Seeds need to planted two three months before the last frost date and must undergo chilling for successful germination. They will sprout only when exposed to light and shall not be covered with soil. Traditional day for harvesting St. John’s wort is around 24th of June – St. John’s Day in christian calendar.
Hypericum perforatum Medicinal
Nomenclature
Latin NameHypericum perforatum
VarietyMedicinal
Common name in English and GermanSt. John's Wort, Johanniskraut
Regional namesHipérico (Spanish), iperico (Italian), erva-de-São-João (Portugese), třezalka tečkovaná (Chech), зверобой (Russian), Արևքուրիկ սովորական (Armenian), კრაზანა (Georgian), نبتة القديس يوحنا (Arabic)
Geographic data
Variety’s range of distributionEurope, Caucasus region, Balkans, mountainous regions of West Asia
Crop's center of diversityEurope, Caucasus, Southwest Asia (Near East)
Provenance and collection data
CollectionMedicinal
Seed sourceCommercial supplier, Spore garden
Cultivation
Life cycleShort-Lived Perennial
Winter hardyYes
Cold stratificationyes
Months suitable for planting seedsJanuary, February, March, October, November, December
Seed startingOutdoor
Days to harvest400
Growth habitHerb
Stem orientationUpright
Plant height (cm)100
Sun exposureFull sun
Water RequirementsRainfed
Soil preferenceWell drained, Loam, Neutral to higher pH
Successional communityPioneering, Grassland, Patchy shrub-land
Potential use in agro-designA great plant for mixed meadow designs with good sun exposure. Once establish the plant will proliferate without any need for management. Can be harvested several times in a season.
Reproduction
PollinationSelf pollinating
Reproductive biologyComplex
Likelihood of hybridisationPossible
Use
Consumable partsBuds, Flowers, Leaves
Medicinal actionAnti-microbial, Anti-inflamatory, Vulnerary, Anti-depressive, Nervine tonic
Parts used medicinally and their effectAerial parts of the plant are used as oil infusions for external applications and as extracts for internal use. When ingested may intervene with medication and requires caution in terms of dosage and application.
Gastronomic useAdded to liquors for balsamic flavoring, color and digestive effects.