Italian Oregano. Savor classic Italian cuisine with the flavorful leaves of this oregano. An easy-growing plant for the garden or container, Italian oregano hails from the Mediterranean region. That means it thrives with lower humidity and well-drained soil. In the garden, use this oregano as an edging plant. Plants spread when happy, rooting along the stems.
The main difference between Mexican and Italian oregano is how they taste. Mexican oregano has licorice and citrusy undertones, while Italian oregano has sweet and minty undertones. Due to this difference, these spices have different uses; Mexican oregano pairs well with cumin, chili, and paprika, while Italian oregano works well with basil, parsley, and thyme.
Harvest leaves or stems anytime during the growing season. Flavor is most intense just before plants flower. Trim plants often to keep flower formation at bay (Oops).
Italian Oregano (Origanum x majooricum) is different than Majoram (Origanum x majorana).
- Family: Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee) (Info)
- Genus: Origanum (or-RI-ga-num) (Info)
- Species: x majoricum (maj-JOR-ih-kum) (Info)
- Category: Herbs, perennial
- Height: 12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
- Spacing: 18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
- Hardiness: zones 6 to 9b
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Danger: Unknown – Tell us
- Bloom Color: White/Near White
- Bloom Time: Late Spring/Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall
- Foliage: Grown for foliage, Aromatic
- Other details: This plant is resistant to deer, Provides winter interest
- Soil pH requirements: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline), 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
- Patent Information: Unknown – Tell us
- Propagation Methods: From herbaceous stem cuttings
- Seed Collecting: Unknown – Tell us
- Read more: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/305/#ixzz3I80TAMPe
