How to grow Oregano?
- Latin Family: Labiate
- Latin Genus: Origanum
- Ease of Growing: Moderate
- Growing Type: Perennial
Oregano is an aromatic perennial that is essential to Italian and Greek cooking.
Videos
Oregano History
The word oregano means “joy of the mountain.” Oregano grew prolifically on the Greek hillsides and was encouraged because it was believed to make the meat from the grazing goats and sheep more tender and tastier.
It was believed that Venus created the plant and gave Oregano it's wonderful sweet flavour and scent. In Rome, the herb was said to be Aphrodite's favorite.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.0 - 9.0
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.0 - 8.0
Oregano prefers to be planted in well-drained soil.
How to care for Oregano?
Oregano is pretty low maintenance as long as it has well-drained soil and sun. It pretty much looks after itself.
Water
Oregano is adapted to a Mediterranean climate and suffers more from too much water than not enough.
Fertilizer
Oregano should be grown in soil that is lightly fertilized.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 3 - 5 years
Oregano will self-seed if left alone.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
The species of Oregano are native to the Mediterranean and love full sun.
Conditions:Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Oregano can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for 3 to 4 days.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Cut the shoots and leaves as you need them. Dry in a dark, cool place and keep in airtight container.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 50-65°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
Pick fresh leaves and put in ice tray and cover with water.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Problems
Oregano Types
- Oregano
Oregano is an aromatic perennial that is essential to Italian and Greek cooking. It is also known as Wild Marjoram and is a close relative of Marjoram. The herb is grown as a perennial in areas with milder winters, and as an annual in areas with colder winters.
Pests
- Spider Mites
- Thrips
- Leafhoppers
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
Diseases
- Damping Off
- Powdery Mildew
- Root Rot
