A blood-red juice containing lots of essential oils flows from the leaves and flowers of St. John's wort when they are pressed. But not only these plant parts are interesting. The seeds can also be of value. But what do they look like and what can you use them for?

The seeds of St. John's wort are hidden in the red berries

When are the seeds ripe and ready to be collected?

First, the flowering period ends, which usually lasts from the end of June to August. The berry-like fruits ripen in late summer. They are usually mature towards the end of September/beginning of October.

The fruits can be harvested in autumn. It is then advisable to air dry the fruit. When dry, the seeds contained can be easily removed. The seeds are useful for propagating St. John's wort.

External and internal characteristics of the seeds

The seeds contained in the berry-like fruits do not look particularly spectacular. Here are their characteristics:

  • at 1 mm and less they are small
  • oval to oblong in shape
  • medium brown to blackish brown in colour
  • smooth surface
  • non-toxic

Sow the seeds - how's it going?

There are no other common uses for the seeds than sowing. Normally, sowing is uncomplicated and crowned with success. If you want to sow the seeds, you should do so either as soon as the seeds are ripe or in the spring.

It is ideal to sow the seeds in spring from around March to April. Sowing later in the year will delay flowering until next year. What you should know about sowing:

  • Sow directly or prefer - both are possible
  • Seeds germinate in the light - do not cover or hardly cover with soil
  • Germination time: 2 to 4 weeks
  • Germination temperature: 18 to 25 °C

tips

Since the seeds are quite tiny, it is advisable to mix them with some sand before sowing and only then to broadcast them.

Category:

Herbs