Growing Oregano: Hardy Perennial Herb for Italian Cooking

Oregano is a perennial with rose-purple/white flowers, thyme-like taste. Zesty, strong—staple in Italian dishes. Hardy, good ground cover.

Planting

• Full, strong sun for strong flavor; some plant later for assured warmth.
• Head start: seeds/cuttings 6–10 weeks before last frost.
• Easy from seeds or cuttings from established plant.
• After last frost: well-drained soil. Soil ~70°F.
• Thin plants: 8–10 inches apart. Grows 1–2 ft tall, spreads ~18 inches.
• Good companion for any vegetable.

Care

• Grow to ~4 inches, then pinch/trim lightly for denser, bushier plant.
• Regular trimming = branching, prevents legginess.
• Less water than most herbs. Water when soil feels dry. Better: thorough, less often.
• Containers: water until drainage flows.
• Best quality: thin 3–4 year old plants early spring. Self-seeds—grows back easily.
• Divide late spring for indoor pot.

Pests and Diseases

• Root/stem rots
• Aphids
• Spider mites

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest leaves as needed. Most flavorful: just before flowering.
• Freeze for winter. Stores well dried—airtight container.

Recommended Varieties

• Greek oregano – cooking
• Common oregano – decoration (lavender flowers pretty in garden/wreaths)

Wit & Wisdom

• Oregano tea relaxes nerves, settles stomach.
• Used in old-fashioned herbal remedies.
• Leafy Greens: Health Benefits for other culinary greens.
• Oregano means "substance." More plant meanings.

Recipes

• Tomato Herb Bread
• Zucchini Sausage Squares
• Slow-Cooker Tomato Sauce

Cooking Notes

Oregano: extremely useful in countless remedies. Great kitchen herb, especially fresh from garden! More flavorful kitchen herbs.