Growing St John’s Wort

[David MenkelStudent]

I have tried a few times to grow St John’s Wort without success.  I bought my seeds but they did not germinate, either due to an issue with the seeds (could be a number of things), or I just did it wrong.

Is there a trick to getting St John’s Wort to germinate?  Any advice?

Thanks,

[CarolAnnStudent]

Mine magically sprouted one year after sowing. Perhaps they need a winter?

[SharonStudent]

I put mine in the fridge for a while (2-3 weeks if I remember correctly), then under grow lights.  I brought them out of the fridge on 3-30, so still waiting for emergence.  I think I read they can take 3 weeks after stratification…

[Burkys7Student]

I will have to try that. I’ve had as much success as David in growing SJW. Thanks for the tip!

[PaigeStudent]

This is my first year trying to grow St. John Wort, I was a little afraid because of the cows, but it seems that is a myth or not a huge concern.  Here is some information on Cold Stratification for seeds:

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PMR

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

My St. John’s came up fine when I planted it. But I’ve often had the experience with herbs that they didn’t do anything the first year and came up later. The stratification advice above is good.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Geneva BivensStudent]

I started St. John’s wort from seed this year, and didn’t have any sprouting issues after cold stratification.

When I received the seeds I put the seed packet in the freezer for a week before starting them indoors in a 2″ pot with seed starter mix.

It works well with all of the seeds that I have started that require cold stratification.

 

[Dolores KnightStudent]

I sprinkled seed in a grow tray and they’re all sprouting. I did not cover with soil and placed tray in full sun during the day.  I’ve kept them moist. Did not stratify. So glad I didn’t know they were fussy. Fingers crossed.

[Dolores KnightStudent]

David, how long have you waited for them to sprout?

[MercySStudent]

I have a St. John’s Wort plant that has been growing and spreading quite happily in my greenhouse for the past year or so, but I’ve yet to see any blooms on it – can I successfully just use the leaves to tincture/etc., or do I need to be waiting for flowers?

[SharonStudent]

I have the same question as MercyS – will the leaves alone make good tincture?  If fresh, then what % of hooch (and 1:2 for fresh) or is it just a lot better to dry SJW first?  Thanks!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by Sharon.

[Michelle NewcombStudent]

My St. Johns Wort is blooming and thriving.  Been very quickly effective in treating teenage cramping but I also have read it helps with bed wetting.  I have a tincture going but it will be a bit before I can use it.  Not sure if this was right but tried a bit of fresh, ground SJW in applesauce to get started for my 6 year old grandson.  Any advice from someone with success with bed wetting would be most appreciated!

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