Summary: Origanum onites (Oregano) is a plant in the Lamiaceae family. Verdica documents 1 traditional uses, 111 phytochemical compounds, and 17 herb-drug interactions for this species.
Oregano is a densely growing plant for sunny positions; it makes a good ground cover despite being slow to spread. An excellent flavouring for cooked foods and salads, it is an ideal companion plant and is said to repel insect pests. The sub-species O. vulgare hirtum comes from Greece and is more aromatic. Harvest stems after three months once the plant is established. Two other Origanum species with tasty leaves worth considering are Sweet Marjoram (O. Majorana), native to Cyprus and Turkey, and Pot Marjoram (O. onites), native to Turkey, Greece and Italy (Sicilia). Pot Marjoram leaves, with a robust thyme-like aroma, are used as a substitute for Oregano or Marjoram but are inferior in flavour. They are slightly bitter and not nearly as sweet and delicate as Sweet Marjoram or Oregano, but the flavour lasts longer in cooked dishes. Harvesting: Harvest leaves from the first year all year but are best in late spring to summer, just before the plant begins to flower.
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low to moderate — most prefer drier conditions |
| Soil | Well-drained, lean soil; avoid heavy clay |
| Hardiness Zone | USDA 4-10 |
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