What Do Oregano Seeds Look Like? A Guide to Identifying this Popular Herb

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

Key Features of Oregano Seeds

Here are the defining characteristics of oregano seeds:

• Tiny – Oregano seeds are very small, similar in size to sesame seeds. They measure just 1-2 mm long.

• Oblong shape – With their oval profile, oregano seeds resemble miniature footballs. Their shape is slightly flattened on the sides.

• Light brown color – Ranging from light tan to medium brown oregano seeds get their color from the seed coat.

• Finely pitted surface – Under magnification, oregano seeds reveal extensive tiny grooves and indentations. This gives them a rough texture.

• Contained in pods – The seeds develop inside tiny oblong pods on the flower heads that each contains 1-2 seeds.

A Closer Look at the Size, Shape, Color and Surface

Let’s examine key physical characteristics of oregano seeds more closely

Size: Oregano seeds are diminutive, measuring just 1-2 mm in length. To envision how small, imagine five seeds lined up end-to-end would be approximately the width of a dime. Their tiny size enables wind dispersal.

Shape: With their oblong oval shape, oregano seeds resemble miniature footballs. Their profile is slightly flattened rather than rounded on the sides and ends. This sets them apart from the more spherical shape of seeds like basil or carrots.

Color: Ranging from pale tan to medium brown, oregano seeds get their color from the seed coats. The exact shade can vary slightly between varieties. For example, Greek oregano seeds tend to be lighter, while Italian oregano seeds are darker brown.

Surface Texture: Under magnification, the surface of an oregano seed reveals a rough, finely pitted texture with myriad grooves and indentations. This intricate ridged pattern makes each seed unique as a fingerprint. The bumpy texture may help the seeds grip soil when dispersed.

Pods: Oregano seeds develop inside slender, elongated seed pods that measure just 3-4 mm long. Each tiny pod contains 1-2 seeds. The pods are clustered together on the flower heads and split open when the seeds mature to release them.

Popular Varieties of Oregano Seeds

While there are over 50 oregano species, a few common varieties used for cooking include:

• Greek oregano – The most popular variety, with a robust flavor. Seeds are pale brown.

• Italian oregano – Sweeter and more mellow flavor. Seeds are darker brown.

• Cretan oregano – Native to the Mediterranean region. Seeds are light brown.

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

Where to Find and Purchase Oregano Seeds

Oregano seeds are sold at most garden centers, nurseries and seed shops, often in small paper packets or clear plastic envelopes. Look for popular brands like Burpee, Ferry-Morse, Park Seed and Eden Brothers. Check the package for details like:

• Species/variety

• Seed count

• Region of 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. Ensure reputable sellers with good reviews. Prices typically range from $1 to $5 per packet.

If harvesting seeds from homegrown plants, allow the flower heads to fully mature and dry before collecting the tiny seeds. Store in envelopes or jars labeled with the variety and year.

How to Plant and Grow Oregano from Seeds

Here are some key tips for starting oregano from seeds:

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

• Sow seeds on the soil surface without covering, as oregano needs light to germinate.

• Maintain warm soil temperature and moisture. Seeds germinate in 14-21 days at 70°F.

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

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

• Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

• Harvest leaves before buds open for optimal flavor.

So despite their tiny stature, flavorful oregano seeds hold big potential. With this guide, you’ll know how to identify authentic oregano seeds to grow this tasty herb yourself.