Oregano is a popular perennial herb for its pungent, aromatic leaves used widely in Mediterranean and Italian cooking. As a hardy plant, it is relatively simple to grow, making it a favorite for both experienced and novice gardeners. Finding the right plant involves understanding the varietal differences and knowing the best sources for procurement.
Choosing the Right Oregano Variety
The term “oregano” encompasses several plants with highly varying flavor profiles and hardiness. The most potent culinary option is Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum). This variety is prized for its robust, sometimes slightly spicy flavor due to a high concentration of aromatic compounds like carvacrol and thymol.
Italian Oregano is another common option, often a hybrid (Origanum x majoricum) created by crossing oregano with sweet marjoram. This cross results in a milder, more balanced flavor, offering a subtle sweetness in addition to the classic pungency. Gardeners should confirm the specific botanical name of any plant labeled “Italian” to ensure they avoid less flavorful Origanum vulgare cultivars.
A completely different plant sold under the same name is Mexican Oregano, Lippia graveolens, which belongs to the Verbenaceae family instead of the mint family (Lamiaceae). This woody shrub offers a strong, earthy, and sometimes faintly sweet flavor that is distinctly different from its Mediterranean counterparts, often preferred for use in chili and other Mexican and Southwestern dishes. Choosing a variety should align with your intended culinary use and your local growing zone, as hardiness can vary significantly between the Origanum species and the Lippia species.
Primary Sources for Purchasing Plants
Where to buy an oregano plant has three primary answers, each offering a different balance of quality, convenience, and variety. Local nurseries typically provide the highest quality plants, grown in conditions similar to your own climate. Nursery staff often offer expert, localized advice on the best-performing culinary varieties, though the plants may come with a higher price tag.
Big box retailers and large garden centers offer convenience and lower cost, often stocking generic, easy-to-grow varieties like common Origanum vulgare. However, the selection is usually limited, and the plants may have been grown in a greenhouse environment far different from the ambient outdoor conditions. Inspect these plants closely for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or weak stems, before purchasing.
Online specialists offer the widest selection of rare or specific cultivars, including hard-to-find options like Lippia graveolens or specific Greek strains. While this provides access to the precise variety you want, the plants must endure shipping stress, which can lead to transplant shock upon arrival. It is wise to check local availability first, as acquiring a plant that has not undergone transit stress is preferable for immediate establishment.
Essential Care Tips for New Plants
Once you bring your new oregano plant home, immediate care is focused on reducing stress and encouraging root growth. Oregano is a Mediterranean herb, requiring full sun (a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily) for the best flavor and growth. Placing the plant in a bright, sunny spot is necessary, though in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
The soil composition is equally important for a healthy plant, as oregano is highly susceptible to root rot in standing water. Ensure the plant is placed in well-draining soil, which can be accomplished by amending heavy garden soil with grit, sand, or perlite. When watering, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings, mimicking the plant’s native arid environment.
If your plant was purchased from an indoor environment, such as a greenhouse or a big box store, it will need a period of gradual adjustment known as hardening off. This process involves slowly introducing the plant to the outdoor elements, such as direct sun and wind, over a seven to ten-day period. Begin by placing the plant in a shaded, sheltered spot for a few hours daily and incrementally increase its exposure to sunlight each day to prevent the plant from suffering from severe transplant shock.