Oregano is a perennial in Central Texas. You can grow it from seed, but the plants are so easy to find in the spring, it's best to plant them right after purchase. If you do plant seed, start a few weeks before the spring planting season in a sterile potting mix. Just cover the seed with a thin layer of potting mix because they like a little bit of light to help them germinate. Before setting out, pinch a leaf off of each plant and only plant the most aromatic plants of the bunch.
Greek, Italian and Sicilian oregano are the types used for cooking. There is a lot of other varieties, but they only make durable and attractive landscaping or container plants. Some varieties make good groundcovers and others are shrubs. They all make attractive landscape plants and interesting flowers. Also, the bees and beneficial insects go crazy over them. A popular landscaping plant in Central Texas is the Mexican Oregano. It is not a true oregano, but is a good drought tolerant hummingbird and butterfly plant. It is also used in cooking and some chefs prefer it over the true oreganos.
Oregano likes a soil Ph of 6.0 to 7.5, which we all have in our yards and gardens around here, and must be planted in well-drained soil. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. Oregano is drought tolerant and can handle a hard feeze. Some types, such as the groundcovers, may freeze back to the ground in winter.
To dry oregano, snip off the leaves or sprigs and store loosely in a small paper bag. It dries in just a few days, so you can put in an airtight jar for long term storage. Sprinkle on italian dishes such as spaghetti or lasagna. Oregano makes a spicy and aromatic herb tea. Steep the leaves in hot water for a few minutes, strain, and enjoy.
Oregano is a good companion plant for all plants and helps repel bugs if planted around tomatoes and roses.
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Oregano is a perennial in Central Texas. You can grow it from seed, but the plants are so easy to find in the spring, it's best to plant them right after purchase. If you do plant seed, start a few weeks before the spring planting season in a sterile potting mix. Just cover the seed with a thin layer of potting mix because they like a little bit of light to help them germinate. Before setting out, pinch a leaf off of each plant and only plant the most aromatic plants of the bunch.
