GREEK OREGANO SEEDS

Origanum heracleoticum (syn. hirtum)

This is the true Greek Oregano, not the wild Origanum vulgare that has virtually no culinary value. Greek Oregano is easily distinguished by its compact habit, subtly fuzzy foliage, and strong aromatic fragrance and flavor. Inconspicuous little flowers in late summer are white or very pale pink.

These seeds will produce plants that are hardy, long-lived and drought-tolerant. We have a patch on a south-facing shale ridge that we've long abandoned, and it still produces without fuss, competing favorably with grasses and wildflowers in the parched earth. Ideal for homesteaders and permacultural landscapes. Overwinters in well-drained soils as far north as zone 4.

Sow seeds indoors: press seeds into moist soil, barely dusting with fine vermiculite. Mist generously with warm water and cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature. Kept warm (around 70°F) and moist in bright light, seeds germinate within three weeks. Uncover promptly and grow on in bright light at warm room temperature. Once seedlings have true leaves, prick out to grow on in individual 3" pots for several weeks. Fertilize regularly with seaweed extract to encourage root development, but do not overwater. Well-rooted plants can be hardened off and transplanted into well-drained soil in full sun around the date of the last frost in spring or in autumn. Water generously just until established.

Dried Greek Oregano is indispensable in the kitchen, and requisite for not only Greek, but Italian cuisine. It flavors both pizza sauce and souvlaki, as well as American chili. Several harvests of foliage can be had each season. Bundle and dry in a dark well-ventilated space, or in a paper bag on the kitchen counter. Once dried, crush and keep in an airtight jar for up to a year.

In most gardens, these plants rarely grow taller than 10", especially if kept snipped, and will eventually form an attractive dense mound of foliage. They are a nice companion to Ayelet Thyme, another hardy and vigorous but compact perennial herb that tolerates neglect.

Packet contains at least 300 seeds.