Greek Oregano Info - How To Grow Greek Oregano Plants

Oregano can easily be started from seeds, though you can also use cuttings from an established plant. Plant the seeds/cuttings in well-drained soil anytime after the last spring frost. The soil should be around 70ºF. For thin plants, plant 8 to 10 inches apart.

How do you grow Greek oregano?

How to Cultivate Oregano

Soil: Plant oregano in light, well-drained soil. ...
Sun: Oregano performs well in part to full sun, but the flavors intensify when it receives a full day of sunshine. ...
Water: Don't overwater oregano. ...
Spacing: Plant oregano eight to 10 inches apart in your garden.

How long does Greek oregano take to grow?

Seeds will germinate in about two weeks. Greek oregano can really be harvested anytime once the plant reaches 6 inches (15 cm.) tall, but if you're seeking the most intense flavor, you will want to harvest your oregano right before the blooms appear in mid-summer.

Does Greek oregano grow back?

A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.

What is the difference between oregano and Greek oregano?

Despite the shared name and similar flavors, these are two completely different species. ... Oregano from these areas is robust in flavor, though different varieties may be more bitter, sweet, or peppery than others. Greek oregano tends to be the most savory and earthy, while Italian is milder and Turkish is more pungent.

Should I let my oregano flower?

As with most herbs, oregano leaves taste best before the plant flowers. The flowers should be pinched to keep the plants bushy and prevent it from bolting to seed. ... Cutting stems all the way back to the ground will encourage more stems from the base and a fuller plant.

Does oregano grow tall?

The plants will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and spread about 18 inches. Oregano makes a good companion plant for any vegetable in the garden.

How tall does Greek oregano grow?

Oregano is a loose, open plant growing from six inches to two feet tall with gray-green leaves and small purple or white flowers.

How do you harvest oregano so it keeps growing?

Use scissors or garden shears to remove stems from the plant. Cut back to just above a growth node or set of leaves. This will allow the plant to branch from the cut area and produce more flavorful leaves. Rinse the stems lightly if there is dust or mulch on them.

Is oregano easy to grow?

An Easy to Grow, Fragrant Addition to the Kitchen Garden

It's not particular about soil, and it can withstand drought, heat, and even fairly cold temperatures. Trim it up to encourage bushiness, and watch out for a few little pests. That's all there is to it. Do you have oregano growing in your garden?

Is Greek oregano invasive?

Formerly listed botanically as Origanum heracleoticum, Greek Oregano is one very spicy herb. It's parent Origanum vulgaris, a culinary zero, is often commercially grown and offered as Greek Oregano. O. vulgaris, often known as Wild Marjoram, is an extremely invasive plant with a pink flower.

Where should I plant my herb garden?

Pick a Location. Pick the location for your herb garden. An ideal location would be a few steps from your kitchen, but any spot that gets about six hours of sun a day is good. If you have space in front of a kitchen window, plant the herbs in small containers for an indoor garden.

Why is my oregano dying?

The reasons for oregano dying are because the soil is too damp due to over watering or slow draining soil, a lack of sun, because of too much nitrogen in the soil or because your pot or container is too small for growing oregano. ... Oregano with black or brown leaves is likely suffering from root rot or a fungal disease.

What is the best type of oregano?

Its best-known variety is Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum). Sometimes known as true oregano or Italian oregano, this is the familiar herb used on pizzas and in tomato sauces. Outdoors, it does best in zones 5 to 10 and should be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

What do you use Greek oregano for?

Greek oregano is a necessity on grilled meats, kabobs and lamb. With notes of pine and mint, its spicy flavor enhances tomato sauce and vegetable stews. Try it on a quick egg scramble, first sauteing a chopped tomato in a tablespoon of Greek olive oil. Add eggs, sprinkle with crumbled Greek oregano and cook.

Can I eat Cuban oregano?

Cuban oregano leaves can be used just like regular oreganos. ... The leaves may be dried and crushed to add to meat dishes. Fresh leaves, in small amounts, are used in soups and stews, and in stuffing for poultry and other meat. Be cautious, as the plant is very strongly flavored and can overpower other seasonings.

What oregano can cure?

It is applied to the skin for skin conditions including acne, athlete's foot, oily skin, dandruff, canker sores, warts, ringworm, rosacea, and psoriasis; as well as for insect and spider bites, gum disease, toothaches, muscle pain, and varicose veins. Oregano oil is also used topically as an insect repellent.

Can I eat oregano raw?

It's often too pungent to eat raw, so fresh oregano is best when used in the last 15 minutes of cooking, according to Newgent.

Is drinking oregano tea good for you?

As an herb, oregano offers many health benefits and has been shown to be antiviral, antibacterial, and to include antioxidants. It's unclear how drinking it as a tea stacks up against other methods of consumption. Still, it's fairly safe so it may be worth trying if you're interested.

Can you grow oregano from cuttings?

Oregano is a relatively easy plant to start with. You can take stem cuttings 7-12 cm long from a healthy plant (with a sterilized knife), remove leaves from the bottom half and place the cuttings in water, so that the leaves are above the water. Place your containers in a well lit place, avoiding direct sunlight.

Can oregano survive winter?

Cold-hardy herbs, such as chives, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme, can often survive cold-winter temperatures while continuing to produce flavorful foliage, as long as they are provided with some protection or grown indoors.

How do you harvest oregano without killing the plant?

Using a pair of scissors or garden shears, cut back stems from the plant just above a growth node. This will allow your plant to grow a new branch of stems from the snipped area to produce more leaves for future harvest. Do not cut back more than ⅓ of the plant to avoid over pruning.