Oregano
Origanum spp.
Botanical Background:
Member of the mint family; 42 species native to the Mediterranean or Eurasia. Most found only wild, especially in Cyprus, southern Turkey, western Syria, and Lebanon.
Description:
Perennial or shrubby plants range in height from 2-3 inches to 3 feet or more. Aromatic leaves; small purple, pink or white flowers highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Hardiness:
Common oregano {O. vulgare} and its subspecies and varieties are hardy to Zone 5 or 6. Sweet marjoram {O. majorana}, Turkish oregano {O. onites} and other tender species usually are grown as annuals.
Site:
Full sun; well-drained soil; neutral to alkaline pH.
Harvest Tips:
For use in cooking, cut branches back by half just before bloom.
Many oregano’s originate in the area around the eastern Mediterranean Sea. For maximum flavor when growing oregano, mimic the plant’s native conditions, such as the rocky…
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