Oregano's

1. Greek oregano (Origanum heracleoticum): This variety is also known as "wild marjoram" and is commonly used in Greek cuisine. It has a more robust flavor than common oregano.

Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum ‘Greek’

Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-11

Light: Full sun

Water: Low water needs

Soil: Well-draining

Flower Color: White

This is a variety of common oregano that is also sometimes known as European Oregano or Turkish Oregano. It is considered to be the ‘true’ type of oregano to that all others are compared, and this is the type of oregano you are most likely to find on the spice and herb shelves in the grocery store. Greek oregano has a strong flavor and is widely used in Italian, Spanish, and Greek cuisine. It is a common ingredient usually found on pizzas, in pasta sauces, in soups, and in casseroles. Visually, the Greek oregano plant does not look much different from other types of common oregano, and it really is only its flavor that makes it stand out from other oregano plants.

This plant has small, dark green foliage, which provides a backdrop for the tiny white flowers it produces during the middle of summer. It can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings, and if you are growing this plant specifically for its culinary uses, then you will need to grow it from cuttings. The reason for this is that Greek oregano plants do not grow true to seed, and you are likely to end up with a different oregano plant that will not have the flavor you are looking for. The only way to ensure you get the true Greek oregano variety is to grow it from a cutting taken from a mature Greek oregano plant. Once you have successfully grown this hardy and vigorous plant, you can harvest it at any time of the year to use it as a fresh herb in cooking, or dry it for use later.

To get the best tasting Greek oregano, harvest it in early summer just before the plant produces flowers. This plant thrives in dry soils and hot environments, so allow it a full sun position and take care not to overwater it.