Oregano
Oregano is an easy to grow perennial herb which will return for you most every spring. (It's hardy through Zone 5, so an unusually fierce winter may injure plants.) It is an attractive plant with a neat, 12" high bushy habit, small gray-green leaves and small white flowers. Oregano works very well in containers.
Oregano is highly aromatic and a staple in Mediterranean and Latino cuisines. It's pungency is especially complementary to cooked meats and tomato dishes. Oregano is a popular ingredient in herbal blends.
The flavor intensifies after flowering in all varieties. Most chefs prefer the flavor of Greek Oregano
(Origanum vulgare ssp hirtum) over
Italian Oregano
(Origanum x majoricum).
Characteristics
- Perennial warm-season crop, hardy to USDA Zone 5.
- The flavor of oregano grown from seed can vary dramatically from the parent. To be sure of having good-flavored oregano, start plants from divisions or cuttings of a plant you've tasted or buy plants from a vendor with a proven track record such as those listed under at right.
Starting Seed
- Start 3-6 weeks before your average last spring frost date.
- Seed planting depth: 0” ; do not cover the seeds -- they need light to germinate.
- Ideal germinating temperature is 65-75 ° F.
- Average number of days until germination: 4.
Planting and Tending
- Plant in garden AFTER the last spring frost (dogwoods will be in full bloom). Soil temperature should be at least 55 -60 F to transplant.
- Allow 6” space around each plant.
Companion Planting
- Plant near:
- Do not plant near:
- None -- will not negatively affect other vegetables and herbs.
More Information
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You may also appreciate these books on growing herbs.