Greek Oregano Plant

The Greek Oregano, 'Origanum vulgare hirtum', is a more prostrate and more highly scented than Italian oregano. Greek Oregano blooms readily in the second year. Origanum vulgaris hirtum is the true Greek Oregano with flavor so intense it numbs the end of your tongue when fresh, and like all culinary oreganos, the flower of Greek Oregano is white.

Planting in well-drained soil will help during periods of excessive rain, and raised beds filled with organic topsoil and compost is good for this plant also.

Like most herbs, six hours of sun is preferable to fully develop those mouthwatering flavors. In hot summer areas, afternoon shade can cut down on watering and stress to the plant. And mulching is always a good practice to improve the soil and help keep root zone temperatures moderate.

Greek Oregano has a strong flavor but it doesn't hold up well to prolonged cooking, especially when used fresh.

Harvest fresh leaves right before you are going to use them.

Pick several kinds of cooking herbs and make a culinary bouquet. Greek Oregano chopped and mixed with garlic, salt, and olive oil makes a great marinade for pork, beef, or roasted potatoes. Add a little Rosemary to the marinade and use it on poultry.

Greek Oregano can be used fresh or dried.