Oregano

The oregano genus has more than 50 species. The ancient Greeks gave it its name, meaning ‘joy of the mountains.’ These fragrant plants grow on steep rocky alkaline hills, filling Mediterranean mountainsides with their joyful cheer and intense scent. Not only has oregano flavored foods for thousands of years, but it also has medicinal uses, from relieving rheumatism and asthma to decongesting stuffy head colds.

Likes sun and light well-drained alkaline soil. Will lose potency if soil is overfed. Harvest when it is beginning to flower.

Growing Oregano from seed: Start indoors in spring for best results.