Oregano Seeds (Heirloom)

Oregano is one of the all-time best culinary herbs

One of the most adaptable culinary herbs is oregano. Oregano should surely have a place in your herb garden, and possibly even your cutting garden, because it's delicious in anything from Italian pasta to Mexican recipes to Greek food.

This Mediterranean native has lovely white, pink, and purple blossoms. While heirloom oregano isn't usually permitted to flower when used in cooking, the growing leaf may be the perfect filler for summer bouquets if you let a couple of your plants bloom. Do you have a sandy area in your yard that refuses to grow grass? Try spreading heirloom oregano seed, a hardy herb that will happily take over as a fragrant ground cover. Heirloom oregano is a fantastic addition to a variety of crops, including Brassicas and beans. Heirloom oregano attracts native pollinators and helpful insects in addition to acting as a natural pest repellent.

How to grow and heirloom oregano

Heirloom oregano seeds should be started inside at least six weeks before the last frost, or direct sow seeds after the last frost. Transplant seedlings outside once they have formed strong taproots, spacing them eight to twelve inches apart. Outside, direct sow seedlings to the same spacing. Pinching heirloom oregano is a procedure that you'll want to go through when seedlings have grown to be at least four inches tall; just clip off the tips. Pinching stimulates plants to branch out, resulting in a larger summer crop. The plant's most tasty leaves come just before it blossoms, so clip developing stems to ensure that the plant continues to produce delectable leaves. Keep your oregano plants near your kitchen and pick fresh leaves as needed.

To dry heirloom oregano in quantity, cut the stems at least six inches tall, cutting above a node (or group of blossoming leaves) to guarantee that your oregano continues to produce. Bunch the stems together and hang upside down in a cool, dry spot for a few weeks to dry. When dried, heirloom oregano leaves retain their taste, making this a convenient spice to keep on hand.

Oregano is good for so many things

Heirloom oregano is used medicinally in addition to being an important culinary herb. Oregano essential oil can be ingested or administered topically. Oregano is an anti-inflammatory herb that can help relieve joint discomfort. Antibacterial and antiviral properties are also present in the plant. If the flavor isn't enough to persuade you to plant heirloom oregano in your garden this year, perhaps the therapeutic benefits will. Plant this deer-resistant perennial, if nothing else, to safeguard your other garden plants!

For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting heirloom oregano seeds, see the Oregano Seeds Planting Guide.