How to Plant and Grow Greek Oregano

Origanum vulgare var. hirtum

Greek oregano is probably probably the most acquainted of the culinary herbs amongst cooks in North America.

I exploit this spicy and flavorful seasoning in nearly all the pieces I prepare dinner, and due to this fact it was one of many very first perennials I planted once I began my backyard – I wished a provide available always!

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Really feel the identical means? Learn on to study all about rising your individual Greek oregano.

There are a variety of species and cultivars which might be referred to generally as oregano, coming from totally different areas and with totally different taste profiles.

A subspecies of Origanum vulgare, Greek oregano is a barely spicy herb with an earthy taste. Native to dry rocky mountainous areas within the Mediterranean, it’s generally used as a seasoning for pizza, sauces, meats, and salads.

This perennial herb is hardy from USDA Zones 5 to 10. It grows about two ft tall and vast, with gentle furry leaves. White aromatic flowers bloom from midsummer to fall, attracting bees and butterflies.

A vigorous grower, this plant spreads naturally through underground runners – so properly, in truth, that it may well even be used as a floor cowl!

Study extra about rising culinary herbs as a floor cowl right here.

Greek oregano grows wild on mountainous slopes of Greece and Turkey.

Use of Greek oregano dates again to historical Greece, the place it was stated that it was created by the love goddess Aphrodite, who grew it in her backyard atop Mount Olympus as a logo of pleasure. It was generally planted round properties to keep off evil spirits.

Full of the antimicrobial phenols generally known as thymol and carvacrol, this herb has additionally been used to deal with a wide range of illnesses since historical Greek and Roman instances, similar to indigestion, toothaches, and coughs.

It wasn’t till the Forties that it turned well-liked in america, when it was introduced again by US troopers who had been preventing in Italy throughout World Conflict II.

After all, probably the most vital use of this fragrant herb is as a culinary spice. A standard ingredient in Italian and Greek delicacies, it’s utilized in all the pieces from pizza and pasta sauce to meats, soups, and vegetable dishes.

Propagation

Vegetation may be propagated from seed, transplants, root cuttings, or by division.

Take a look at our information to rising oregano for detailed directions on propagation.

Learn how to Develop

This hardy Mediterranean native is pretty tolerant of nutritionally poor soils, robust winds, and sizzling, dry situations.

Let’s discover methods to give Greek oregano the most effective begin and care by way of the rising season:

Spacing

If planting a couple of, house crops not less than a foot aside, or eight to 10 inches aside if rising as floor cowl.

Use bark, shredded leaves, or different pure materials to mulch across the base of crops.

Mild

Greek oregano wants full solar—not less than six to eight hours per day. That is important for the plant to develop its full fragrant potential.

Soil

Oregano doesn’t want wealthy soil—in truth, the flavour can develop into bland in overly fertile floor. Intention for well-draining, reasonably fertile to poor soil with a pH between 6.5 and seven.0.

In case your soil tends to carry moisture, amend it with compost or grit to extend drainage. Keep away from overly acidic or soggy areas, which may rapidly result in root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

This herb thrives in heat, dry environments. Ultimate rising temperatures fall between 60 to 80°F.

It will possibly deal with the occasional chilly spell and even frost as soon as established.

Nevertheless, in humid climates, good air circulation is vital to avoiding mildew and different moisture-related points.

Water

Present about an inch of water per week to new crops. As soon as established, let the soil dry out fully between waterings and water solely when the soil feels dry.

Make sure that to not overwater. This drought tolerant plant is accustomed to dry climates and doesn’t take pleasure in being in waterlogged soil.

Fertilizer

Skip the heavy feeding. Oregano doesn’t want a lot in the best way of fertilizer.

Container Rising

Since these crops don’t want fixed moisture, they’re an straightforward option to develop in containers.

Select a pot with good drainage and use a sandy or gritty potting combine. Clay pots are supreme as a result of they permit the soil to dry out extra rapidly.

Preserve containers in a sunny spot, water solely when the highest inch of soil dries out, and keep away from over-fertilizing.

Overwintering

In Zones 7 and above, Greek oregano can often overwinter within the floor with minimal safety.

In colder areas (Zones 5-6), mulch with a thick layer of straw or shredded leaves in late fall to guard the roots.

For those who’re rising in containers, transfer them to a sheltered location like an unheated storage or chilly body.

Reduce development in late fall to scale back stress on the plant by way of winter

The place to Purchase

You probably have a buddy or neighbor with a longtime plant, ask whether or not they would thoughts in case you take a couple of cuttings.

In any other case, this well-liked perennial may be discovered at most nurseries in season, and from on-line retailers as properly.

Greek Oregano

Eden Brothers sells packets of seeds in a wide range of sizes.

Or to get a leap begin, you will discover stay crops in packs of three obtainable for buy at Burpee.

Upkeep

These powerful herbs don’t want a lot in the best way of upkeep.

It’s also possible to reduce the useless branches after the primary frost in fall or in early spring.

Mulch closely in fall across the base of crops to guard them by way of winter, and watch them return with vigor the next spring!

Pests and Illness

Oregano is a hardy, illness resistant plant. It’s really a helpful companion plant for many greens because the fragrant flowers entice pollinators and different helpful bugs. It is usually stated to repel cabbage moths.

Whereas there aren’t too many pests and illnesses to be involved about, crops can nonetheless endure harm from aphids, leafminers, and spider mites, in addition to fungal pathogens that will trigger root rot. And as a member of the mint household, Lamiaceae, they will often endure from mint rust.

Remember to guarantee correct spacing round crops and keep away from overwatering to stop rot. Minor pest infestations can usually be taken care of with a powerful spray from the hose, or by pinching again affected leaves.

Specifics on methods to determine and deal with oregano pests and illnesses may be present in our information.

Harvesting

Leaves may be harvested any time after crops are not less than six inches tall, beginning round 45 days after planting.

The perfect time to reap is in mid to late morning, after the dew has evaporated, and when the important oil content material within the foliage is at its highest.

You’ll be able to harvest as wanted all through the season, or choose a big quantity suddenly for drying.

Lower every stem a few quarter inch above a set of leaf nodes. This can trigger the plant to department out and develop into bushier because it recovers and places on new development.

Harvest liberally for drying, as leaves will shrink all the way down to a few third of their recent measurement as they dry.

Preserving 

This herb is straightforward to dry and retailer to be used all year long.

You probably have a meals dehydrator, set it on the bottom setting, between 95 and 115°F, and verify periodically. Leaves must be absolutely dry in round 4 hours. Leaves are prepared when they are often crushed simply in your hand.

It’s also possible to air dry leaves by tying stems in bundles and hanging them the wrong way up inside a paper bag with a couple of holes punched in it to permit for airflow. Cling the luggage in a dry sheltered location.

The bag helps protect leaves from mud and light-weight publicity whereas additionally lowering the chance of mould, and because the leaves dry, they may start to fall from the stems.

The dried herb may be saved complete, crumbled, or powdered in an hermetic container in a darkish cabinet. I like to recommend storing the leaves complete, as they may retain the strongest taste. They are often crushed or powdered simply proper earlier than use.

Discover extra recommendations on drying herbs in our information.

Spice Up Summertime

It’s no surprise Greek oregano has been so well-liked for thus lengthy!

Not solely is it probably the most flavorful culinary herbs on the market, however additionally it is extremely hardy and simple to develop. Plant some this season and revel in your meals seasoned with backyard recent oregano for years to return.

What’s your favourite use for this herb? Share your ideas within the feedback part under.

Need to study extra about rising perennial herbs? Take a look at these articles subsequent for extra concepts: