Herbs: Oregano

Oregano is a common species of Origanum, which is a genus in the mint family. Oregano is native to the warm temperate climates of western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region.

Oregano leaves are used for cooking and they are especially important to Greek and Italian cuisine. Oregano can almost always be found in sauces such as spaghetti sauce, fried vegetables and meats, fish dishes are almost always seasoned with this popular spice and olive oils can be found flavored with the leaves and stems of the oregano plant. Good quality oregano will have a numbing effect on the tongue when consumed prior to cooking, while some cultivates that have been cultivated to adapt to cold weather climates have lost their intense flavor. Keep this in mind when deciding to grow oregano the type of soil, weather condition and watering will have a greater impact on the flavor of your finished product more so than the species of oregano you choose to grow.

Many different species of Oregano have been cultivated by people over many years now; cultivated for their unique flavors and other attributes oregano obtains. Some very notable oregano species that make for wonderful additions to any windowsill herb garden or outdoor organic garden include the following.

• Origanum vulgare gracile which has a spicy almost pungent taste and is mostly grow for its beautiful look instead of foodstuff purposes. This particular species originates in Kirgizstan, Russia and is categorized by its glossy dark green leaves and amazing pink flowers.
• Origanum vulgare onites is a species of oregano that has a very strong spicy taste. This particular species is also referred to as Turkish or Cretan Oregano and is favored amongst gardeners and culinary professionals.
• Origanum vulgare hirtum is the particular species of oregano grown specifically for its culinary properties. This species of oregano’s growth is very hardy and growth is rapid. This species of oregano is also referred to as Italian or Greek oregano and is also considered a favorite of those who love to cook.

For me I have found oregano like most other herb plants I like to keep are much easier when planted and cared for in inside potted containers. There are a couple reasons for this option, first of all oregano plants need to be pinched back often to maintain a beautiful bushy appearance. Second oregano plants top two inches of soil should be allowed to completely become dry before its time to be watered again. Oregano is a perennial herb, and can grow to heights ranging from 20 to 80 cm tall. Oregano plants also look and thrive better when made to be bushy so a rather large sized planting pot is necessary. Oregano grows best in a pH soil of 6.0 to 8.0, but can thrive in in less than 6.0 and will produce in a soil with a pH of 9.0.