How to Grow Greek Oregano

How to Grow Greek Oregano

Many seed companies mislabel marjoram as Greek oregano. Greek oregano, also known as wild oregano, has many medicinal qualities and helps fight off colds and viruses. This variety is a subspecies of the widespread wild oregano and is found in Greece, Turkey, and the islands of the Aegean Sea.

The flavour is potent and hotly aromatic. This is the strongest flavoured, ‘oregano.’ It is the same species used for the extraction of essential oils for ‘oil of oregano.’ The flavour is so intense it will numb your tongue, but it tastes great, especially when added to salads. Greek oregano is good to add to any recipe where you would add common oregano if you want a stronger oregano flavour.

A popular and medicinal use of Greek oregano is to make herbal tea with it. Simply add a fresh sprig or two of oregano to your cup and add hot water.

Greek oregano is very easy to grow and maintain. Once established in your garden, it will grow and spread very quickly.

Canadians can buy Greek oregano seeds here.

Companion Planting

Pollinators love Greek oregano! It is highly essential for every garden as pollinators will help increase the production of plants. Oregano will also attract predatory insects that will kill many garden pests.

How to Grow Oregano

Greek oregano is a perennial herb that is hardy in zones 5-11+. It grows best in full sun. Oregano prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.8. Greek oregano is drought resistant, but try to keep it watered at least once a week. For best germination results, grow indoors in sterilized soil with a black earth/peat moss mixture. Be sure to surface sow the seeds as the seeds need light to germinate if sowing the seed outdoors apply a thin layer of soil or peat moss to keep the seed from washing or blowing away. Keep the soil moist but never soggy. Transplant outside after the risk of frost has passed.

Recommended Books:
Cook’s Herb Garden by Jeff Cox, Marie-Pierre Moine.

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