how do you grow ornamental oregano

1. Plant your oregano. You'll want to plant seeds about ¼ inch (.64 cm) deep and bury clippings ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep.
2. Water your oregano moderately. During the first few months of growth, water your plants regularly to get them started.
3. Trim your oregano for thicker growth. By trimming or pinching the leaves and ends of your plant, you can encourage the growth of denser leaves.
4. Remove older plants. Sick or thin plants can crowd better ones and steal resources, negatively impacting the potential of the healthier plants.
Weed around your plants. Weeds can steal valuable nutrients from your oregano, block out the much needed sun, or soak up the water intended for your plants.
Pick your oregano. Oregano can be used fresh from the garden, though you should wash it first to rinse off dirt, bugs, and bacteria.

Full Answer

How do you grow oregano seeds?

Growing oregano is easy. Oregano can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or purchased container plants. Seeds should be started indoors prior to your region’s last expected frost. There’s no need to cover oregano herb seeds with soil. Simply mist them with water and cover the seed tray or container with plastic.

How do I care for ornamental oregano?

Initial ornamental oregano care should feature regular watering with moderately moist soil but after the plant is established, it prefers a slightly dry environment. Ornamental oregano is a perennial and will create a larger colony over time. In cooler regions, grow your oregano in a container and move it indoors when freezes are expected.

Where is the best place to plant oregano?

Best location: Plant oregano in full sun; it will tolerate light shade. Soil preparation: Grow oregano in loose, well-drained soil. Oregano prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Can you grow Oregano from clippings?

Choose between seeds or clippings. Oregano can be grown from seeds or clippings, so if you already have some oregano plants, you may want to use clippings instead of buying new seeds. When using seeds, you can generally expect that roughly ¼ of the seeds won't grow, so you may want to plant several.

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How do you take care of ornamental oregano?

Soil should be well worked and have good drainage. Initial ornamental oregano care should feature regular watering with moderately moist soil but after the plant is established, it prefers a slightly dry environment. Ornamental oregano is a perennial and will create a larger colony over time.

Can ornamental oregano be a houseplant?

Ornamental Oregano Kent Beauty is one of the easiest plants to grow, indoors or outdoors.

Is ornamental oregano perennial or annual?

perennial plantPerfect for rock gardens and regions with well-drained soil and winters on the dry side, ornamental oregano is an attractive flowering perennial that's easy to grow.

How big does ornamental oregano get?

8-10 in. tallGrows up to 8-10 in. tall (20-25 cm) and 12-14 in. wide (30-35 cm). Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils.

Can you propagate ornamental oregano?

0:342:31How to Propagate New Plants From Stem Cuttings of Oregano - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you just kind of knock them off with your fingertips. Just like that it's pretty easy continueMoreSo you just kind of knock them off with your fingertips. Just like that it's pretty easy continue doing it all the way up the stem. And then what you're going to do is you want to get a glass of water

How long does an oregano plant live?

The lifespan of oregano is about five or six years, and usually, one harvest is done in the first year and two in the following years.

Is ornamental oregano toxic to cats?

It is high in both phenols and terpenoids, which cats can not properly digest due to a lack of glucuronyl transferase digestive enzymes in the liver. This can result in a toxic reaction and permanent liver damage to the cat. Oregano is a widely used culinary herb that can grow successfully in many climates.

How do you care for ornamental oregano Kent?

Origanum are perfect for rock gardens. Ornamental Oregano is an attractive flowering perennial that is easy to grow. Must have good drainage, Avoid too moist (wet feet), Not for zones 3&4; may need to mulch or protect in Zone 5.

Do rabbits eat ornamental oregano?

The plants also look lovely cascading over a rock wall. Rabbits are particularly prolific in my neighborhood this year, but they haven't touched the ornamental oregano. One sniff of the plants' scented foliage and they hop on by. Deer don't like oregano, either.

Is oregano a perennial?

Grown for its strong tasting and pungent leaves, oregano is a perennial herb that thrives in a warm, sunny position.

Can oregano be grown indoors year round?

Growing oregano indoors allows you to have a ready supply of this culinary herb year-round. Oregano is a shrubby perennial. This tender herb grows in a bushy mound of oval, green leaves. Tall clusters of lavender-to-purple flowers will appear in summer.

How do you make oregano indoors?

The Don'ts of Growing OreganoPlant oregano in a pot without drainage. Oregano needs quick-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.Use non-organic soil or fertilizer if you want to keep your oregano USDA organic.Put it in a dark corner. Oregano needs bright, indirect light in order to thrive.

How often should you water indoor oregano?

Oregano does not need a lot of water. Oregano prefers dry soil. Watering oregano 2–3 times per-week is typically sufficient. Water indoor oregano a bit more frequently, but avoid making the soil soggy.

How often should I water potted oregano?

Water. Oregano only needs about an inch of water per week and is tolerant of moderate drought. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot and other problems.

What Is Ornamental Oregano?

Many plants that are considered herbs have long lasting greenery and bright jaunty flowers that are like a magnet to bees, moths and other insects....

Growing Ornamental Oregano in The Garden

There are many varieties from which to choose if you want to try your hand at one of the ornamental oreganos.Dittany of Crete and Kent Beauty boast...

How to Grow Ornamental Oregano

Most of the varieties are hardy to United States Department of Agriculture zones 4 or 5, except Dittany of Crete, which is only hardy to zone 7.Cho...

How to grow oregano from seeds?

From seeds: Oregano seeds require some light to germinate, so cover only slightly with soil. Start seeds indoors and transplant when outdoor temperatures remain above 45 degrees Fahrenheit through the night and soil temps are about 70 degrees.

When to propagate oregano?

From cuttings: Oregano can be propagated from stem cuttings at any time from spring to fall, though spring and early summer tend to be best, since the stems are still green and pliable. Take 3- to 5-inch cuttings, making diagonal cuts just above a leaf node.

What are the different types of oregano?

Different species of oregano and their cultivars can be perennial ground covers, tender perennials, or even small perennial subshrubs. Even common oregano, Origanum vulgare, can take many forms. Most have stems that can get very woody. Here are some common oregano varieties to consider: 1 Oregano vulgare (common oregano, wild marjoram, pot marjoram): Marjoram is a type of oregano with a less pungent, sweeter taste, often used in French and English cooking. There are many cultivars of O. vulgare, generally named for their unique tastes. 2 Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' (golden oregano): This oregano has lighter colored leaves and a milder oregano flavor. It is more popular as an ornamental plant than as a cooking herb. 3 Oregano heracleoticum (Greek oregano): The variety usually used in Mediterranean cooking, this is the type most people associate with oregano flavor. Oregano onites is also sometimes listed as Greek oregano. 4 Lippia graveolens (Mexican oregano): Although not in the oregano family, this plant is called Mexican oregano and is used in chili powders.

How to protect oregano from frost?

In cold-winter climates, cut back the stems of the oregano plant after the first frost kills the foliage. Leave a short umbrella of stems to protect the root ball, Cover the ground with 3 to 4 inches of dry mulch for the winter. Remove the mulch in spring as soon as the snow melts.

How to keep oregano from flowering?

Oregano needs regular pinching back, beginning when the plant is only about 4 inches tall. Pinching back the growing tips will make the plants bush out and prevent leggy, straggly growth. It also keeps the plant from flowering, which is best if you want to keep the leaves as flavorful as possible for kitchen use.

What is the flavor of oregano?

The most common species are familiar culinary herbs, including O. vulgare and its cultivars, O. majoranum, O. heracleoticum, and others. Oregano is a signature flavor of many Italian, Mexican, and Spanish dishes. It is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow in the home garden or in pots. Oregano leaves are oval, dark green, ...

How tall does oregano grow?

Some varieties have fuzzy leaves, others not. Oregano starts as a ground-hugging rosette of leaves, but it can easily grow to about 2 feet tall.

How to grow oregano?

3. Trim your oregano for thicker growth. By trimming or pinching the leaves and ends of your plant, you can encourage the growth of denser leaves. Wait until the plant is about 4 in (10.2 cm) tall , and use a pair of shears or scissors to lightly thin the outer growth.

How long does it take for oregano to sprout?

As time passes, the chance the seeds will grow decreases. Strip cuttings of their leaves on the end being planted. Plants usually take 5 to 10 days to sprout from the ground. However, your oregano may take more or less time depending on factors like soil quality, sunlight, and frequency of watering.

How to keep oregano from bleaching?

Cover the bundles. This will prevent dust from accumulating on your oregano as it dries and will keep the sun from bleaching the color from the plant. Paper bags work well for covering your bundles, but you should cut slits in these bags to promote airflow so the herb dries better.

How to store dried oregano?

Store your dried oregano. When the leaves have become brittle, it's ready to be stored. Lay out a sheet of wax paper and place your bundles onto it. Then you should crumble the plants and pick out the stems, which can be thrown away. Store your dried oregano in an airtight jar, and enjoy it throughout the year.

How long does oregano last?

Oregano will be at its best for up to 3 to 4 years before it either dies out or weakens too much to thrive. After this time, it is possible to keep some plants alive for up to 10 years but for the best herbal uses, replace struggling or dying oregano plants with fresh ones.

What is oregano used for?

This article has been viewed 128,973 times. Oregano is an herb commonly used in Italian dishes. It is a hearty plant that provides lovely ground cover in addition to its uses in the kitchen.

How to get rid of oregano weeds?

Weed around your plants. Weeds can steal valuable nutrients from your oregano, block out the much needed sun, or soak up the water intended for your plants. Try to target weeds when young, as these will be easier to remove at that time. Grasp the weed firmly at its base with firm, steady pressure, and try to pull up as much of the roots as possible.

How long does it take for oregano seeds to germinate?

Oregano seeds usually germinate within about a week or so. Once the seedlings have reached approximately 6 inches (15 cm.) tall, the plants can be thinned down to about a foot apart. Oregano plants can be set out or transplanted in the garden once the risk of frost has passed.

When to harvest oregano leaves?

Harvesting oregano leaves as flower buds form will often yield the best flavor. Harvest oregano leaves in the morning hours once dew has dried. Oregano leaves can be stored whole, placed in freezer bags and frozen. They can also be dried in a dark, well-ventilated area and stored in airtight containers until ready to use.

Is oregano a herb?

By: Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden. Printer Friendly Version. Image by Joi Ito. Oregano ( Origanum vulgare) is an easy-care herb that can be grown indoors or out in the garden. As it is native to hot, arid regions, the oregano plant is perfect for growing in areas prone to drought. This herb also makes an exceptional companion ...

Do oregano plants need to be fertilized?

Established plants do not require much attention. In fact, these drought-tolerant herbs need watering only during excessively dry periods. Oregano doesn’t need to be fertilized either, as these hardy plants can typically take care of themselves.

Can oregano be used as a companion plant?

This herb also makes an exceptional companion plant for garden vegetables, repelling insect pests that commonly affect beans and broccoli. Let’s look at how to grow oregano in your garden.

Can you grow oregano from seed?

Growing oregano is easy. Oregano can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or purchased container plants. Seeds should be started indoors prior to your region’s last expected frost. There’s no need to cover oregano herb seeds with soil. Simply mist them with water and cover the seed tray or container with plastic. Place this in a sunny location such as ...

What is the color of Origanum kirigami?

Origanum 'Kirigami' (Ornamental Oregano) is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial with small, rounded, light green, aromatic leaves adorned with purple-green highlights. Blooming all summer long, it produces whorls of pendulous, dusty pink, hop-like bracts with tiny, rose-pink flowers peeking out of them. While not intended for culinary use, on warm evenings with a gentle breeze, you can smell its wonderful fragrance. Use as a decorative plant on your patio table, show it off in a hanging basket, or plant in border fronts and rock gardens.. The charming flowers can be used in dried flower arrangements too.

What type of soil does a sage plant live in?

Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Good heat and drought tolerance. Intolerant of high humidity.

How to grow oregano from cuttings?

Oregano can easily be started from seeds, though you can also use cuttings from an established plant. Plant the seeds/cuttings in well-drained soil anytime after the last spring frost. The soil should be around 70ºF. For thin plants, plant 8 to 10 inches apart.

What is the color of oregano?

Oregano is a perennial herb with rose-purple or white flowers and a taste reminiscent of thyme. Here's how to grow oregano plants in your garden—plus, delicious recipes using oregano.

What does oregano taste like?

Oregano is an extremely useful herb that appears in countless remedies and tastes a bit like thyme . It is great to have in the kitchen, especially when fresh from the garden! Learn about more flavorful kitchen herbs here.

Can you freeze oregano leaves?

The most flavor-filled leaves are found right before the flowers bloom. You can freeze the leaves to use during the winter. Oregano leaves store well and are easily dried. Keep them in an airtight container once dried.

Is oregano a good companion plant?

Oregano makes a good companion plant for any vegetable in the garden.

How to grow oregano?

Soil preparation: Grow oregano in loose, well-drained soil. Oregano prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Oregano can thrive in poor soil that is well-drained. Seed starting indoors: Sow oregano indoors as early as 4 weeks before the average last frost date.

How big does oregano grow?

Hardiness: Oregano is resistant to heat; some resistance to cold. Plant form and size: Upright growth to 2½ feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Stems arise from a clump of leaves; stems are branching towards the top. The plant tends to spread by invasive underground stems.

What is oregano used for?

Oregano leaves are used fresh or dried to flavor many cooked foods including tomatoes, sauces, salad dressings, and marinades for grilled meats. The flavor of oregano is pungent, spicy, and sometimes bitter. Oregano is often used in Spanish and Italian cooking. Oregano should not be confused with marjoram, also called sweet marjoram.

What to do with oregano in hot weather?

Mulching: Mulch around oregano with aged compost in hot weather to keep the roots cool and slow soil moisture evaporation.

How many segments does oregano have?

Flowers: Oregano has inconspicuous white, lavender, pink or purplish-pink flowers with five equal segments. Flowers form clusters at the ends of stems and branches.

Where does oregano come from?

Get to Know Oregano. Botanical name and family: Origanum vulgare hirtum (Lamiaceae—mint family) Origin: Most of Europe and temperate Asia. Type of plant: Oregano is a herbaceous tender perennial, usually grown as an annual. Growing season: Summer.

What are the leaves of oregano?

Leaves: Oregano has oval to ovate dark green leaves that come to a blunt point at the tip; leaves are often larger and coarser than those of sweet marjoram.

How to grow oregano?

A Comprehensive Guide to Oregano: How to Grow, Prune, Dry, and Store the Herb. Here's how to grow, prune,dry, and store oregano.Oregano is easy to maintainand can be grown inside or out.Be sure to plant your herb in an area withlots of sun for its best chance to flourish.If you live in a naturally warm climate,set your oregano plants up in anarea ...

How long does it take for oregano seeds to germinate?

If you plan to grow oregano from seeds, you can simply mist the seeds, cover them in plastic wrap, set them in the sun, and wait about a week for the seeds to germinate.

Is oregano a perennial?

This is a perennial in plant zones six or lower, and an evergreen in plant zones seven and up.

Can you store oregano in the fridge?

Oregano can also be stored in the fridge (with stems in a glass of water) or frozen for later use. Don't bother chopping before putting them away—you can store the sprigs whole. As a final tip for success, Godbole says, "A few fresh leaves of oregano will do the same trick as a pinch of dried oregano.

How big does oregano grow?

Oregano is an aggressive plant that likes to spread and a bush of oregano can grow quite large if you allow it. The stems can also grow up to 2 feet high and will often lay down on the ground, particularly when the plant is young or in the shade.

How to divide oregano?

Do this by carefully digging around the root ball and separating a portion of roots and stems from the main plant. Take care not to disturb the plant too much and work gently. Give the older plant fresh soil and plenty of water so it revives.

What is oregano used for?

Using Oregano in Food. Oregano is a well-loved cooking herb. It is used in Italian cooking and known by most children as "the pizza herb.". It also makes an appearance in many Mexican and Spanish dishes and can be used to add flavor to almost any food. Oregano is particularly useful in any tomato-based dish.

How to dry oregano leaves?

Flat Drying: Strip the oregano leaves from the stem and lay them out on a paper towel. Place this tray out of direct sunlight until the leaves are dry. This method is good for small harvests.

What is Italian oregano?

What is known as 'Italian' oregano ( Origanum x majoricum) is actually a hybrid of oregano and marjoram, which gives it a sweeter flavor. Be wary of fancy, ornamental oregano plants if you intend to use it for cooking. They are often far less flavorful though they do look great in the garden.

What is the best seasoning for pasta?

Oregano is particularly useful in any tomato-based dish. It is perfect for seasoning pasta dishes and most foods that contain olive oil. Pair oregano with basil, garlic, onion, or thyme. Whole sprigs of oregano and rosemary can be placed in steamer water for seafood along with a few large leaves of basil.

How to store dried oregano?

In either case, store the dried oregano in an airtight container and enjoy it throughout the winter season. If you have too much, it makes a great gift.

How big does oregano grow?

Oregano grows up to two feet tall and spans about 18 inches across. If you’re planting oregano in a container, be sure the pot is about 12 inches in diameter, as oregano is a prolific grower.

Where does oregano come from?

The Greeks got it right when they described oregano as “joy of the mountain.”. This ancient culinary herb originates from the hilly, Greek countryside and is now grown all over the world. As many chefs know, oregano is a must-have herb in a culinary garden.

What is the difference between Mexican oregano and Mediterranean oregano?

The main difference is that Mediterranean oregano is a member of the mint family, while Mexican oregano is a relative of lemon verbena. The flavors of each are slightly different, but the means to grow them are similar.

How to get the best flavor from oregano?

To obtain the optimum potency of flavor, harvest oregano leaves just before the plant flowers. Even the subtly flavored flowers are great topped on salads. Otherwise, clip as needed, or trim oregano plants all at once and use a dehydrator. Happy planting!

How to dry oregano by the bunch?

Tip: If you won’t be drying your oregano by the bunch, and you only need the leaves, simply grab the stem about 2/3 down the length of the plant and run your fingers along the stem. The leaves will collect in your hand, and then all you’ll have to do is trim the now-leafless stem.

Can you grow oregano from seed?

Oregano also performs well indoors, when given enough light and warmth. When: You can also grow oregano from seed — by dividing, or from a cutting taken from a healthy, established plant. If planting from seed, plant seeds outdoors about six weeks before the last frost.

Is oregano a perennial?

Although oregano thrives in a warm climate, it’s a hardy perennial that returns year after year — and without much work! Oregano has the ability to even withstand snowstorms and still continue to produce healthy, vibrantly colored leaves.