Oregano - Greek

SKU: OR11001A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 8000 seeds per gram.
Lot# OR11001
Origanum vulgare hirtum
A member of the mint family, oregano is commonly used in Italian dishes and is a component of chili powder. This low-growing plant also makes an attractive ground cover.  The oregano most often used in cooking goes by the common name Greek Oregano, Winter Sweet Marjoram, and Italian Oregano. It's a hardy plant that establishes quickly. It is simply the best of the many varieties of oregano for cooking. This herb dries well, and retains its strong flavor and aroma if stored correctly. It also flourishes in containers.  Oregano can reach a height of 45 cm (18”), but usually grows between 8-12 inches, especially if you are harvesting regularly. Plants will spread about 18 inches and will send out runners.
Planting Instructions:   
  • Start indoors in plug trays or small pots from February to April.  Starting indoors is more reliable than direct sowing.  Oregano seeds are very small, so handle with care. Try to evenly distribute the tiny seeds on the surface of the soil.  Do not bury them.  Aim for 25 cm (10") between plants.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked loose soil. Sow the seeds on the surface of dampened, sterilized seed starting mix under bright light with bottom heat. Keep watering to a minimum.  Herbs grow best in well-drained fertile soils, so a garden bed that is well prepared with plenty of organic matter will increase your chances of success. Maintain a soil pH of 6.5.  After seeding or transplanting, keep the soil moist and well weeded. When seedlings are large enough, harden them off and transplant to the garden or to containers spacing them at 23-38 cm (12-15″) apart. 
  • Planting Depth: Surface seed and moisten seed.  Lightly press into the planting medium.
  • Germination: 7-14 days.  Temperature: 15.6-21°C (60-70°F)
  • Height at Maturity: 30-45 cm (12-18”)
  • Days to Maturity: 80-90 Days
  • Sun/Shade: Full Sun 
  • Spacing after Thinning: 23-38 cm (12-15”)
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated Seeds.  Oregano leaves can be harvested at any time of the year as long as the plants are established.  Oregano is one of the few herbs that become more pungent when dried. For drying, cut bunches of oregano just before flowering and then hang in a dry, well ventilated location. Harvest oregano in the morning when the essential oils of the plant are at their peak. When flowers appear, oregano is ready to be harvested, unless continuous picking of leaves during growth prevents flowering. About six weeks after planting, trim oregano shoots to within one inch of the center which will stimulate lush, bushy growth.