Where to Find St. John’s Wort Plants for Sale

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a popular medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat depression, anxiety, and nerve pain. Recently, this hardy perennial has seen a resurgence in popularity as people look for natural remedies to improve mental health. Luckily, St. John’s wort plants are easy to find from a variety of online and local sources.

A Brief Overview of St. John’s Wort

Native to Europe, St. John’s wort is characterized by its bright yellow flowers and leaves dotted with small perforations. It thrives in poor soil and full sun, requiring minimal care. The medicinal compounds are found throughout the plant, but especially concentrated in the flowers and leaves.

Traditionally, St. John’s wort was taken as a tea or tincture to lift mood and reduce anxiety. Today it is available in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and topical preparations. Research shows it can be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. It seems to work similarly to SSRIs by preventing the reuptake of serotonin in the brain.

While generally safe, St. John’s wort can interact with other medications. It also causes increased sensitivity to sun exposure. Those interested in using it medicinally should consult their doctor first.

Purchasing St. John’s Wort Plants Online

One of the easiest ways to buy St John’s wort is from an online retailer specializing in herbs and medicinal plants Reputable online nurseries will ship healthy potted plants or seeds directly to your door. Here are some top options

Growers Exchange

This family-owned company offers St John’s wort plugs for just $5 Their plants are guaranteed to arrive healthy and ready to plant, They can ship to most areas of the continental US,

Mountain Valley Growers

This California-based nursery sells both St. John’s wort plugs and 1-quart potted plants for reasonable prices. They can ship to all 50 states and have a high customer satisfaction rating.

Horizon Herbs

In addition to plants, Horizon Herbs sells high-quality St. John’s wort seeds sourced from medicinal herb farms. Their seeds can be used to start your own plants indoors or directly sow outdoors.

Strictly Medicinal Seeds

This small ethical seed company offers St. John’s wort seeds in a variety of packet sizes. They also sell dried St. John’s wort flowers and tinctures made from organic plants.

Finding St. John’s Wort at Local Nurseries

Another option is to check for St. John’s wort at local garden centers, nurseries, or farmer’s markets. Here are some tips for finding it near you:

• Call ahead to ask if they carry the plant in stock. Some stores will specialize in herbs and medicinal plants while others may not.

• Search for stores with a large herb selection. St. John’s wort is likely to be stocked alongside other common medicinal herbs.

• Check stores that focus on native plants or wildflowers. St. John’s wort grows wild across much of the US.

• Look for small pots or plugs. St. John’s wort is prolific and doesn’t require a large container.

• Time your visit for peak growing season in summer. You’re most likely to find healthy plants stocked from late spring through early fall.

Growing St. John’s Wort from Seeds

If you’re unable to find St. John’s wort plants for sale, don’t worry. You can easily grow your own from seeds in just a few simple steps:

1. Choose a Sunny Spot

St. John’s wort thrives in full sun. Select a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

2. Prepare the Soil

This hardy plant grows in poor, sandy soil. Add compost to improve drainage and nutrient levels.

3. Sow Seeds Outdoors

After the threat of frost has passed, sow seeds directly in the garden. Cover lightly with 1/4 inch of soil.

4. Water Regularly

Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge. Water whenever the top inch becomes dry.

5. Harvest the Flowers and Leaves

You can begin harvesting in the plant’s second year when flowers and leaves are abundant.

Growing St. John’s Wort in Pots

You can also grow St. John’s wort in containers on a patio, balcony, or windowsill. Follow these tips:

• Choose a container at least 12 inches wide and deep. This allows adequate room for root development.

• Use a potting mix made for herbs or succulents to ensure quick drainage.

• Situate the pot where it will get full sun for as much of the day as possible.

• Take care not to overwater. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings.

• Pinch off flowers to prolong leaf production which is where medicinal compounds are most concentrated.

Finding High Quality St. John’s Wort Supplements

If you don’t want to grow your own St. John’s wort plants, you can still benefit from this herb by taking supplements. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a high quality product:

• Made from fresh St. John’s wort aerial parts like leaves and flowers

• Organically grown or ethically wildcrafted

• Standardized to contain at least 0.3% hypericin which is considered therapeutic

• Free of unnecessary fillers, binders, or additives

• Third party tested for purity and potency

• Packaged in light-resistant containers to protect photosensitive compounds

Some reputable brands to look for include Gaia Herbs, Nature’s Way, Herb Pharm, and Planetary Herbals. Always start with the lowest suggested dose and monitor your body’s response.

Let St. John’s Wort Lift Your Spirits

With its bright flowers and stellar medicinal benefits, St. John’s wort deserves a prime spot in any herb garden. Homegrown plants can provide you with fresh flowers and leaves to infuse year after year. You can also source high-quality plants and supplements online and from well-stocked garden centers. No matter where you choose to find it, St. John’s wort is a simple, natural way to potentially improve mood and well-being.