Italian oregano
origanum vulgare

days to maturity: 90 days
plant spacing: 1 per square foot
sunlight requirements: 6-14 hours hours
look out for: overwatering causing rotting
harvest notes: grab a little clump of growing tip and cut with pruners
seasons: fall, winter, spring and summer
perennial

Oregano is a classic mediterranean herb that thrives during Miamis fall/ winter/ spring and “survives” the summer if treated properly. We like to tell people to “treat oregano like its in Italy” because thats the climate that it grows in naturally… hot and dry. Oregano prefers well drained soil and water only once or twice a week. It also does best when its watered at the base, instead of getting the whole plant and all of its leaves wet. Oregano is predominantly used as a culinary spice but it also functions as a preservative (preserved meat in ancient times) and as a medicinal plant. Oregano is used for immune support and it contains many volatile oils that are antimicrobial, anti fungal, and contain antioxidants. Oregano can also be used to treat indigestion, heartburn, and low stomach acidity.