Is Greek Oregano a Perennial Herb?

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Greek oregano is one of the most popular herbs found in kitchens around the world. Its pungent, aromatic flavor makes it a staple in Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek cuisine But is this zesty herb a perennial that comes back year after year? Let’s take a look at the details

An Overview of Greek Oregano

Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) is a subspecies of the oregano plant that originates from the Mediterranean region It has fuzzy green leaves and tiny white or pink flowers. The signature flavor of Greek oregano sets it apart from other oreganos – it is more pungent, peppery, and savory

Some key traits of Greek oregano:

  • Grows 12-24 inches tall
  • Features oval shaped leaves about 1/2 inch long
  • Has a spreading, low growth habit
  • Flowers in mid to late summer
  • Prefers hot, dry conditions
  • Very aromatic and flavorful

This herb is used fresh or dried to flavor a wide variety of dishes including pizza, pasta, meats, salads, sauces, and more. Its antiseptic properties also make it useful for natural remedies.

Is Greek Oregano a Perennial?

Yes, Greek oregano is considered a hardy perennial herb. Perennials are plants that live for multiple years, unlike annuals that complete their lifecycle in one season.

Here are some reasons why Greek oregano can be classified as a perennial:

  • Capable of surviving winter temperatures in zones 5-9
  • Regrows the same plant each spring without reseeding
  • Mature plants can live for over 5 years
  • Tolerates drought due to deep root system
  • Handles poor soil conditions well

Once established, Greek oregano grows into a low-spreading, woody based plant that continues to return year after year. It is one of the most resilient perennial herbs available.

Growing Greek Oregano as a Perennial

Growing Greek oregano as a perennial is easy. Here are some tips:

  • Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost. Transplant seedlings outside after danger of frost has passed. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.

  • Sun: Choose a spot with full sun to maximize growth and flavor production. Needs at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.

  • Soil: Greek oregano thrives in well-draining soil. Amend clay-based soils with compost or sand to improve drainage.

  • Water: Water regularly until established, then reduce watering. Only water when top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.

  • Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting and once in midsummer. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.

  • Pruning: Prune lightly in spring to shape plants. Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage leaf growth.

  • Winter Care: Mulch plants in late fall for insulation. Re-mulch in spring after new growth emerges. No need to cut back.

Getting the Most Out of Your Perennial Greek Oregano

Here are some tips for maximizing your perennial Greek oregano harvest each year:

  • Pinch off flower buds to prolong leaf production. Flowers signal the end of prime harvest time.

  • Cut often to encourage bushy, compact growth. Pruning helps perennial plants stay healthy.

  • Cut sprigs when oil concentration is highest – just before flowering. This is when flavor peaks.

  • Dry leaves quickly after harvest to retain essential oils. Use a dehydrator or air circulation.

  • Freeze chopped leaves in ice cube trays for convenient use in cooked dishes all year.

  • Propagate new plants from stem cuttings to expand your oregano garden.

  • Dividing mature plants in spring helps rejuvenate growth as plants age.

Overwintering Greek Oregano Indoors

While Greek oregano is cold hardy down to zone 5, you can also overwinter it indoors if you live in a colder climate. Here’s how:

  • Dig up a mature oregano plant before first fall frost. Remove soil and trim roots.

  • Repot the plant in a container with indoor potting mix. Water well.

  • Place in a sunny window and trim the plant by 1/3 to reduce stress.

  • Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Mist leaves occasionally.

  • Stop fertilizing in winter. Resume monthly fertilizing when growth picks up in spring.

  • Transplant back outside after the danger of frost has passed.

With proper care, your overwintered Greek oregano will bounce back beautifully the following spring!

Troubleshooting Common Greek Oregano Problems

Here are some potential issues and solutions for perennial Greek oregano plants:

  • Woody stems: Normal for a mature plant. Prune aggressively in early spring to rejuvenate.

  • Sparse new growth: Apply compost tea or organic fertilizer to nourish the plant.

  • Yellow leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

  • White spots on leaves: Caused by powdery mildew fungus. Improve air circulation and remove affected leaves.

  • Chewed leaves: Snails and slugs often feed on oregano leaves. Remove them by hand or use organic bait.

  • Leggy growth: Needs more sun. Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness.

Enjoying the Benefits of Perennial Greek Oregano

Some of the benefits that come with growing Greek oregano as a perennial include:

  • Saves money since you don’t have to replace plants annually

  • Produces a bigger harvest each season as plants mature

  • Provides a permanent spot of greenery and flowers in your garden

  • Can be divided over time to propagate more plants

  • Delivers an endless supply of flavorful leaves for cooking

  • Attracts beneficial pollinators to your yard

So if you’re looking for a tough, trouble-free perennial herb that delivers loads of flavor, Greek oregano is an excellent choice. Give it the growing conditions it needs, and this Mediterranean herb will continue thriving for years to come!

Growing & using Greek Oregano

is greek oregano a perennial

Formerly listed botanically as Origanum heracleoticum, Greek Oregano is one very spicy herb. It’s parent Origanum vulgaris, a culinary zero, is often commercially grown and offered as Greek Oregano. O. vulgaris, often known as Wild Marjoram, is an extremely invasive plant with a pink flower. Origanum vulgare hirtum is the real Greek oregano. When it’s fresh, its flavor is so strong that it numbs the tip of your tongue. Like all culinary oreganos, its flower is white.

As soldiers came home from war in the 1940s, they brought back a lot of interest in foreign food. They had experienced different foods that were spicier, and, yes, even more flavorful than Mom’s pot roast. Some groups of people did grow spicy Oreganos back then, but most of us didn’t know what they were.

When we did start growing oregano in our gardens, it quickly took over and spread to our herb gardens, lawns, and flower beds. Even worse, it had no flavor except that of grass. The seeds we were planting were easy to get from the wilds of the Mediterranean, where mountains were covered in oregano. The word “oregano” comes from the Greek and means “joy of the mountain.” This rampantly growing plant is what we now refer to as Wild Marjoram. In spite of its pretty pink flower that looks great when dried, there are better Oreganos to grow for flower arrangements. Like Wild Marjoram, they also have no flavor. In the end, a tasty type of this Wild Marjoram made its way to America from Greece. We called it Greek Oregano, of course. Originally given the botanical name of Origanum heracleoticum, its correct botanic handle now is Origanum vulgare hirtum. Origanum vulgare is the botanic name for the Wild Marjoram with the pink flower and no flavor. So our tasty Greek Oregano is a wild child (hybrid) of the flavorless Wild Marjoram. The word “hairy” helps you tell it apart from Wild Marjoram when you put them next to each other.

Fortunately, there is an easier way to tell which is which: just taste them. A magazine reporter asked me about Greek oregano about 15 years ago, and I told her that the fresh leaves are so spicy that they numb the tip of your tongue. She liked that and used it in her magazine. That phrase is often used to describe this plant, so it must have hit a chord with a lot of people. You can smell the oregano leaf when you buy it at a nursery. If you don’t get a wonderful scent, put the leaf back.

is greek oregano a perennial

The plant’s leaves and stems have tiny hairs that show what the weather is like where it comes from. The hairs provide shade for the plant and slow down transpiration (or water loss) from the plant. This allows the plant to survive some pretty hot, dry weather. The more of these little shade providers, the grayer the plant. That is why many gray leaved plants are tops on drought tolerant lists.

Conversely, these plants can be difficult to grow in areas of heat and humidity or excessive winter rain. You can help the plants deal with humidity some by planting them in raised beds or containers and leaving a lot of space between them so air can flow. When it rains a lot, soil that drains well will help. Raised beds with organic topsoil and compost are also good for this. Anywhere puddles form after a rain is probably not a great place for Greek Oregano. It’s best to give it at least six hours of sun, as with most herbs, so the flavors can fully develop. In hot summer areas, late afternoon shade can cut down on watering and stress to the plant. And mulching is always a good practice to improve the soil and help keep root zone temperatures moderate. Any stress a plant goes through, like being dried out and then watered again and again, will make bugs and diseases want to attack.

Greek Oregano, like other members of the Lamiaceae family, most notably Mint, has two growth phases. The first occurs as the plant awakens from its winter dormancy. The soft, tender shoots rise from the ground and reach for the sun with all their might. They stay up for about a month and then start to form flower heads. By the first of summer, they will be in full flower. The flowers of Greek Oregano and other culinary oreganos are white and fairly unexciting. Some types of Oreganos food, like Italian, Sicilian, and Cretan, have flowers that can be used to make crafts, like herbal wreaths. The tiny, waxy leaves on the flower stem of these plants dry better than the hairy, soft leaves of Greek Oregano. They also have tighter flower heads that hold up better when dried. Cutting the plant’s stems often will discourage flowering and encourage fresh growth and bushiness. When harvesting or taking care of the garden, plants can be cut back to within two inches of the ground. This can be done at least twice a year because we have a long growing season. As a plant blooms, it stops making new leaves, which can make the fruit and vegetables less tasty.

By the middle of summer, the plant has made all of its flowers and is ready to start its second growth phase. This is a lateral growth that allows the plant to increase in diameter. It will also continue to grow upward. Giving the plant soft loose soil to spread into will encourage the runners to seek new ground.

The taste of Greek oregano is strong, but it doesn’t hold up well to long cooking, especially when it’s used fresh. Harvest fresh leaves right before you are going to use them. Wash them and pat them dry. If you pick them a few hours ahead of time, wash them, pat them dry, wrap them in dry paper towels, and put them in the fridge. They will keep a few hours this way. Or whole stems can be placed in a glass or, even better, an attractive vase of water. This is a fun way to prepare for a meal. Pick several kinds of cooking herbs and make a culinary bouquet. Having sprigs of Rosemary, Greek Oregano, Winter Savory, and Basil nearby will make your creative and digestive juices flow. Chopped Greek oregano mixed with garlic, salt, and olive oil makes a great sauce for pork, beef, or roasted potatoes. Add a little Rosemary to the marinade and use it on poultry.

You can also use the fresh leaves to top your own pizza. This is how Greek oregano was first used on pizza, not in the sauce.

Dried Greek Oregano is a great way to get through the winter blues. It can be used to rub herbs on meat or added to any tomato-based sauce, sauté, stir fry, or egg dish near the end of cooking. Try a sprinkle of dried Greek Oregano on your next grilled cheese sandwich. You can mix fresh or dried oregano with other herbs to make a tasty crust for pork chops, tenderloins, or chicken breasts. You can also try our tasty herbal marinade.

GREEK OREGANO Growth, Growing and Care Tips! (Origanum vulgare hirtum)

FAQ

Does Greek Oregano grow back?

A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.

Is Greek Oregano annual or perennial?

Oregano forms a low clump of small aromatic leaves and sends up attractive pink or white flowerheads in summer, about 30cm (1ft) tall. It’s a perennial, living for many years, and is usually hardy enough to survive the British winter if grown in a warm sunny spot, in a container or in free-draining soil.

Can Greek Oregano survive winter?

Oregano Is a Winter-Hardy Herb Oregano is a plant that never stops giving in my garden. My plants typically die back during a hard freeze in late December or January or so, but then they start coming right back by February.

What is the difference between oregano and Greek Oregano?

Oregano from these areas is robust in flavor, though different varieties may be more bitter, sweet, or peppery than others. Greek oregano tends to be the most savory and earthy, while Italian is milder and Turkish is more pungent.

Is Greek oregano a perennial?

Greek oregano (USDA planting zones 5-9) is a vigorous and hardy perennial that can thrive in dry soil and hot temperatures once established. As if you needed yet another reason to love this oregano, it’s bee-friendly and makes a great addition to a pollinator garden.

Is it healthy to eat fresh oregano?

It is healthy to eat fresh oregano. Oregano is a source of bioactive substances that help improve intestinal functioning, control the intestinal microbiota, improve immunity, protect the heart and are a source of vitamins.

Is Greek oregano a good garden plant?

Greek oregano is easy to care for. You can grow it as a container plant or keep it in your garden as a groundcover. As an outdoor plant, it attracts pollinators and repels pests. These qualities make it an excellent companion plant; it’s especially beneficial for cucumbers, squashes, and melons.

What is Greek oregano?

Greek oregano is a common variety of the oregano plant — in fact, it’s often referred to as true oregano. Since there are Greek, Italian, and Turkish oreganos from the Mediterranean region, there are nuances that you should keep in mind when you use these in your recipes.

Robby
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