Open-pollinated. Perennial to Zone 3. Pretty yellow flower of fields and meadows turns tinctures and oils deep red. Used as tea, tincture or infused oil for many nerve disorders, from neuralgia and sciatica to mild depression, seasonal affective disorder and chronic exhaustion. The infused oil is also cooling to sunburn and cuts, soothing to strained joints and muscles. Frequent use can cause photosensitivity. Compared to generic St Johnswort, Topas is an improved strain for commercial production, much earlier (blossomed first year from seed), more floriferous with a higher content of hypericin. Seedlings grow slowly, top out at 1–3'. Prefers well-drained dry soil; very drought tolerant but essential oil levels increase with some moisture. We cannot ship to North Dakota or California where it is considered a noxious weed. About 7,000 seeds/g. ③
Topas St Johnswort Herb
Topas St Johnswort Herb
Open-pollinated. Perennial to Zone 3. Pretty yellow flower of fields and meadows turns tinctures and oils deep red. Used as tea, tincture or infused oil for many nerve disorders, from neuralgia and sciatica to mild depression, seasonal affective disorder and chronic exhaustion. The infused oil is also cooling to sunburn and cuts, soothing to strained joints and muscles. Frequent use can cause photosensitivity. Compared to generic St Johnswort, Topas is an improved strain for commercial production, much earlier (blossomed first year from seed), more floriferous with a higher content of hypericin. Seedlings grow slowly, top out at 1–3'. Prefers well-drained dry soil; very drought tolerant but essential oil levels increase with some moisture. We cannot ship to North Dakota or California where it is considered a noxious weed. About 7,000 seeds/g. ③
Additional Information
Herbs
See Herb Chart for uses and cultural information.
About medicinal herbs: Archeological evidence dates the medicinal use of herbs back 60,000 years to the Neanderthals. 85% of the world’s population employ herbs as medicines, and 40% of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. contain plant-derived materials. Fewer than 10% of higher plant species have been investigated for their medicinal components. Interest in traditional herbal remedies continues to grow.
Statements about medicinal use of plants have not been evaluated by the FDA, and should not be used for the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any ailment. Before using or ingesting any medicinal plant, consult a healthcare practitioner familiar with botanical medicine.
Takinagawa Burdock and Resina Calendula, as well as oats, mammoth red clover and alfalfa in the Farm Seed section, also have medicinal uses. Medicinal herbs such as black cohosh, licorice, and many more are available as plants, and shipped in the spring with orders from our Trees division.
Culture: Some herbs are customarily grown from divisions because they cannot come true from seed, such as scented thymes and flavored mints. Some require fall sowing of fresh seed, such as sweet cicely and angelica.
Using herbs: Drying herbs at home is not difficult. Whole leaves retain their flavor at least a year. To substitute fresh herbs for dried in cooking, use triple the dried quantity called for in a recipe.
Germination Testing
For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.
Our Seeds are Non-GMO
All of our seeds are non-GMO, and free of neonicotinoids and fungicides. Fedco is one of the original companies to sign the Safe Seed Pledge.