OREGANO & MARJORAM - AN HERB BY TWO NAMES
Origanum
plants are aromatic, herbaceous perennials native
to the Mediterranean. They are known by two common
names, marjoram and oregano. All varieties grow
in shallow, well-drained soil, in full sun, and
emit a spicy fragrance during the summer months.
They also are similar in appearance, with small
sometimes mottled green leaves and small white
or pink flowers that form clusters.
Propagate by seed, cutting or division. Seeds
are small and slow to germinate. Start them indoors
and transplant them outdoors when all danger of
frost is over. Plant them in full sun in light,
well-drained soil. They also grow well indoors
in a sunny window.
To keep plants thick and lush, pinch new growth
frequently. Harvest leaves just before the plant
blooms, when leaves are the sweetest. Cut branches
to one inch above the ground. In warmer climates,
the plants may bloom twice in a season; get a
second harvest by cutting to the lowest set of
leaves. In cooler climates, a second cutting can
weaken the plant.
Use oregano and marjoram sprigs fresh in salads,
bath water and closets. Make teas, potpourris,
and sachets from dried leaves.
The name oregano is from the Greek oros and ganos, meaning
mountain joy, referring to the appearance of the wild varieties on otherwise
barren hillsides. In ancient Rome and Greece, marjoram was a symbol of
happiness and newly married couples were crowned with it.
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Common Oregano
O.Vulgare
Common oregano often called
wild marjoram, spreads by runners, making
it a good choice for a ground cover. Historically
this species was used for medicinal purposes.
Now, use it in the kitchen for pizza and
Italian dishes.
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Crete Destiny
O.dictamnus
A variation of sweet marjoram
grown chiefly as a decorative annual,
this tender perennial produces small pretty
mounds and purple flowers. It is propagated
by cuttings and grows well in containers.
The leaves maintain their color and mild
flavor when dried for culinary use.
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Golden Oregano
O. vulgare 'Aureum'
With it's green and gold variegated leaves,
this very attractive form of marjoram is
useful in the landscape. Because of it's
unusual colors, it is a lovely plant to
combine in an herb garden container. Grown
as an annual, it produces runners that spread
rapidly. The leaves are vulnerable to scorching
in full sun.
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Italian Oregano
O. vulgare subspecies hirtum
One of the best tasting of the species,
propagate Italian oregano from a root division
in spring or a cutting in fall from a plant
that you have tasted to ensure it's flavor.
Enjoy it's mellow, pungent taste in Mediterranean
dishes.
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Pot Marjoram
O. onites
Also known as Cretan oregano, pot marjoram
is a tender perennial that grows to one
foot tall. It has dark green textured leaves
and produces small clusters of flowers that
bees find quite attractive. Propagate from
cuttings. Use fresh leaves for garnishing.
Use fresh or dried leaves in salads and
teas. Dry the leaves and flowers for potpourri.
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Sweet Marjoram
O. marjorana
Sweet marjoram is easily grown
from seed. It's beautiful flowers make interesting
additions to winter bouquets. Grow this
tender perennial outdoors as an annual,
transfer it to containers and bring it indoors
in winter. Use fresh in recipes and tea.
Spicy yet mild, this is the best marjoram
for cooking.
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