How to Grow Greek Oregano

Greek oregano requires little care once established.

Greek oregano is a variety of wild oregano scientifically named Origanum vulgare hirtum or wild hairy oregano. It is so named for its foliage, which is dark green and covered in a fine downy fuzz. Greek oregano is prized for its exceptionally pungent flavor and is widely cultivated for use in cooking. Growing Greek oregano is very easy since it requires little care and propagates readily, however it works best in USDA zones 5 through 9.

Things You'll Need

• Nursery flat with a clear plastic lid
• Potting soil
• Propagation heat mat
• Spray bottle
• Thermometer
• Rotary tiller

Instructions

1. Fill a nursery seed flat with standard potting soil. Place the flat on a propagation heat mat in an indoor spot that receives approximately four hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Mist the surface of the soil with a spray bottle to a depth of 1.5 inches. Insert your finger into the soil to test the moisture level.

3. Press one or two seeds into the surface of the soil every 2 inches. Leave the seeds exposed to the light since they require sunlight for germination.

4. Lightly mist the seeds to settle them into the soil. Place a thermometer along the edge of the flat and cover it with the lid. Periodically check the temperature within the flat to make sure it stays within 2 degrees of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mist the seeds to 1/8 inch every two days.

5. Prepare a planting bed outdoors. Till the soil with a rotary tiller set to a depth of 10 inches. Make multiple passes over the bed to break up any large clods and increase the friability of the soil such that you can easily plunge your hand into it.

6. Water the bed to a depth of 5 inches. Poke a 1-inch deep hole every 15 inches to accommodate the seedlings.

7. Sow the seedlings outdoors once they reach 3 inches in height and all danger of frost has passed. Insert your thumb and forefinger on either side of the seedling and gently pinch the soil surrounding the roots. Lift the seedlings out and place one in each hole. Firm the soil.

8. Water Greek oregano to a depth of 3 inches every two days during the growing season, with an additional 1 to 2 inches of water during extreme drought or heat. Decrease water to 1 inch every two days in winter.

9. Harvest the leaves as needed during the summer. Take leaves from different parts of the plant instead of harvesting consistently from one branch.

Tips & Warnings

• Sow Greek oregano seeds in early spring approximately four weeks before the last frost.

• Do not overwater Greek oregano or it might develop root rot.

References

• "The Green Guide to Herb Gardening"; Deborah C. Harding; 2000
• "Herbal Kitchen: A Guide to Growing and Using Herbs"; Dan Moran; 1997