Pruning and harvesting go hand in hand. So use such dried oregano sparingly. Use it throughout the growing season by snipping off leaves or stems once the plants are about 6 inches tall. We look at how to grow Oregano, Prune it and Rejuvenate an overgrown plant. hirtum.There are lots of other oreganos within the same genus Origanum, as well as some that are in different genera and not true oreganos, such as Cuban oregano (Pectranthus amboinicus).Within the Origanum genus, there are several that are used just for ornamental value, and … You can also harvest fresh oregano leaves as needed while the plants are in leaf, though the flavor may not be as strong. Jun 17, 2012 - Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a low-growing herb with small leaves that pack a punch of strong flavor. This will encourage new bushy growth. He publishes online articles with major focus on pets, wildlife, gardening and fitness. tall, but if you’re seeking the most intense flavor, you will want to harvest your oregano right before the blooms appear in mid-summer. Oregano is a Mediterranean herb with a pungent scent and flavor punch. The flavor of your oregano will be strongest during warm weather. Pluck fresh Greek oregano leaves as you need them throughout the growing season. Green's work appears in Diva, Whole Life Times, Listverse, Earthtimes, Lamplight, Stupefying Stories and other websites and magazines. Dry oregano carries an intensified version of its fresh palate pleasing powers. The plant will produce seeds, but the easiest way to propagate oregano is through plant division or cuttings. A graduate of Leeds University, Jenny Green completed Master of Arts in English literature in 1998 and has been writing about travel, gardening, science and pets since 2007. Thai Sweet Oregano is famous for its spicy, licorice flavor it adds to Asian dishes. With its hearty flavor and attractive yellow-green leaves, Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) makes a terrific addition to any herb garden. Harvest the leaves as and when you need to, cutting the plant back completely every so often to encourage a fresh flush of foliage. Do not harvest more than one-third of the plant. Young Greek oregano plants grow sturdy and compact when they're harvested while young. If you find yourself with an abundance of fresh oregano, consider air-drying leftover oregano sprigs or drying leaves in a low oven or dehydrator. To dry leaves, tie small handfuls of stems together with twine, and hang the bunches in a warm, dry, airy spot. However, harvesting The stems should be soft enough to pinch, but you can also use pruning shears. Oregano is a well-known culinary herb used in Italian, Turkish, Greek, and Mexican cooking. After months of waiting, it was finally time to harvest our all-natural Greek Oregano. Syrian Oregano (Oregano maru) - Strong, spicy flavor. Clip stems back to the first or second set of leaves again around June, after bloom buds form and before the flowers open. It’s both easy and attractive to grow in the garden, and it has wonderful medicinal properties as well. Jul 5, 2016 - How to Harvest Greek Oregano. This acts like pruning and encourages new growth. Hirtum, North Carolina State University: Winterizing the Herb Garden, Fine Gardening: The Herb Garden Redefined. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, University of Illinois Extension: Grow Your Own Oregano, Missouri Botanical Garden: Origanum Vulgare Subsp. 4. Gather your oregano into groups of 2-4 stalks and put them in a paper bag. Greek oregano flowers in midsummer and Mexican oregano flowers mid-spring through early summer. University of Rhode Island: Growing, Harvesting & Using Culinary Herbs, Delaware State University Extension Program: Culinary Herbs, University of California Sonoma County Master Gardeners: Kitchen Herbs, University of Illinois Extension: Grow Your Own Oregano, Super Herbs: Greek Oregano: Origanum Vulgare Subsp. 2. It has grown well through the summer heat, and even the freezing winter cold snaps. Harvest before the flowers bloom for the best flavor. Regular harvesting also promotes bushy growth. Cuban Oregano. Authentic Greek oregano can be grown from seeds or plants. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Select growth from many various stems to avoid over-picking any of the branches, which weakens the plant. It produces dark, green leaves and white flowers. It flowers annually in the summer, with tiny white blooms. How to Care for an Oregano Plant. Not only this, but it grows incredibly easy, is very aggressive, and is identified by its white flowers and fuzzy leaves. 2 Place your scissors 1/3rd of the way down a … When you harvest, remove sprigs or small branches. Greek oregano is one of the most common types used in cooking. The process of drying enhances the aroma of the herb. Using bottom heat will improve your success rate. It has a rich, warming flavor, but can have a bitter taste, especially when used fresh. Remove the leaves from the stems and wash and dry them. View on Amazon. Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. Cut stems just above a pair of leaves. Greek Oregano has a very powerful flavor, grows in hardy zones 5 to 11, and is perfect for almost any dish needing flavor. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. hirtum) is the familiar culinary oregano variety. Cut back the foliage, leaving only the bottom set of leaves on the plant to regrow. Wipe the blades with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol before and after harvesting oregano to help prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Learn how to pick and dry oregano to round o… Oregano leaves retain a strong flavor dried and frozen. How to Grow Oregano. The flavor of leaves is best before the plant flowers. Cut them right above a pair of leaves to encourage new shoot growth. The stems should be soft enough to pinch, but you can also use pruning shears. Greek Oregano. For the best oregano flavor, pick the leaves after flower buds form but before they open during the summer. Taste a tiny piece of leaf before buying to check that the flavor is sharp and intense. New plantings reach this size in about five to six weeks. How to Harvest Oregano. In this video, I show you my 5 top tips on how to grow a big harvest of oregano in a container or garden bed. Prune Greek oregano stems back to the first or second set of leaves in August. Take your oregano stalks and bundle them together by hand so that the stalks are together. This aromatic relative of mint is a tough little perennial that thrives outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. You can also freeze the leaves. Harvesting oregano and drying it provides easy access and long-term storage of the herb. Trim the Greek oregano plant back with clean, sharp shears when it is about 6 inches tall. My father has been cultivating oregano and other herbs for years now and I tend to help him when I have the time and energy! Lay the bag on its side. If growing in pots, repot every couple of years in fresh compost. How to harvest: Snip stems leaves with a garden clipper or scissors. The plant needs full sun to grow well where it can grow up to 24 inches tall. Choose a harvest day before the plant reaches the maximum size or begins to develop flower buds. hirtum) is the variety that has the best-flavored leaves. It's all-natural . Oregano stems are ready for storing when the leaves crumble easily between your fingers. Hirtum, University of Florida Nassau County Extension: Oregano, Colorado State University Extension: Herb Gardening, Virginia Cooperative Extension: Herb Culture and Use. A dehydrator or an oven could be used to dry out the oregano leaves, if you want to get this done quickly.Store dried oregano in air-tight glass jars. I read t... Ice machine: frosting suction line back to the compressor. hirtum) is the familiar culinary oregano variety. Turkestan Oregano (Oregano tyttanthum) - Strong flavor, robust plant, good for indoor culture. Oct 31, 2014 - Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a low-growing herb with small leaves that pack a punch of strong flavor. Harvest Greek oregano stems when the plants are 6 inches tall. Dried herbs store beautifully and allow the home cook access to many flavors and aromas. Oregano is a herb used in many Mediterranean recipes. Once Greek oregano is at least 6 inches tall, harvesting the tasty leaves is easy and a little extra pinching will do the plant good. To freeze oregano, lay the stems flat on a baking sheet and place the sheet in a freezer for one to two hours. This aromatic relative of mint is a tough little perennial that thrives outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. Common oregano grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 and Greek oregano is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. Every two or three years, dig up Greek oregano plants in early spring. Greek oregano grows best in full-sun sites and average, well-drained soil. True oregano (Origanum vulgare) produces foliage for use as a culinary herb. Our Garden Plannercan produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Italian . Oregano has been growing in our garden with abandon. Amistaadt has written book reviews for Work At Home Truth. How to grow oregano. Oregano is a must-have in a culinary garden. Its botanical name is: Origanum vulgare var. Place them in a plastic bag and press out all the air and put in your freezer where they won’t get smashed. Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. Common oregano (Origanum vulgare) grows in a wide range of forms and can be invasive. The best time to harvest oregano is in the morning after the dew dries. Greek Oregano – True oregano, excellent flavor, hardy. hirtum) is the familiar culinary oregano variety. Hang them in a cool dry place with good air circulation. Put the dry stems and leaves in in glass or plastic, sealed jars in a dark, cool place. A Prolific Grower. I’ve had a single Greek oregano plant for over a year now, and it just keeps on giving If you are looking for a hardy year-round herb to grow in your Phoenix garden, look no further than oregano! Alternatively, replace mature plants with young plants from your local garden store or plant nursery. Oregano is an herb commonly used in Italian dishes. Once Greek oregano is at least 6 inches tall, harvesting the tasty leaves is easy and a little extra pinching will do the plant good. Or dig up the entire oregano plant and divide it into many more plants. Wrap leaves in a damp paper towel and store in the refrigerator for a week. Put frozen stems in a freezer bag and squeeze out the air before sealing it. Harvest Greek oregano stems when the plants are 6 inches tall. Grow oregano in free-draining soil or compost in a sunny, sheltered spot. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens), which grows in USDA zones 9 through 11, is also grown as a culinary herb. Like the other plants in the mint family, many cultures use the leaves for medicinal and culinary purposes. Flavor and aroma: Oregano has a hot peppery flavor. A full-time writer since 2007, Axl J. Amistaadt is a DMS 2013 Outstanding Contributor Award recipient. For the best flavor, harvest oregano when the flower buds have formed. Cut-and-come-again harvesting will renew plants. April 2, 2019. Jan 9, 2019 - How to Harvest Greek Oregano. It is a hearty plant that provides lovely ground cover in addition to its uses in the kitchen. May have to be treated as a tender perennial or brought indoors for the winter. Make small bundles of the harvested sprigs of oregano and tie them with a string. The leaves of both plants have the strongest flavor just before the flower buds open. Wipe the blades with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol before and after harvesting oregano to help prevent the spread of pests and diseases. He and his partner (Rania) own 6 acres and grow everything with love and they never use pesticides! Start with a purchased plant, or start seeds indoors and set out at about the time of your last frost. The plant will produce seeds, but the easiest way to propagate oregano is through plant division or cuttings. I think the Greeks got it right when they described oregano as “joy of the mountain.” This aromatic, ancient culinary herb, also referred to as “wild marjoram,” originates from the hilly, Greek countryside, and is now grown all over the world. You will find this oregano on the grocery shelves and used often in pizza, pasta, and Italian sauces. Other than full sun and an occasional watering, this herb requires little care. Harvest Greek oregano when the plants are approximately 45 days old and about 6 inches tall. When harvesting, trim each stem back leaving 4-6 pairs of leaves. Pick or prune the stems to two to three pairs of leaves above their bases, and store the leaves you don't use immediately. Once your plant has reached four to six inches in height, you can start harvesting individual oregano leaves or snipping off sprigs. Greek Oregano is a compact, woody, plant that grows to less than 10 inches tall. This aromatic relative of mint is a tough little perennial that thrives outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. How to Harvest Oregano If you are waiting until the end of the summer to harvest oregano, you are missing out on a lot of flavor. Pinch or snip the stems two to three pairs of leaves above their bases, cutting just above a leaf pair. The larger leaf size means that it retains its sweet, earthy flavour well when it is dried. Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. He also covers parenting, juvenile science experiments, cooking and alternative/home remedies. Other useful types but not as winter hardy. The fresh leaves can be used directly in your cooking or you can … Leave two or three pairs of leaves on each stem. Some strains are propagated only from cuttings. When to harvest: Cut fresh leaves as needed once plants are 4 to 6 inches tall. You can strip the leaves from the stems and let them dry out in trays from one week to 10 days. 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