{"product_id":"st-johns-heirloom-herb-seeds","title":"St. John’s Wort Heirloom Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eSt. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a hardy perennial heirloom herb, valued for its long history in traditional herbal remedies and for its bright yellow flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Easy to grow and sun-loving, it thrives in a variety of soils and makes a wonderful addition to herb gardens, pollinator plantings, and wildflower meadows. Its golden blossoms are often harvested for herbal teas, infused oils, and tinctures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Names: St. John’s Wort, Common St. Johnswort\u003cbr\u003eLatin Name: Hypericum perforatum\u003cbr\u003eType: Herb \/ Medicinal Plant\u003cbr\u003eLife Cycle: Perennial\u003cbr\u003eUSDA Zones: 4 - 9\u003cbr\u003eStratification: Cold stratification required (30–60 days)\u003cbr\u003eGermination Ease: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eSunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade\u003cbr\u003eMoisture: Medium, drought tolerant once established\u003cbr\u003eSoil: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil preferred, tolerates poor soils\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 1 – 3 feet\u003cbr\u003eSpread: 1 – 2 feet\u003cbr\u003eColor: Bright yellow flowers with red-dotted centers\u003cbr\u003eBloom Season: Summer (June–August)\u003cbr\u003eCompanion Plants: Yarrow, echinacea, lavender, bee balm\u003cbr\u003eClimate Adaptability: Adapted to a wide range of climates; thrives in sunny, dry conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Sowing \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen to Sow Outside:\u003cbr\u003eSow outdoors in late fall for natural cold stratification or early spring after a cold period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen to Start Inside:\u003cbr\u003eStart indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Cold stratify seeds for 30–60 days before sowing in trays with seed-starting mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCold Stratification Method:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix seeds with a small amount of damp (not soggy) sand, vermiculite, or seed-starting mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the mixture in a labeled plastic bag or container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRefrigerate for 30–60 days, keeping at a consistent 35–40°F. Do not freeze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the stratification period, sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix and lightly press in, as they require light to germinate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep at 65–75°F until seedlings emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDays to Emerge:\u003cbr\u003e14–30 days after stratification\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed Depth:\u003cbr\u003eSurface sow; seeds require light to germinate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed Spacing:\u003cbr\u003e6–12 inches apart\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRow Spacing:\u003cbr\u003e12–18 inches apart\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardiness:\u003cbr\u003eCold-hardy perennial; drought tolerant once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Growing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoil:\u003cbr\u003ePrefers well-drained sandy or gravelly soil but tolerates a range of conditions. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eWater regularly until established; after that, only occasional watering is needed. Overwatering should be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight and Temperature:\u003cbr\u003eThrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Performs well in both cool and warm climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintenance:\u003cbr\u003eVery low-maintenance. Can self-seed readily if allowed; may spread aggressively in some areas. Deadhead to reduce reseeding or cut back after flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContainer Friendly:\u003cbr\u003eCan be grown in large pots or containers with well-draining soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Harvesting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen to Harvest:\u003cbr\u003eHarvest flowers and upper leaves when blooms are fully open, usually in midsummer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow to Harvest:\u003cbr\u003eCut stems and flowers on dry days. Use immediately for fresh preparations or dry for later use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrying and Storing:\u003cbr\u003eDry in a warm, shaded area with good air circulation. Store dried flowers and leaves in airtight containers away from light and heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEdible Use:\u003cbr\u003eNot commonly used as a culinary herb. Traditionally used in herbal teas, tinctures, and infused oils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Seed Saving\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed Collection:\u003cbr\u003eAllow flowers to mature and form seed capsules. Collect when capsules turn brown and dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed Cleaning:\u003cbr\u003eGently break open capsules to release tiny seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeed Storage:\u003cbr\u003eStore seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Additional Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForage for Pollinators:\u003cbr\u003eAttractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin:\u003cbr\u003eNative to Europe, Asia, and North Africa; widely naturalized in North America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNomenclature:\u003cbr\u003eThe name “St. John’s Wort” refers to its traditional harvest time around St. John’s Day (late June). “Hypericum perforatum” describes the tiny translucent dots in the leaves that resemble perforations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistory:\u003cbr\u003eUsed in traditional herbal practices for centuries, St. John’s Wort has a long association with midsummer rituals and was once hung over doors to ward off evil spirits. It remains one of the most widely recognized medicinal herbs today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClimate Adaptability:\u003cbr\u003eHighly adaptable perennial that thrives in sunny, dry, and even poor soil conditions. Tolerates both cold winters and hot summers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nimble NiteCap Heirloom Seed Co","offers":[{"title":"100+ organic seeds","offer_id":46786429255817,"sku":"HER-STJO01","price":2.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200+ organic seeds","offer_id":46786429288585,"sku":"HER-STJO02","price":3.92,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"300+ organic seeds","offer_id":46786429321353,"sku":"HER-STJO03","price":5.85,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400+ organic seeds","offer_id":46786429354121,"sku":"HER-STJO04","price":7.76,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500+ organic seeds","offer_id":46786429386889,"sku":"HER-STJO05","price":9.72,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"600+ organic seeds","offer_id":46786429419657,"sku":"HER-STJO06","price":11.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0676\/1585\/0633\/files\/2_d295a055-61a1-44dc-a94a-a562f2bad805.png?v=1779360558","url":"https:\/\/nimblenitecap.com\/products\/st-johns-heirloom-herb-seeds","provider":"Nimble NiteCap Heirloom Seed Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}