St John's Wort plant is a short, woody shrub that grows about 24 inches tall and has fragrant yellow flowers from mid to late summer. Hypericum St John's Wort was apparently named after John the Baptist, and historically has been used to ward off evil spirits and witches. As an herb plant, the oil in the leaves have been used topically for wounds, sunburns, and general aches and pains.

Plant the herb seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost. Germination is best in a warm, sunny enviroment and then transplanted outdoors.

St. John's Wort plants thrives in many locations and conditions. Full sun to partial sun is best.

• Start the herb seeds in starter flats
• Press the seeds into the soil but do not cover
• The seed need light for germination
• Keep the seeds moist and warm
• Harden off the seedlings and transplant out when they are 2 - 3 inches

• Keep regularly irrigated until the plants are well-established
• Harvest both the leaves and flowers in late July into August
• Snip about 1/3 of the upper portion of the plant
• Hang the cut flowers to dry
• Dried St. John's Wort can be stored in glass containers