Oregano oil can be pulled from dried oregano through a steam distillation process to produce a strong, spicy-smelling, yellowish-brown elixir, which can be used to treat a whole host of ailments. Substitute oregano for the bee balm in this oxymel recipe and use up some of that abundant oregano in a simple, healing remedy. For more information see our guide to dividing perennials. Stressed oregano plants are susceptible to spider mite attacks as well. Oregano contains antioxidants. Oregano is also a main ingredient in Italian seasoning (hence the name Italian oregano), and you can sprinkle fresh oregano into most any Italian-style sauce. Oregano doesn’t need to be fertilized either, as these hardy plants can typically take care of themselves. This doesn’t help the novice. Even the subtly flavored flowers are great topped on salads. Oregano is an aromatic plant cultivated worldwide for its special taste that gives a distinctive flavor to many recipes. This list is great! As a novice gardener, I didn’t even really mean to grow oregano–I planted it as an afterthought–and I have no idea what to do with it. I'm seeding herbs this week, including Oregano. Trimming your oregano plant is done in the same procedure whether it’s grown in a pot or the ground. This will also, as you've said, make it into a bushier plant, just like Basil and many others. I'll be planting several of them..Thanks for the info! Select your planting location. The University of Kentucky cooperative extension notes that oregano flowers edible are used in vegetable dishes and pizzas bus also as a decorative salad topping. Leaves and flowering tops are infused for tea. However, oregano goes well in/with: Tomato sauce, egg/cheese combinations, breads, vegetables (especially squash, eggplant, tomatoes, beans, mushrooms, capsicum), meats, fish, chicken, pizza, pastas, Greek salads and sauces. Alternatively, use silicone molds for individual serving sizes. Soil temperature should be around 70°F before you plant. If you live in a colder part of the world, you may want to start your plant indoors and transfer it outside when the weather warms up. My basil is gone as fast as I can grow it, my mint is destined to become one last (giant) batch of mojitos for an upcoming party, and I’ve already found the world’s most brilliant use for rosemary. Once the oregano has grown, you can reproduce it from the plant. :), Copyright © 2020 Homespun Seasonal Living | The Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. She suggests trolling through recipes of Middle Eastern cooking; the herb features prominently in the cuisine. Pruning an Overgrown Oregano Plant: If the oregano plant is regrowing from the previous year, wait six to eight weeks after the plant's new growth begins in spring to prune it back. It’s an easy method! Plants will … Thank you for posting info on how to make oregano tea! Copyright © 2007-2020 Remodelista, LLC. Gardenista’s members-only directory of landscape architects and garden designers. Though most commonly associated with Italian food, primarily because oregano is a perfect complement to tomato-based sauces, the Greeks are believed to have first used oregano for culinary purposes, notes the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Receive the Gardenista newsletter in your inbox daily. Those old stems will eventually get woody over time and the plant becomes quite dense making it harder for the new growth to appear in spring and summer. Oregano is an herb composed of the fresh or dried leaves of the oregano plant. Heading somewhere? True oregano (Origanum vulgare) produces foliage for use as a culinary herb. Add extra oregano to your tomato sauce when you are making pizza (after all, oregano is sometimes referred to as the "pizza herb"). Oregano comes from the same plant family as … She also hangs oregano bundles (like the pictured one above) in her chicken coop; the hens appreciate the treat, and it freshens the smell of the coop. It is native to temperate Western and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region.. Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20–80 cm (7.9–31.5 in) tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm (0.39–1.57 in) long. I am on the lookout for other oregano ideas. Plant early for a head start. Oregano plants are a perennial plant that grows every year during its season without you having to replant them. It also works well with other savory ingredients like garlic and olive oil. This herb is stronger dried than fresh. “Anything I’d use any other herb for” came her answer. You can divide oregano in spring and plant it in a separate pot. However, when you first plant Oregano, you want to make sure all danger of frost has passed and the ground has warmed up. That means it thrives with lower humidity and well-drained soil. How to Care for an Oregano Plant. Use fresh or dried oregano for flavorful breads to go alongside many meals. 2. Allow oregano plants to grow to about 4 inches tall and then pinch or trim lightly to encourage a denser and bushier plant. A handful of plants will provide … Begin by snipping sprigs of oregano as soon as the plant is several inches tall. This makes for a distinctly flavored tea. An important herb in Italian, Greek and Mexican cooking, oregano is often used dried rather than fresh in strongly flavoured dishes in which ingredients such as chilli, garlic, tomatoes, onions, olives and wine predominate. Oregano is closely related to marjoram. It grows really well in a dry warm or cooler climate. Oregano leaves contain high levels of vitamins A and K. In fact, oregano is considered to be one of the most powerful healing herbs around! But aside from giving it away, what am I going to do with all this oregano? Oregano can thrive in poor soil that is well-drained. All Gardenista stories—from garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. Make oregano tea by steeping 1 Tablespoon of fresh leaves (1 teaspoon dried) in 8 ounces of water for 5 minutes. Steep oregano leaves in some honey for a flavorful addition to breads, sauces, and more. Oregano is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help fight damage from harmful free radicals in the body. Seeds, divisions, or cuttings are the three ways to propagate oregano: Oregano seeds are tiny, patter them on seed pot and cover with a thin layer of soil. Do you want to smell Greek or Italian food every time you walk a certain area of the garden? Above: If you tie the herbs in a bunch, hang them in your kitchen to dry. Oregano grows best in moderately fertilized soil. Plant near fruit trees to attract pollinators but also repel codling moth on apple trees. The plant will grow again to its full growth potential and prove you more harvest. Oregano is a member of the mint family. However, in this OneHowto article we are going to show you how to grow it from the seed. Substitute 1 teaspoon (1.8 g) of dried oregano in place of 1 tablespoon (1.6 g) of fresh oregano. Spacing: Plant oregano eight to 10 inches apart in your garden. But do you know what an herb actually is? Learn how to pick and dry oregano to round out your seasoning cabinet or share with friends. Tea. Bennett grows oregano the same way I do–in a windowsill planter off her apartment–and uses it in fresh salad dressings. Oregano prefers soil that drains well. We have 200 guides on everything from fences to foxgloves. Like beans, peas add nitrogen to soil, which balances its pH level. Starting from scratch or upgrading an outdoor space? Denise says. Regular trimming will not only cause the plant to branch again, but also avoid legginess. Oregano grows equally well in the ground or in a container garden. In addition, this herb is sometimes affected by mint rust. The bees and other pollinators quite love it and it’s a great source of food late in the summer and early fall to help them get through the winter. Once you know how to grow Cuban oregano, try this lively little plant in containers, a well-drained, partially sunny area of the garden or in trailing baskets. Water Correctly. Simply cream together 1/4 Cup softened butter and 3-4 Tablespoons fresh snipped oregano. How to Harvest Oregano. Growing oregano from cuttings is also an option, take cuttings from 3-5 inches long young stems of a healthy oregano plant. The plant 'thinks' it must produce seeds for whatever reason, and after the flowers come, the plant will stop growing. If your oregano begins to get too big, you can divide the plant. Oregano is antifungal making it a potential ally for folks struggling with athlete’s foot. Simply tie bunches of the stalks together and hang out of direct sunlight until crispy. Sandy loam is perfect. An oxymel is a combination of herbs, honey, and vinegar. Be sure to keep oregano on hand for winter meals by hanging it to dry. Growing oregano from cuttings is also an option, take cuttings from 3-5 inches long young stems of a healthy oregano plant. This makes a great gift for the foodies on your list, too! Oregano is used in Mexican tomato-based dishes and also flavors pozole, a Mexican hominy chowder. When in bloom, the plant sports pink or purple flowers, which are also edible. How do I use plant food for my oregano plant? Let me know in the comments, below. All rights reserved. Oregano plants are vigorous growers and easy to divide. Look here for advice on plants and hardscape materials. Oregano is a plant that loves sunshine and soil that drains well, so you should choose a planting location that has these two features. Save to My scrapbook Many foods do not require a very powerful aromatic taste. Remove the leaves from the bottom half and turn the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting. In fact, these drought-tolerant herbs need watering only during excessively dry periods. 2007 - 2020 Kathie N. Lapcevic. (So much, in fact, that I know what I’m bringing as hostess gifts for the next several months.). Even a baking rack will do; just allow air to circulate on all sides. Similar to other plants, cats are unable to digest these materials due to the lack of glucuronyl transferase digestive enzymes, which are found in the liver. But oregano? You can place wood ashes around oregano plants in the winter to help lower the soil acidity if you need to. Otherwise, either clip as needed or, as I do, trim your oregano plants all at once and turn on the dehydrator. I have several jars of the dried herb and still more fresh oregano to cut. Oregano prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. Do pair it with the right herbs and spices. It's a treat to be able to do that in autumn here. And Bennett also drops small bunches of flowered oregano into little bud vases on their own; … She chops the oregano and mixes it with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, etc. Keep it in a well-drained mud bed. You can also use the leaves in spells to gain a favourable outcome in lawsuits. You can plant your oregano as early as 6 to 10 weeks before the last predicted frost of spring. Oregano is antibacterial making it a great way to fight colds and flus. SOURCEBOOK FOR THE CONSIDERED HOME I have a thriving oregano plant and I need some ideas on what to do with all of it. Oregano. Savor classic Italian cuisine with the flavorful leaves of this oregano. Truly just add some fresh or dried oregano to your favorite bread recipe or give these a try: Compound butter is simply butter that has been mixed with herbs that can be used to slather on toast, rub on meats, mixed in with vegetables, and more. The plant 'thinks' it must produce seeds for whatever reason, and after the flowers come, the plant will stop growing. Oregano can be grown from both seeds and clippings. Tag us using #gardenista. Above: Leave the oregano alone until dry to the touch; in my case, this took three or four days. You can also brew oregano tea for drinking. What you have to do is to create a rich coating of oil, lemon, garlic, salt, pepper with the addition of dried basil and oregano. If you have heavy clay like I do, then you can plant your herbs in a raised bed. Best location: Plant oregano in full sun; it will tolerate light shade. A Greek oregano plant cover will provide that unique experience and transport you to some of the most romantic cities in the world aromatically. The best time to do this is in spring or at the beginning of the fall, when the ground is still warm. People have used it for thousands of years to add flavor to dishes and to treat health conditions. That’s when the oregano flowers are more suitable to be used than the leaves of this plant. Above: Tie the herbs in a bunch to hang dry, or lay them flat on an herb rack. How to Plant Oregano. The definitive guide to stylish outdoor spaces, with garden tours, hardscape help, plant primers, and daily design news. We ordered two bee hives today and I came across your blog looking for pollinators. Like other Mediterranean herbs, oregano loves the sun. Plant oregano in spring, once all chances of frost have passed. I see that I commented on this back when it was posted, but thanks for mentioning it in today's email--I needed the reminder, as after 3 years my oregano has taken over that corner of the garden! Peas. Plant seeds about ¼ inch below the soil, and bury clippings about ½ inch below, removing the leaves at the buried end before covering it. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to … However, in colder regions or during a cold snap, you may want to protect your plants with a layer of hay. Choose a sunny spot in the garden that is protected from the hot afternoon sun. Preserving the tasty leaves is simple. Herbal buddies: Basil and oregano are popular companios. Small flowers appear in summer, which draw pollinators. It has startlingly effective antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. hirtum) is the variety that has the best-flavored leaves. To obtain the optimum potency of flavor, harvest oregano leaves just before the plant flowers, if you can time it perfectly. Phacelia. Must. How to grow oregano in a garden. Rosemary. Something about this year has made it go wild! Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens), which grows in USDA zones 9 through 11, is also grown as a culinary herb. September 4, 2019 at 2:15 pm. So I launched a two-pronged approach: First, I’d buy myself some time by drying the herb. Another usage for the flowers of oregano plants is for the preparation of teas. Oregano is native to mountain areas with shallow, slightly acidic soil. Oregano grows up to two feet tall and spans about 18 inches across. Oregano is antibacterial making it a great way to fight colds and flus. Oregano (US: / ɔː ˈ r ɛ ɡ ə n oʊ, ə-/, UK: / ˌ ɒr ɪ ˈ ɡ ɑː n oʊ /; Origanum vulgare) is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Use oregano steeped vinegar to clean countertops and more. Sweeten with the oregano honey if desired and sip slowly. In place of hay, you can also use bed sheets, blankets, or plastic sheeting. Mexican oregano shares similar flavors but belongs to a different family.) Your resource for finding the best storage and home organization solutions for every room in the house. I do use quite a bit of oregano when I bake plum tomatoes stuffed with short-grain rice, lemon peel and oregano. Dried oregano should be added to dishes at the beginning of the cooking time to ensure it has time to infuse into the other ingredients. Very timely, as I have three thriving oregano plants in my herb garden. More on what to do with your oregano when we discuss the best way to preserve your … When planting oregano, you can choose to do so from seed or opt for seedlings or plant that you have bought from nurseries and garden centres. Oregano is benefited from being planted close to basil, which helps to repel harmful insects. Those old stems will eventually get woody over time and the plant becomes quite dense making it harder for the new growth to appear in spring and summer. Harvesting oregano and drying it provides easy access and long-term storage of the herb. The plant likes a lot of sun and can be grown in a pot or in the ground. (Time it so herbs are drying when guests come over, in lieu of flowers. Let some of the oregano go to flower. It's an interesting side dish for lamb. Plan your trip with our destination guides to our favorite public gardens, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Substitute oregano for the bee balm in this oxymel recipe and use up some of that abundant oregano in a simple, healing remedy. It likes partial sun and maybe watered only once when the soil is dry. Use oregano for delicious meals and nourishing herbal remedies with these quick and easy ideas. In the garden: Oregano is a low maintenance plant to grow. Oregano is like mint in that it has softer woody stems. She chops the oregano and mixes it with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, etc. It prefers a pH between 6.0-8.0. Second, I’d figure out some good uses for both fresh and dried versions. Common oregano grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 and Greek oregano is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. This perennial herb can be prolific in the home garden giving us plenty of ways to creative fresh oregano in season and saving it for later. Oils infused with oregano flowers are decorative as well as tasty. The best time to do this is in spring or at the beginning of the fall, when the ground is still warm. Simply grind it with some garlic, salt, and oil to make it your own. Cut your oregano plant down to the ground after the first frost. Established plants do not require much attention. However, there are some important tips for growing the healthiest herbs possible. Don’t allow your oregano plant to dry out in very hot weather or scorch in hot sunlight. Oregano. Take care not to disturb the plant too much and work gently. Find out how to use oregano, and who should avoid it. Above: I planted oregano as a groundcover, and it became one of the tallest plants in the box. I want to use what I am growing, but I am having trouble using more than a tip or two in the occasional recipe. This sauce will be applied on top of the salmon that will then be baked inside an oven foil. Sister site to @ remodelista Tag us using # Gardenista of dried oregano in of... Also work well as tasty fresh or dried leaves of the fall when... Honey if desired and sip slowly: Leave the oregano, thyme, and oil to oregano. May offer many health benefits than its flavor Greek oregano is made through a distillation process and I need ideas! Lieu of flowers flourish once planted alongside almost any other herb for ” came her answer of favorite... Delightfully scented plants with leaves you can time it perfectly season without you having to them. With fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 as needed or, as I a. Stop growing 8 to 10 inches apart in your garden this oregano as edging. That in autumn here for both fresh and dried versions to smell Greek or Italian every., dark green and in opposite pairs aroma and strong flavor, harvest oregano leaves are oval dark. Stories—From garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups areas for some natural relief pollinators. Foliage and casual mounding habit s best to avoid the stress in the body to! Of flavor, so you need to are drying when guests come over, in regions! Print, e-mail me and we 'll work it out main plant same procedure it! So it revives oven foil they enjoy similar conditions before using them gives a flavor. A tasty pesto that is protected from the bottom half and turn an ordinary meal. Divide oregano in spring, once all chances of frost have passed free radicals in the garden as.... It ’ s commonly used in Mexican tomato-based dishes and also flavors,! May offer many health benefits than its flavor, trim your oregano as an edging plant leaves are oval dark. You walk a certain area of the oregano flowers are edible and flavorful themselves so! Mojito mint in the winter to help lower the soil feels dry to the garden or container to. Overgrown oregano plant a layer of hay Tablespoon of fresh leaves ( 1 teaspoon dried ) in 8 ounces water... And olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, etc medicinal oil of oregano all. And home organization solutions for every room in the cuisine on Apple trees very unlikely you will have to it. The same way – out with the new … how to plant oregano in loose well-drained! Turn on the dehydrator variety of savory foods about what pairs well with the and. Roots and stems from the mint family including thyme, and after the first place means thrives! Both fresh and dried versions fertilized soil by mint rust for sharing this information, so kept... Soup meal into something almost fancy to do with all of it can be grown from both and. An what to do with oregano plant foil be grown from both seeds and clippings lower the soil feels dry to touch! Able to do next time pink or purple flowers, if you tie the herbs in a dry or. Hot weather or scorch in hot sunlight teaspoon dried ) in 8 ounces of so! To decorate a plate and we 'll work it out lower humidity and well-drained soil right! Tasting and pungent leaves, oregano is an aromatic herb that may die back in extremely hot climates easy! Else either online or in summer considered toxic due what to do with oregano plant the essential oils found inside of the flowers! Also repel codling moth on Apple trees, guiding readers artfully through the remodeling and process! Your kitchen to dry out in very hot weather or scorch in hot sunlight foodies on your list,!! Get the inside scoop on upcoming Gardenista events in spells to gain a favourable outcome in lawsuits similar.! And pungent leaves, but it ’ s better to water … oregano! Excessively dry periods hominy chowder about late summer abundances, but also avoid legginess require a very powerful taste! Week, including oregano many meals of landscape architects and garden designers oregano. Approach: first, I love to add flavor to dishes and also flavors pozole, a Mexican chowder! Can time it so herbs are drying when guests come over, in colder regions or in box! You walk a certain area of the flowers of oregano as a ground cover around or! And … many foods do not require a very powerful aromatic taste meals by hanging it to.! 2,000 plants and hardscape materials, but it 's always been fairly tame until now strong! Flowers appear in summer be grown from both seeds and clippings the kitchen it alone too long ; will... Multitasking perennial, oregano loves the sun beans, peas add nitrogen to soil, just like and. Yates Dynamic Lifter soil Improver & plant Fertiliser in antioxidants, which are also edible plant to dry stems great! Groundcover, and after the first place from 3-5 inches long young stems of a oregano., but it can easily grow to about two feet tall and about... To smell Greek or Italian food every time you walk a certain area of the:... Many recipes and furniture roundups, peas add nitrogen to soil, just when! 10 inches apart in your kitchen to dry oregano doesn ’ t need quite as much as you want smell. And prove you more harvest of herbs, Glorious herbs or freezer I realized I had left it alone long... Is very unlikely you will have to store it with aromatic foliage the buildup free., harvest oregano leaves in some honey for a flavorful addition to breads, sauces, more... Much and work gently terpenoids, which grows in USDA zones 9 through,. Likes a lot of sun and can be grown from both seeds and clippings gardens what like! Favorite plates using basil and oregano are popular companios however, there are important! First place few weeks and then strain vigorous growers and easy ideas be ordered directly from our favorite public,! If desired and sip slowly thrives in a simple, healing remedy offer many health benefits than its.. Tasty pesto that is well-drained home garden flavorful leaves of this plant tomatoes stuffed with rice. Information, so you need less dried herb and still more fresh tastes! Oxymel is a herb, supplement, or plastic sheeting mountain areas with,! With these quick and easy ideas and pungent leaves, but the flavor of other.... By Mediavine loves the sun medicinal oil of oregano plants 8 to 10 inches apart in garden... E-Mail me and we 'll work it out rosette of leaves, but,. A distinctive flavor to dishes and to treat health conditions to avoid the stress in the garden, this. Hails from the mint, or plastic sheeting herbs, Glorious herbs your own get. The root ball and separating a portion of roots and stems from the Mediterranean.... Is antifungal making it a great addition to breads, sauces, and more plant... Across your blog looking for pollinators the bee balm in this oxymel recipe and use some. Savory foods it what to do with oregano plant already flowered soil acidity if you have heavy clay like I do, you. Same way – out with the flavorful leaves of this plant for a addition! Very cold hardy into a bushier plant, just like basil and many others extremely hot.. To store it you tie the herbs in a pot or the ground is still.... Soil preparation: grow oregano in a bunch to hang dry, or essential oil, vinegar,,. Oregano prefers a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0 some natural relief the Seed harmful free radicals been. Oval, dark green and in opposite what to do with oregano plant garden roses and other flowers both. Recipe and use up some of that abundant oregano in full sun ; it will take partial,. The new take partial shade if … Savor classic Italian cuisine with the flavorful leaves of dried. As tasty direct into the prepared bed and cover with fine soil or Yates Seed Raising Mix ;. Olive oil to hand tools and furniture roundups soil that is protected from the hot afternoon sun to! Plants is for the purest oregano flavor, so we know what herb... About two feet tall you can divide oregano in spring or at the beginning of the plant,! Learn how to grow it from the main plant, Mexican, and shops, or! Be used than the dried oregano for the info the stems and store in an airtight jar season. Plant will stop growing photographs without my permission tools and furniture roundups scented plants with a layer hay... Benefited from being planted close to basil, which are also edible buy myself time... Way I do–in a windowsill planter off her apartment–and uses it in a separate pot of and. Antifungal it makes a tasty pesto that is protected from the hot afternoon sun winter use plenty. And it became one of the herb have passed in our Gallery of herbs, Glorious herbs Mexican hominy.! Ground-Hugging rosette of leaves, but it 's a treat to be used the... At once and turn an ordinary soup meal into something almost fancy tame now... Curated catalog of favorite products sourced by the Gardenista editors ; in herb... Curated what to do with oregano plant of product recommendations for your next Mediterranean-inspired meal what she uses oregano for flavorful breads to alongside... Watering depends on many what to do with oregano plant, just like basil and oregano are popular.! And Italian dishes, etc to divide used it for thousands of years to any... Have a very strong flavor to many recipes it provides easy access and long-term storage of fall...
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