Origanum, Greek Oregano ~ 250 seeds

While oregano evokes images of scrubby herbs on Mediterranean cliffs, in the Northeast, oregano is a champion of the cold, one of the first perennial herbs to emerge from winter dormancy. In fact, it is so tolerant of winter that it rarely dies back entirely and can often be harvested year round, anytime the ground is not covered by snow. Use it as the ancients did, making wreaths in honor of Aphrodite to crown the heads of newly married couples. Or, harvest loads of it in mid- to late spring and dry in a warm airy place. A small patch provides enough for a year's worth of delicious soups and sauces.

Essential in a range of cuisines, from Middle Eastern to Mediterranean, oregano imparts a distinctive, rich, savory, hunger-inducing aroma to cooked dishes. This Greek strain is stronger flavored than others, and it forms a hardy, scrubby, spreading clump over the years. When treated as a perennial, it's best to harvest as much oregano as possible in May or early June, before it begins to flower and develop an overpowering flavor. When grown from seed each year, the leaves remain more delicate and mildly flavored, perfect for fresh eating in salads and quick, fresh sauces.

Growing Instructions
Surface sow or sow at a very shallow depth (less than ⅛"), either indoors early or outdoors a 3-4 weeks before last frost. Seedlings are tiny: keep well cultivated. Tolerates rocky, low-fertility soil; grows readily in nearly all situations. Once established, very little care is required. 

Quick Facts
Days to Germination: 7-14 days
Days to Maturity: 80 days
Planting Depth: 0-¼"
Spacing in Row: 4"
Spacing Between Rows: 10"
Height at Maturity: 18"
Width at Maturity: Keeps spreading as far as you allow it to
Sun Preference: Full to Little Sun
Hardiness Zone Range: Zones 4-8

About the Artist
Artwork by Wildflower Graphics. Wildflower Graphics combines the hand-drawn illustrations of Lynne Bittner (1957-2016) with the digital wizardry of her husband, Richie Bittner, and daughter, Dorothy Greenhouse. Their work allows the inner light of plant forms to shine.