BStore 1000 Greek Oregano Attracts Butterflies Aromatic Seeds Starter Kits The Greek Oregano is a popular herb with an excellent flavor that is a must for many Italian dishes like fish, pizza, tomato sauce and dressings. This perennial has a stronger and more aromatic fragrance than the common oregano and is known for its culinary and ornamental uses. Planting instructions Sowing: Start Greek Oregano seeds indoors about 2 months before the last spring frost, sowing them just below the surface of the soil and keeping the temperature at 65-70 degrees F. Provide at least six hours of sunlight, and keep the soil moist when the seedlings appear. Transplant them as soon as they grow big enough to handle or after the last chance of frost, spacing them 12-15" apart. Oregano thrives in fairly dry soil and full sun. To direct sow, plant Origanum Vulgare Hirtum seeds and thin the seedlings to 12-15" apart. As a companion plant, Greek oregano repels the harmful cabbage butterfly. This herb also grows well as a container plant. Growing: Greek oregano actually has the most flavorful taste if left alone, with minimal watering and no fertilization. For the best tasting leaves, keep the tops pruned to prevent flowering and to keep the leaves tender. Harvesting: Fresh leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant reaches a height of 6". The best time for harvesting leaves is in the morning after the dew has dried. Harvest entire stalks by cutting them at least 1" above the ground to allow for new growth. Fresh leaves will keep in the refrigerator for about five days, but can also be frozen or dried. Because heat tends to destroy the flavor of oregano, it should be added to hot food immediately before serving. Unlike most herbs, dried oregano leaves tend to have a much stronger flavor than fresh ones. Seed Saving: Harvest Greek Oregano seed heads individually as soon as they begin to turn brown and dry, and spread them out to finish drying in a protected location out of direct sunlight. Thresh out Origanum Vulgare Hirtum seeds by rubbing or shaking the heads, and remove as much chaff as possible. Store Greek Oregano Seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Buy Seeds Online Organic Seeds Heirloom Seeds Non-GMO Seeds Vegetable Seeds Flower Seeds Herb Seeds Fruit Seeds Garden Seeds Seed Starter Kits Rare Seeds Bulk Seeds Indoor Gardening Seeds Seed Catalog Seed Packs for Sale Sustainable Seeds Greenhouse Seeds Seed Suppliers Planting Seeds Home Garden Seeds