Trim the Greek oregano plant back with clean, sharp shears when it is about 6 inches tall. New plantings reach this size in about five to six weeks. Leave two or three pairs of leaves on each stem. Snip the stems off just above a leaf axil to stimulate branching and promote fullness.
Where do you cut Greek oregano?
When you take cuttings from oregano, use sharp scissors or pruning shears and cut stems 3 to 5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm.) long. The cuts should be diagonal, and each should be just above a node, the point where a leaf grows or is about to emerge.
How do you harvest Greek oregano so it keeps growing?
To pick oregano leaves so that it keeps growing, simply snip off the tips across the top of the plant (around 2 to 3ins long). If you want to remove whole stems, cut the stems cleanly with scissors just above a set of leaves or growth node. This will encourage the plant to branch and growing new, flavorful leaves.
How do you cut oregano without killing the plant?
To harvest oregano and ensure that the plant remains healthy, do not remove more than ½ the plant at one time. Harvest the stems from the top down, leaving at least one leaf pair at the base of the stem. Give the plant time to recover and grow back after removing the leaves.
Does Greek oregano grow back every year?
Although oregano thrives in a warm climate, it’s a hardy perennial that returns year after year — and without much work! Oregano has the ability to even withstand snowstorms and still continue to produce healthy, vibrantly colored leaves.
When should oregano be cut back?
As a perennial plant, oregano grows back each year without needing to be replanted. To maximize its growth each year, it is wise to prune oregano plants near the end of the harvest season and before the first frost. Pruning throughout the summer can also result in fuller growth and a more plentiful harvest.
Is Greek oregano the same as oregano?
What is Greek Oregano? Greek Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is the herb commonly thought of in the US as Mediterranean oregano or just oregano. It is part of the mint family Lamiaceae and other aromatic herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender.
How do I know when to pick Greek oregano?
Harvesting. Leaves can be harvested any time after plants are at least six inches tall, starting around 45 days after planting.
Should I let Greek oregano flower?
They usually appear in late spring. The flavor in the leaves starts to decline as the plants bloom, so most gardeners do not allow their oregano to bloom. In the case of Greek oregano, the leaves become very bitter after the plants have bloomed.
Does oregano regrow after cutting?
Tender shoots have the best flavor. Plus, the plant regrows easily after cutting if harvests are made earlier in the season. The best time to harvest oregano is in the spring, around the same time chive plants are in bloom.
Can you still use oregano after it flowers?
Can you harvest oregano after it flowers? Oregano leaves can be harvested during or after the plant has flowered but the taste will be milder or more bitter, depending on the variety.
Can Greek oregano survive winter?
Mint, oregano, and thyme will survive winter, but if you bring them inside in pots you can enjoy fresh herbs for cooking with all winter long.
How do you winterize Greek oregano?
Cut the plants nearly to the ground after the first hard frost, then cover the plants with soil and top the soil with 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) of mulch. A layer of evergreen boughs will also protect perennial herbs from harsh, drying winds.
How long does Greek oregano last?
Greek oregano plants tend to get woody over time and after about five years the leaves tend to lose their flavor and texture. Greek oregano (USDA planting zones 5-9) is a vigorous and hardy perennial that can thrive in dry soil and hot temperatures once established.
Do you cut oregano back in winter?
Cut back dead stems to the base in winter. Plants do not like to be too wet in winter, so place pots in a sheltered spot and raise onto pot feet to allow excess water to drain away. For a winter supply of leaves, lift plants in autumn, pot them up and place them in a well lit spot under cover.
How do I use fresh Greek oregano?
Cooking With Greek Oregano
In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, and cheeses and with vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. Oregano is an essential ingredient of countless Mediterranean recipes.
Can you eat Greek oregano?
Greek oregano is a necessity on grilled meats, kabobs and lamb. With notes of pine and mint, its spicy flavor enhances tomato sauce and vegetable stews. Try it on a quick egg scramble, first sauteing a chopped tomato in a tablespoon of Greek olive oil.
Can you eat Greek oregano leaves?
Use it in marinades or stuffings. Chop and mix into bread or pizza dough for a herby flavor. Add fresh oregano leaves to a salad.
Is Greek oregano invasive?
Greek Oregano is an invasive plant that will quickly spread throughout your garden so you will have to cut it back often or plant it in a container to keep it under control. It requires well drained soil, at least 6 hours of sun, and be careful not to overwater as too much moisture can be destructive.
Does oregano change flavor after it flowers?
Thyme, marjoram and oregano
The flowers don’t affect the flavor of the leaves. The flowers are edible, but they don’t taste like anything.
How long do oregano plants last?
Old woody branches that become leggy (more stem than leaf) should be cut out at the end of winter, and plants should be replaced every five years to prevent legginess. The lifespan of oregano is about five or six years, and usually, one harvest is done in the first year and two in the following years.