Guide to growing Origanum - Oregano - Sweet Marjoram

Origanum members are popular herbs that are often used in the kitchen.

Depending on the Origanum species they may be hardy perennial, or half hardy perennials; but are often grown in the garden as half hardy annuals.

Origanum reach from 15 to 45cm in height and bear pink tubular flowers in the Summer.

Some common names for Origanum include Oregano, Sweet Marjoram, annual Marjoram and Marjoram.

These plants make ideal additions to an herb garden, but are also useful in rockaries. If you require the Origanum leaves for cooking then they should be harvested before flowering occurs. Unlike many herbs which are best used fresh, drying the Origanum leaves often leads to a more intense flavour. To dry Oregano leaves place in a warm and dark place. In addition to use in cooking, the oil of oregano is also thought to have many health benefits.

How to grow Oregano and Sweet Marjoram

It growing oregano outdoors from seeds then it is best to sow the Oregano seeds (Sweet Marjoram and other Origanum species) in mid spring, well past any chance of a frost. Once sown the seeds should be lightly covered with soil. Oregano likes to grow in a sunny area of the garden and requires good drainage. Ideally the soil should be of pH 6 to 8.

When starting Oregano indoors sow the seeds at about 12 to 18 degrees Centigrade. It should take about one to two weeks for the oregano seeds to germinate. Planting oregano outdoors at about 20 to 30cm apart following the last frost of spring should give best results.

Caring for Oregano

Oregano, Sweet Marjoram and other Origanum members are easy to grow and care for. Once they are growing healthily it is best to pinch the young plants back; this will encourage more branching and lead to a bigger harvest. It is also necessary to fertilize Oregano plants for best results.