Herb Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 5 - 10
- Height: 18 inches
- Bloom Season: Mid summer
- Bloom Color: Pink
- 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, approximately 1/2 oz covers 2000 square feet
- Moisture: Keep moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: Rows 18 - 24 inches a part; thin seedlings 8 - 12 inches
Oregano (Origanum Vulgare) - Pungently aromatic, Oregano, is one of the most important herbs of Italian, Greek and Mexican cooking. Mainly used dry, the flavor is strong enough to stand up to bold flavors like tomatoes, onion, garlic and beef. Interestingly, the oil is often a little known ingredient in men's colognes. A must-have herb for the kitchen, Oregano is readily established from herb seeds for the kitchen 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 Oregano Seeds Per Ounce: 250,000
