Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare

Common Name: Wild Oregano

Family: Lamiaceae

Origin:

Wild Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used since ancient times.  This variety of Oregano is open-pollinated, meaning you can collect the seeds and they'll grow the same as the parent plant year after year.

Culinary Uses:

The flavour of Wild Oregano is pungent and spicy and is great chopped in Italian dishes such as pasta sauces or sprinkled over pizzas. Wild Oregano can also be used in combination with other herbs and spices as a seasoning rub for grilled, roasted or fried vegetables and fish.  Other herbs and spices Wild Oregano pairs well with include fennel, cumin, parsley, basil, garlic, marjoram, cinnamon and thyme.  The flavour of Wild Oregano becomes stronger when dried.

Growing Tips:

Choose a growing site for Wild Oregano in full sun or a lightly shaded location.  The flavour of Wild Oregano leaves will be stronger the more sunlight they receive and the warmer the weather is.  Wild Oregano may die back during Winter in cooler climates but should re-shoot when the weather warms up again in Spring so don't be too hasty in digging out plants that look dead.  Make sure your garden soil is free draining prior to planting Wild Oregano.  If your soil is heavy with clay or compacted try growing Wild Oregano in raised herb beds instead.  Wild Oregano prefers growing in soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0.  Oregano doesn't require much fertiliser to thrive, fertilise beds a few weeks before planting and then no more than once a year afterwards unless plants are showing signs of a nutrient deficiency.  Wild Oregano doesn't like constant moisture, allow your soil to dry out between waterings or else your plants may suffer from root rot and die.

When To Sow:

Sow Wild Oregano seeds from October to March in cooler areas of Australia.  In temperate regions of Australia sow Wild Oregano seeds from September to May.  In subtropical areas of Australia sow Wild Oregano seeds from August to May.  In tropical regions of Australia sow Wild Oregano seeds from May to August.

How To Sow:

Wild Oregano seeds are tiny, so cover them only lightly with soil and press down firmly so that any moisture in the soil does not evaporate too quickly and cause the germinating seedlings to dry out and die.  Thin seedlings to about 15cm apart to give your Wild Oregano plants plenty of room to grow.

Germination Time:

Wild Oregano seedlings take between 7 and 14 days to emerge after sowing.

Time To Harvest:

You can begin to harvest sprigs from your Wild Oregano plants 8 to 10 weeks after sowing the seeds.