Identifying Oregano Seeds: A Guide to Recognizing this Popular Herb

Oregano is a staple herb in many cuisines around the world. Whether dried or fresh, its distinctive flavor livens up pasta sauces, meat dishes, vegetables, and more. While dried oregano can be purchased at any grocery store, growing your own oregano from seed allows you access to fresh leaves whenever you need them. However, it’s important to know what oregano seeds look like in order to purchase and plant the right ones.

What Do Oregano Seeds Look Like?

Oregano seeds are very small, similar in size to sesame seeds They are light brown or tan in color When viewed up close, oregano seeds have an oblong, oval shape with a slightly flattened profile. Their surface is finely pitted. Oregano seeds are contained in tiny pods on the flower heads that burst open at maturity to release them. The seeds are so tiny that the pods contain only one or two seeds each.

There are over 50 species within the oregano genus Origanum and their seeds can vary slightly in size and shape. But in general oregano seeds share the same defining features

• Tiny
• Oblong/oval shape
• Tan or light brown color
• Finely pitted surface
• Contained in small pods on flower heads

This distinguishes them from other common kitchen herb seeds like basil, thyme, or parsley, which differ in size, shape and color.

A Closer Look at Oregano Seeds

Let’s zoom in even more to examine key characteristics of oregano seeds

Size

Oregano seeds are just 1-2 mm long. To imagine how small they are, five oregano seeds lined up would stretch about the width of a dime. Their tiny size enables the wind to carry them far from the parent plant for dispersal.

Shape

With their oblong oval shape, oregano seeds resemble miniature footballs. Their profile is slightly flattened rather than rounded on the sides. This distinguishes them from the more spherical shape of basil or carrot seeds.

Color

Ranging from light tan to medium brown, oregano seeds get their color from the seed coats. Different varieties exhibit slightly different shades. Greek oregano seeds tend to be paler, while Italian oregano seeds are darker brown.

Surface Texture

Under magnification, the surface of oregano seeds reveals extensive tiny pitting and grooves. This rough texture may help the seeds grip onto the soil to stay put when dispersed. The intricate patterns on each seed are like miniature fingerprints.

Pods

Oregano seeds develop inside tiny, elongated seed pods that contain 1-2 seeds each. The pods measure just 3-4 mm long and split open when the seeds are mature and ready for dispersal. Each flower head contains multiple pods.

Oregano Seed Varieties

There are over 50 oregano species, but a few common varieties used for cooking include:

• Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) – The most popular cooking variety, with a robust, pungent flavor. Its seeds are pale brown.

• Italian oregano (Origanum x majoricum) – Features a sweeter, mellower flavor. Its seeds are darker brown.

• Cretan oregano (Origanum onites) – Native to the Mediterranean. Seeds are light brown.

• Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) – Not a true oregano but used similarly. Seeds are very small and dark.

Finding and Buying Oregano Seeds

Oregano seeds can be found at most garden centers and nurseries, often sold in small paper packets or clear plastic envelopes. Popular oregano seed brands include:

• Burpee
• Ferry-Morse
• Park Seed
• Eden Brothers
• True Leaf Market
• Seed Savers Exchange

When shopping for oregano seeds, check the package for details like:

• Oregano species/variety
• Seed count
• Origin (Greek, Italian, etc)
• Days to maturity
• Planting instructions

For the widest selection, oregano seeds can be purchased online through retailers like Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, and eBay. Be sure to buy from reputable sellers. Oregano seeds are very affordable, typically ranging from $1 to $5 per packet.

If harvesting seeds from homegrown oregano plants, allow the flower heads to fully mature and dry on the stems before collecting. Then separate and store the tiny seeds in envelopes or jars labeled with the variety name and year.

Starting Oregano from Seeds

Oregano can be grown from seeds either indoors or directly outside. Here are some tips for success:

• Start indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting date.

• Sow seeds on surface of seed starting mix and do not cover, as oregano needs light to germinate.

• Keep soil moist and provide warmth. Seeds germinate in 14-21 days at 70°F.

• Transplant outdoors after last frost date once seedlings have 4-6 true leaves.

• Space plants 12-16 inches apart in full sun and well-drained soil.

• Water when top inch of soil is dry. Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer.

• Harvest leaves before flower buds open for best flavor.

So don’t let their tiny size fool you – when it comes to flavor, aromatic oregano seeds pack a punch! With the tips above, you’ll know how to identify true oregano seeds and plant them successfully.