ST. JOHN'S WORT ‘TAUBERTAL'

Hypericum perforatum ‘Taubertal'

Lovely selection of this medicinal perennial with unusually large flowers on relatively compact plants. Rich in hypericin. Historically used to treat insomnia, melancholy and anxiety. Internal use is now rarely advised due to potential phototoxicity. Careful research is highly recommended.

Unopened buds or barely opened flowers and new green growth may be macerated in oil to produce a powerfully healing red ointment for bites, burns, wounds, lesions and even myalgia. To make infused oil: allow fresh plant material to set out for a few hours and up to one day on a countertop or clean work space before gently packing into a glass jar and covering completely with jojoba or organic fractionated coconut oil. Close jar tightly and place in a sunny windowsil or other warm location for several weeks. Take care to wipe condensation from the inside of the jar if necessary to reduce mold formation (which can also be removed easily and does not affect the efficacy of the oil). Strain through cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle. Oil will keep for a year or more and is a wonderful addition to homemade salves and massage oils. Do not use internally.

Seeds germinate without special treatment but can be quite slow. Start indoors in late winter. Just press seeds into flats of moist soil, mist carefully and cover with plastic to maintain moisture. Kept at cool room temperature in bright light seeds will germinate over the course of several weeks. Thin to one plant per cell. Harden off before transplanting outdoors around the date of the last spring frost or in autumn.

These plants are very hardy and will spread rapidly in moist soils. Choose planting location carefully. Do not plant where livestock may graze. This selection is considerably more ornamental than 'Topas' as the large flowers are numerous and at some points in the season effectively cover the plants.

Packet contains around 500 seeds.