Flavorful herb used on fish and in tomato sauces and much more. Much used in Italian cooking and salads.
The Oregano herb is a bushy perennial with attractive, deep purple-brown stems and 1 1/2 inch broadly ovate leaves that often have a red flush. Branched clusters of purple-pink flowers appear all summer. Grows to 18 inches tall and wide. Trim Oregano herb plants back before flowering (6 weeks or so after sowing Oregano seeds) to stimulate a dense growth habit. Allow some of the flowers to produce and drop their seed, and the Oregano patch will stay fresh and vigorous.
Remove plants that are 3 - 4 years of age to keep the harvest quality high. To harvest, clip fresh leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
For drying, cut stems with flower heads just before full flowering for the best flavor. Dry on wire racks in a cool, airy place. Pick off leaves and store in an airtight jar.
A perennial for zones 5-8, or can be grown inside.