Oregano, Greek - Origanum vulgare
1000 Seeds
Sow February - May
Hardy perennial.
Height and spread 45cm (18in).
Prefers a dry, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Sow seeds 0.5cm (¼") deep, in small trays of compost and lightly cover the seeds with a sprinkling of compost , and place at a temperature of 15-20°C . Alternatively sow direct outside in April and May into shallow seed drills.
Prick out seedlings individually to 7cm (3") pots, once large enough to handle. Grow on in cooler conditions , then gradually harden off plants in a cold frame before planting out after risk of frost has passed. Transplant to final positions 30cm (12in) apart or into larger containers, or grow a few in pots on a light windowsill all year round. Direct sown seedlings can be thinned to 15cm (6in) apart then lifted and transplanted to final positions once large enough to handle.
Oreganos creeping rootstock produces square, hairy, erect, purplish stems. The purple to white flowers appear in summer. Dark green peppery flavoured leaves are slightly hairy and form a mat in winter. Attractive to honey bees. Oregano is closely related to Marjoram, but it has a coarser texture and a stronger flavour.