Herb Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 5 - 10
- Height: 18 inches
- Bloom Season: Mid summer
- Bloom Color: Purple
- Environment: Full sun
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, pH 6.6 - 7.8
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 60 - 70F
- Average Germ Time: 7 - 14 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: Press seed onto surface of soil, cover lightly with peat moss
- Sowing Rate: 1 seed per 2 inches
- Moisture: Keep moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: Rows 18 - 24 inches a part; thin seedlings 8 - 12 inches
Greek Oregano (Origanum Heracleoticum) - Greek Oregano is the true "wild Oregano" found originally in Greece, and it's highly pungent. With a stronger, more aromatic flavor and scent than regular Oregano, it is one of the most important herbs of Italian, Greek and Mexican cooking. In additional, Oregano is a medicinal herb as well with therapeutic properties in the essential oil. This beneficial herb can easily be grown from Greek Oregano seeds in the garden!
Oregano is a bushy perennial herb with attractive, deep purple-brown stems and 1 1/2 inch broadly ovate leaves that often have a red flush. Branched clusters of purple-pink flowers appear all summer. Grows to 18 inches tall and wide. Trim plants back before flowering (6 weeks or so after sowing Oregano seed) to stimulate a dense growth habit. Allow some of the flowers to produce and drop their seed, and the Oregano patch will stay fresh and vigorous. Remove Oregano plants that are 3 - 4 years of age to keep the harvest quality high. To harvest, clip fresh leaves as needed throughout the growing season. For drying, cut stems with flower heads just before full flowering for the best flavor. Dry on wire racks in a cool, airy place. Pick off leaves and store in an airtight jar.
To get a jump start, sow Oregano seed indoors 6 weeks prior to the end of frost season. For areas with a longer growing season, sow Oregano herb seeds in well-drained to dry, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun after danger of last frost is over. Performs best in rows 18 - 24 inches apart. Thin plants 8 - 12 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall.
Approximate Seeds Per Ounce: 300,000
