Vulgare Oregano is the very popular "pizza herb" that is widely used in Italian, Greek and Mexican cooking. The leaves can be used fresh or dried and will add warm spicy flavor to your favorite recipes. This herb has bright blue-green leaves that should be harvested before the flowers appear.
Oregano grows wild on the sunny hillsides of the Mediterranean, and is often featured in the cuisine of that region. The Latin word for this herb comes from the Greek phrase, "joy of the mountains". According to ancient mythology, the Greek goddess of love gave oregano to man to bring him joy; tradition continues to associate oregano with joy and banishment of sorrow, bringing about the practice of crowning a bride with a wreath of oregano. For centuries, this plant has been used both for culinary and herbal purposes. In spite of its popularity in Europe, Americans did not fully discover oregano until after World War II, when returning soldiers and immigrants brought with them an enthusiasm for its flavor.
~ germination ~
Days to emerge 5-10. Start the seeds indoors about 2 months before the last spring frost, sowing them just below the surface of the soil and keeping the temperature at 65-70 degrees F. Provide at least six hours of sunlight, and keep the soil moist when the seedlings appear. Transplant them as soon as they grow big enough to handle or after the last chance of frost, spacing them 12-15" apart. Oregano thrives in fairly dry soil and full sun. To direct sow, plant seeds and thin the seedlings to 12-15" apart. As a companion plant, Greek oregano repels the harmful cabbage butterfly. This herb also grows well as a container plant.
~ planting ~
When to sow outside: 2 to 4 weeks after average last frost, and when night time temperatures are at least 60° F; and as late as 2 months before first fall frost. When to start inside: RECOMMENDED. 6 to 8 weeks before average last frost.
~ harvesting ~
Fresh leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant reaches a height of 6". The best time for harvesting leaves is in the morning after the dew has dried. Harvest entire stalks by cutting them at least 1" above the ground to allow for new growth. Fresh leaves will keep in the refrigerator for about five days, but can also be frozen or dried. Because heat tends to destroy the flavor of oregano, it should be added to hot food immediately before serving. Unlike most herbs, dried oregano leaves tend to have a much stronger flavor than fresh ones.
