How do I grow Oregano?
This easy to grow perennial herb is also known as marjoram and has a long history of culinary and medical use. The three species of oregano commonly grown in cultivation are oregano or wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare), sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) and pot marjoram (Origanum omites). Within these species there are some very useful variations such as golden marjoram (Origanum omites ‘Aureum’) which has sunny yellow foliage that will brighten your herb garden. The various types of oregano are strongly and are useful for flavouring pizza, spaghetti and tomato dishes.
All forms of oregano form relatively compact clumps in the garden that regenerate from their creeping root system and can be easily propagated from cuttings made from the stem tip or from a division containing a section of the root system. Virtually the only maintenance required to keep the plants looking neat is to pinch the stem tips out for use in the kitchen. The more tips you remove the bushier your plant will become. A handful of slow release fertiliser or well-rotted manure in spring will further enhance growth. Being a Mediterranean plant, it likes a sunny spot in well drained soil.
Oregano has good anti-bacterial properties, as well as being an antioxidant. Bees love the flowers.