Oregano provides fresh leaves for the kitchen throughout the growing time of year , and dried or frozen leaves leave a supplying yr around . rough-cut oregano ( Origanum vulgare ) grow in a wide of the mark range of forms and can be invasive . Greek pot marjoram ( Origanum vulgare subsp . hirtum ) is the variety that has the best - season leave . Common oregano originate in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 and Grecian oregano is stout in USDA zones 4 through 8 . Mexican oregano ( Lippia graveolens ) , which produce in USDA zones 9 through 11 , is also develop as a culinary herb .
Young Plants
Young Greek oregano plants grow hardy and compact when they ’re harvest while young . Harvest Greek oregano halt when the plant are 6 in magniloquent . lift or cut back the stalk two to three pair of leaves above their stand , cut just above a leaf pair . The stems should be soft enough to pinch , but you may also employ pruning shear . Wipe the blades with a fabric dunk in rubbing inebriant before and after harvesting marjoram to help forbid the spread of pests and diseases .
Summer Harvest
For the full relish , harvest oregano when the blossom buds have formed . Greek oregano efflorescence in midsummer and Mexican wild marjoram flowers mid - spring through early summertime . The leave of both plants have the strongest tang just before the flower bud heart-to-heart . Pick or prune the stems to two to three yoke of leaves above their cornerstone , and hive away the leaves you do n’t habituate immediately . you’re able to also harvest fresh oregano leaves as needed while the plant are in leaf , though the nip may not be as firm .
Storage Methods
Oregano leave behind continue a strong flavor dry out and frozen . To dry leaves , tie small handfuls of stem together with twine , and hang the caboodle in a warm , dry , airy blot . Alternatively spread out a single level of stem on a screen to dry . Oregano stems are quick for store when the foliage crumble easy between your fingers . Put the dry stems and leaves in in spyglass or plastic , seal off jar in a coloured , cool space . To freeze oregano , lay the stems monotone on a baking sheet and place the sheet in a freezer for one to two hour . Put frozen stems in a deep freezer bag and squeeze out the air before sealing it .
Plant Care
dig out up and fraction clumps of Hellenic winter sweet helps forbid the flora from becoming woody and unproductive , and losing nip . Every two or three years , compass up Greek oregano plants in other springtime . Pull the industrial plant into three or four sections , and replant them at their original growing depths , 12 to 18 inches apart . Greek marjoram grows best in full - sun sites and average , well - run out soil . Alternatively , replace mature industrial plant with young plants from your local garden store or flora greenhouse . try a tiny piece of leaf before buying to check that the flavor is abrupt and vivid .
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