Known as ‘joy of the mountain,’ Origanum vulgare is commonly called culinary oregano or Turkish oregano. Oregano is a close relative of marjoram and is also known as pot marjoram. Similar in taste to marjoram, oregano’s taste is more pungent and has overtones of mint. With a few simple oregano planting tips you can easily grow this useful tasty herb yourself.
Greek oregano is recommended as the best type of oregano for cooking. Oregano is a half-hardy perennial that can be grown outdoors as an annual or indoors as a perennial. Blooming in early summer, Greek oregano has pink, white, or purple flowers, dark green opposite leaves that are highly aromatic, and slim, squarish, woody, branched stems. Greek oregano has a branching taproot and grows in a clump. Used the world over in Italian, Mexican, and Spanish dishes, Greek oregano is one of the three essential ingredients in Mediterranean cooking along with basil and marjoram. You will rustle up some tasty meals with your home grown flavouring. Nothing is better than a meal with home grown ingredients.
Oregano Planting and Growing Tips
In truth oregano planting tips are similar to most other herbs. Greek oregano grows 24 inches (60 centimeters) tall. it will do best in light, rich, well-drained soil and requires full sun and a sheltered location. Do not over water and allow the top 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of soil to dry out between watering. Pinch off flowers to keep the plant bushy and do not over-fertilize.
Buy young plants or take cuttings to propagate, as the flavor and aroma of oregano started from seed may be disappointing. Start new oregano plants by layering stems from existing plants. Pin down the stem, cover with soil and keep moist until you see new growth. Transplant new plants to pots or their new location.
You can also grow indoors if you have the space and a windowsill that gets sun. Greek oregano requires at least 5 hours of sunlight a day. If you are growing oregano on a windowsill, turn frequently to ensure that all sides receive equal amounts of light. You may need to use indoor grow lights if you don’t have a suitable window ledge that gets sun. Oregano can also be grown under fluorescent lights. Hang lights 6 inches (15 centimeters) above the plants and leave on for 14 hours a day.
Oregano as a companion plant
Did you know some plants grow better if they have certain other plants nearby? In the garden, plant oregano with broccoli to deter the cabbage butterfly. It is a beneficial companion to many plants, improving both flavour and growth. You can grow oregano in pots in the garden as well as in the soil.
To harvest, you should pick small sprigs as needed. Oregano can be stored by drying. To dry, cut off plants 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from the ground, tie plants into bunches, and hang in a warm, dry, shady location. After leaves are dry, strip off, and store in an airtight container.
Oregano in recipes
In the kitchen, you can use in pizza, tomato sauces, pasta, hearty soups, omelets, cold bean salads, marinades for meats of all kinds, cheese and egg dishes. You can also liven up bland vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, eggplant, potatoes, and mushroom dishes. You’ll find oregano blends well with garlic, thyme, and basil. Oregano butter can be poured over fish and shellfish just before serving or baking. This is one herb that has a strong flavor so you should use it sparingly and add during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Medicinal uses include using the oil on sprains and bruises. It can also be mixed with chamomile and taken as a tonic.
