort

Introduction

Sometimes called "herbal Prozac," St. John's Wort is mostly used to relieve depression and anxiety. Originating in Europe and Asia, this perennial is now so widespread many farmers think of it as a weed to be eradicated because when their cattle eat it, they become "sun sensitive." Due to its ease of cultivation and medicinal value, many herbalists like to grow St. John's Wort.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Grow St. John's Wort in a home herb garden or outdoors after the threat of frost has passed. This plant prefers well-drained sandy or clay soils. It grows well in full to partial sun, tolerates some shade and likes to stay moist.

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Step Two

Plant St. John's Wort by seed in the spring or go out in the wild, get some cuttings and transplant them about one foot apart. Seeds can take up to three months to germinate, so leave some to reseed every year. Rootlets are easier, although they can take more than one season to become established. Transplant seedlings when they're about two inches tall.

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Step Three

Watch for flowers. They will be bushy, yellow and bloom in July and August, although not until the second year. They are pollinated by bees and flies. When in bloom, St. John's Wort smells like turpentine and shouldn't be handled without gloves. The plant can grow into 2-5 feet shrubs if left untrimmed.

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Step Four

Harvest St. John's Wort by cutting off the top 1/3 part of the plant in July. Allow some to go to seed. In September, move the plants to the garden, about 8 inches apart. They'll survive the winter if covered with some brush or straw.

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Step Five

Store by drying the leaves and flowers indoors in a cool, dry place. You can bundle the leaves and hang them upside down to dry. These are the parts used medicinally and are what gives St. John's Wort its commercial value to be used as tinctures, ointments and teas.

Tips & Warnings

• St. John's Wort seeds will germinate better if you soak them overnight, mix them with sand and put in your refrigerator for about 10 days. This way, you can start them indoors early or just plant them by scattering on the ground.
• It's important to plant St. John's Wort where it will not be invasive to another person's property because it will spread rapidly.
• Consult a physician before using St. John's Wort. It can interfere with a variety of prescription medications.