You only knew 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!
How to grow St. John's wort in the garden?
St. John's wort requires a sunny, dry location with lime-rich, permeable and humus-rich soil. Sowing takes place between March and April, ideally at a planting distance of 15 cm. Suitable plant neighbors are medicinal herbs or shrubs such as cypresses and junipers.
Which location does St. John's wort prefer?
St. John's wort grows best in a sunny and dry location. If there is no more room in the sun, it can also thrive in partial shade.
What characteristics should the substrate have at the location?
The demands on the substrate are extremely low. It is important that the soil is in no way acidic! Cadmium tends to collect in such soils, a toxic substance that St. John's wort is only too happy to absorb. Ideally, the floor has the following properties:
- calcareous
- rocky to gravelly
- profound
- permeable
- humos
- moderately moist to moderately dry
- medium nutrient content
How is sowing done?
Sowing is incredibly easy. St. John's wort can be sown directly outdoors or grown at home. The period between March and April is optimal for pre-cultivation. Here are a few tips:
- Light germinator
- best germination temperature: 22 °C
- Germination time: 14 to 24 days
- Planting distance: 15 cm
- if applicable sow later in midsummer
Which plant neighbors are suitable?
St. John's wort is 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 hedges made of cypress, juniper or privet. It literally makes her 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 wilted flowers are cut off, they may bloom again in September.
When and how is St. John's wort harvested?
St. John's wort should be harvested during the flowering period. The flowers, buds and leaves are considered collectibles. It is best to cut off the shoot tips of the plant with scissors and hang them in bundles to dry.
Tip
You can also buy St. John's wort as young plants in garden stores. Then you can plant the herb either in spring or autumn.
