- Which location does the St. John's wort prefer?
- How is the sowing done?
- Which plant neighbors are suitable?
- When does this medicinal plant bloom?
- When and how is St. John's wort harvested?
Did you only know it as a dragee from the pharmacy or have you ever bought it in dried form? Then it's high time to grow St. John's wort yourself, in your own garden!
St. John's wort is not only a healing plant, it also gives the garden bed a beautiful sunny colour
Which location does the St. John's wort prefer?
St. John's wort grows best in a sunny and dry location. If there is no more space in the sun, it can also thrive in partial shade.
What characteristics should the substrate have at the site?
The demands on the substrate are extremely low. It is important that the soil is not acidic! Cadmium likes to accumulate in such soils, a poisonous substance that St. John's wort is only too happy to ingest. Ideally, the soil has the following properties:
- calcareous
- rocky to gravelly
- profound
- permeable
- humorous
- moderately moist to moderately dry
- medium nutrient content
How is the sowing done?
Sowing is very easy. St. John's wort can be sown directly outdoors or grown at home. The period between March and April is optimal for the pre-culture. Here are a few pointers:
- light germinator
- best germination temperature: 22 °C
- Germination time: 14 to 24 days
- Planting distance: 15 cm
- if necessary, sow later in midsummer
Which plant neighbors are suitable?
St. John's wort looks great alongside other medicinal herbs such as mugwort, valerian and comfrey, as well as plants such as erica, geranium and wood sorrel. It is also a perfect neighbor for cypress, juniper or privet hedges. It literally makes them glow.
When does this medicinal plant bloom?
It owes its name to its heyday. St. John's wort blooms around St. John's Day. The flowering period usually lasts until July/August. If the withered flowers are cut off, they can bloom again in September.
When and how is St. John's wort harvested?
St. John's wort should be harvested when it is in bloom. The flowers, buds and leaves are classified as collective goods. It is best to cut off the shoot tips of the plant with scissors and hang them up in bundles to dry.
tips
You can also buy St. John's wort as young plants in the garden store. Then you can plant the herb either in spring or in autumn.