Hypericum or St. John’s wort, Hypericum perforatum this is its scientific name, it is a plant that is usually found at the beginning of summer on the sides of the roads. It is a grass that is usually collected in the wild, but what very few know is that it exists in addition to the possibility of finding it on the roads, there is the alternative of planting it yourself. same.
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How to Plant St. John’s Wort
As with many of our crops, with the hypericum we will prepare a seedbed for our plants. We can also do direct sowing in the final place where the plant will grow. Although in my case, as you can see in the video, I prefer to do it in the nursery to make sure that a possible frost does not affect its development.
Place the substrate
In my case, and what I recommend for this plant, a seedbed about 10 centimeters deep is sufficient. We add the substrate for seedlingswhich I have already explained on the blog how it can be done, so that it is covered but not hardened.
We leave a centimeter of space at the top, so we don’t need to make a hole to bury the seed, but we will cover them later.
Although I prefer to use this type of substrate, it is good to know that many herbs such as hypericum and other medicinal plants and aromatic plantsThey do not need highly fertilized soil. But just because you don’t need them doesn’t mean it’s not good, as nutrients still contribute to the health of our plants and crops.
Sowing seeds
The first thing is to place a few seeds for each nursery. In the case of these, being so small, the idea of leaving a space 3 times larger than its size is not difficult, and with the centimeter without soil that we have left, we can move forward.
Sowing multiple seeds per nursery helps us ensure that at least one plant per nursery will emerge healthy and thrive.
Then, once all the seeds have been placed, we will cover them by sprinkling with soil until they are completely protected. Keep in mind that they should not be buried in excess, because in this case they will need much more energy to germinate.
St. John’s Wort-Hypericum perforatum
- Height: from 80 to 100 cm. It is used for infusions, for oil extract as a healing agent, there is also the belief that hanging it in a house will bring good luck. Properties: Vulnerating, emollient, pectoral, vermifuge
- Sowing: In spring
- Harvest: During the summer of the following year.
Finally, as I always advise, after sowing we add a good initial irrigation.
When to plant hypericum in our orchard or garden
Sowing hypericum or St. John’s wort is done in late winter or early spring. Depending on the region and the weather, this can vary by a few days or so. That’s why it’s important, as I said, that if the area is prone to late winter frosts, protect the seeds well. On the other hand, in regions with less severe cold, it can even be sown directly in the orchard or garden.
St. John’s Wort Care
Now let’s look at the basic care of hypericum, soil, irrigation and possible pests.
Ground
As we have said, a good substrate can help both the seed and then the St. John’s wort plant and its cultivation, although it can grow perfectly in poor soils. What is important, as with most plants, is that it drains well, to prevent root rot.
Irrigation
Watering should be moderate in summer and much reduced during colder periods. The important thing is that it does not dry out excessively, but it is generally a plant that adapts very well to the conditions of different climates.
parasites and fungi
Parasites that might affect it are not a serious problem, but fungi are. Among these, it is worth highlighting the Verticillium albo-atrumwhich can affect leaf health and vitality; Septoria hyperici, a fungus that also attacks its leaves and can end up completely drying out the plant; the mushroom Gloeosporium sp. It can also affect the cultivation of hypericum, as it can cause the disease known as anthracnose, and finally the fungus Erysiphe sp.which can end up killing the plant.
Benefits of hypericum for our orchard and for health
Hypericum is widely known to be a potent natural anxiolytic and antidepressant and to have antiseptic, deworming, antiviral, digestive, antispasmodic, expectorant, antibiotic and healing properties.
But, in addition to the properties of St. John’s wort for health, there are the health benefits of our orchard and productivity. Don’t underestimate the potential of its flowers to attract bees and other pollinators that will greatly help our food crops.
In short, a plant that can bring us a lot and that does not require too much care.
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