how to harvest greek oregano

Trim the Greek oregano plant back with clean, sharp shears when it is about 6 inches tall. New plantings reach this size in about five to six weeks. Leave two or three pairs of leaves on each stem. Snip the stems off just above a leaf axil to stimulate branching and promote fullness.

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.

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.

How do you know when oregano is ready to pick?

You may harvest oregano once the stems are at least four inches tall. I tend to let mine grow to about eight inches tall, and then I cut back up to 2/3 of the plant. Reference the photo above and cut just above the leaves.

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 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.

How do you cut and cook oregano?

Chopping rosemary, oregano, marjoram & thyme

Step 1: Run your fingers down the stalks, against the growth, to remove the leaves. Step 2: Place the leaves on a chopping board and use a large sharp knife to chop, coarsely or finely depending on the recipe.

Will Rosemary come back every year?

Rosemary is a wonderful herb. ... Either grow rosemary as an annual or bring it in about mid- to late-November and winter it over. If the plant is too big, make cuttings in late summer and winter over the much smaller cuttings instead of the mother plant.

Do you wash oregano before drying?

I like to just shake the oregano to remove any remaining dirt on it. If you bought the oregano and unsure if any chemicals were used, it's best to wash it to be safe. Gently run the oregano under cold running water and then pat dry. I recommend leaving the oregano on a towel overnight to make sure it's completely dry.

What can I do with oregano leaves?

Here are some tips for adding it to food:

While cooking, sprinkle meat, chicken with oregano for flavor.
Use it in marinades or stuffings.
Chop and mix into bread or pizza dough for a herby flavor.
Add fresh oregano leaves to a salad.
Sprinkle onto slices of mozzarella cheese and tomato, and drizzle with olive oil.

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 you eat all types of oregano?

Since oregano can be grown indoors, outdoors in containers, or in the ground, and since different kinds of oregano are suited for different climates, you can enjoy homegrown oregano no matter where you live. Origanum vulgare: This is the species most commonly known as oregano.

How tall does Greek oregano?

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

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.

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.

Should oregano be cut back?

As a perennial plant, oregano grows back each year without needing to be replanted. To maximize its growth each year, it is wise to prune oregano plants near the end of the harvest season and before the first frost. Pruning throughout the summer can also result in fuller growth and a more plentiful harvest.

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.

What can I plant next to oregano?

Oregano. In the garden: Good companion to all vegetables. Grows well with: Basil, chives, parsley, rosemary, sage, savory, thyme. In the kitchen: Good in any tomato dish.

What does Greek oregano look like?

Compared to other varieties of oregano, there really is nothing remarkable about Greek oregano from an ornamental viewpoint. It simply has hairy dark green leaves with small white flowers.

Why is my oregano turning purple?

When you notice a plant with purple leaves rather than the normal green color, it is most likely due to a phosphorus deficiency. All plants need phosphorus (P) in order to create energy, sugars and nucleic acids.