How To Grow Oregano Microgreens 7 easy steps For Beginners

Do you love the taste of oregano? Did you know that you can learn how to grow oregano microgreens in just seven easy steps even if you’re a beginner?

To grow Oregano Microgreens, select a shallow container with drainage holes, fill it with a mix of potting soil and perlite, and sprinkle oregano seeds on top, lightly covering them with soil.

Place the container in a bright, warm spot, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Once the microgreens reach a height of 4-5 inches, they are ready to be harvested and enjoyed.

Oregano is a delicious and versatile herb that can be used in many dishes. In this blog post, we will show you how to grow your own oregano microgreens at home.

We will provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it, as well as some helpful tips.

Oregano is a great microgreen for home gardeners so what are you waiting for? 

Oregano Microgreens Or Baby Oregano?

Before you get started growing oregano microgreens you need to know it is a bit different. It can take longer than many faster-growing microgreens that are done in 2 weeks or less.

Ideally, you want to wait about 3 weeks for oregano because you want true oregano leaves and not just the cotyledons.

You can grow them and start to harvest in 2 weeks or grow them out as baby oregano plants.

Instead of just using an empty tray filled with growing media consider filling your tray with small pots and growing them that way.

You could use plug trays that are inserts designed to fit inside a 1020 tray also.

If you do that you can keep a couple of larger potted oregano plants on a windowsill and harvest a continuous supply of leaves.

I would not plant your oregano microgreens as thickly as most others because you want larger plants.

You can thin out the smallest plants as microgreens and leave the larger ones for future harvest.

You can remove individual leaves or even small branches as long as you don’t remove them all oregano will regrow. Oregano will get large if left unpruned (2-3 feet tall). Here is more info about how to grow microgreens at home.

Oregano is actually a perennial herb while many microgreens are annuals or like some brassica family biennials.

You can set oregano plants outdoors after the last frost but make sure all danger of frost is passed.

The nice thing about oregano is you can use it as a fresh herb or dry the leaves for later use and store them. Dry in a paper bag and store in airtight containers.

How To Grow Oregano Microgreens In 7 Easy Steps

You will need to learn how to grow oregano indoors from seed. You can you grow oregano from cuttings once your plants are established. We will be focused on growing microgreens in this article and not on how to grow oregano from cuttings

Step 1: Select A Container

Choose a shallow container with drainage holes to grow your oregano microgreens in. If you do not have seed flats you can use recycled food containers or clamshells as long as they have been cleaned thoroughly.

I prefer to use 1020 propagation trays. Oregano requires well-drained soil without excess water. Coco coir is an ideal soil medium for planting oregano seeds.

Step 2: Get Your Growing Medium Ready

Prepare the soil mix. Combine equal parts of potting soil and perlite in the container or better yet use coconut coir. Then moisten the growing medium with water.

If you want to grow larger plants instead of just microgreens fill your tray almost to the top. Your plants will want more soil to grow larger. You will want to lightly fertilize plants beyond microgreen size.

Step 3: Plant Your Oregano Seeds

Italian and Greek Oregano seeds are available on Amazon If you want Mexican or Turkish oregano you will need to find them yourself but really I would not worry much about what type of oregano you grow.

Sprinkle oregano seeds on the top of the soil surface of the soil mix, leaving about 0.5 inches between each seed so they can get enough light and air circulation when they start growing.

Then lightly cover them with more soil mix and gently press down on it to ensure that all seeds are securely planted in the soil.

Your oregano seeds should germinate in 7 to 14 days. Warmer soil can speed this up so use a heat mat if your growing area is cool.

Step 4: Place Your Container In A Bright Spot

When you start to see new growth get them into the light. Oregano likes a lot of sunlight and a warm soil temperature of around 70°.

Even full sun is OK as long as the temperature isn’t too high. If you don’t have a bright sunny window use supplemental lighting.

Make sure the area is free from drafts and has good air circulation.

There are several different ways to provide light. You can use compact fluorescent or standard fluorescent plant lights but you will have to change the bulbs yearly.

LED grow lights last for years and give you more light while using less electricity. Here is a good LED grow light for microgreens. Step 5: Water Regularly And Keep The Soil Moist

Use a spray bottle to mist the surface of the soil every day until all seeds have germinated.

Once the new oregano plants start growing, water them less frequently but make sure that the soil does not dry out completely.

Step 6: Thin Out Overcrowded Microgreens As They Grow

Thin out and space plants out to eliminate overcrowded microgreens as they grow. When oregano microgreens reach 3-4 inches tall, start to pinch off some seedlings so that the remaining plants can get enough space to mature properly.

Step 7: Harvest When Ready

Oregano microgreens are ready for harvest when they reach 4-5 inches tall. Cut them off at the soil line with scissors or a sharp knife, then enjoy your freshly harvested oregano microgreens in salads, sandwiches, soups, and more.

Growing oregano microgreens is easy and fun. With these seven simple steps, you can have delicious home-grown oregano microgreens in no time. So what are you waiting for?

What Is Oregano?

Oregano Origanum vulgare) is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It was native to the Mediterranean region, but widely naturalized elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregano

How Oregano Is Used

Oregano is an aromatic herb and a member of the mint family. It has a robust and pungent flavor that can liven up almost any dish. Most commonly it is used in Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

Oregano is known for its essential oil content and adds a unique flavor to pizza toppings, garlic bread, sauces, as well as chicken and fish.

Due to its strong flavor, it is important to use it sparingly when preparing recipes; as a pinch of oregano may go further than you realize.

As with many herbs and spices, the leaves can be used both fresh or dried depending on what your recipe requires.

Oregano offers a fantastic way to kick-start flavor and inject depth into any dish.

What Is The Difference Between Oregano And Marjoram

Oregano and marjoram may look very similar, but they offer different flavors. Oregano has a more pungent and spicy taste, while marjoram is milder and sweeter.

Marjoram Origanum majorana) is a cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavors. In some Middle Eastern countries, marjoram is synonymous with oregano, and there the names sweet marjoram and knotted marjoram are used to distinguish it from other plants of the genus Origanum. It is also called pot marjoram, although this name is also used for other cultivated species of Origanum.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjoram

Both are members of the mint family. Oregano and Marjoram are native to the Mediterranean region. Below is marjoram.

Both are popular herbs found in numerous Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta sauces. But oregano is especially favored in Greek cuisine where it is used as the main flavor rather than an accent.

Here is oregano. Besides a difference in flavor oregano is a much larger plant.

Although both spices have their unique place in the kitchen, each one comes with its own properties that blend differently depending on the dish they’re used in. The key? Experimenting with your recipes to find an ideal balance of both flavors.

Oregano is a pungent, robust herb with a warm, slightly bitter flavor. It has oval-shaped leaves and can grow up to two feet in height.

Marjoram, on the other hand, is a milder, sweeter herb with a more delicate flavor. It has small, round leaves and grows to a height of about one foot. It is sometimes called sweet marjoram or pot marjoram because its smaller size lends it better to growing on windowsills or in window boxes.

In terms of culinary uses, oregano is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, while marjoram is often used in French and German cooking.

Oregano is also more versatile and can be used in a wider range of dishes, while marjoram is best suited for delicate dishes where its subtle flavor won’t be overpowered.

Oregano Varieties

Oregano is a versatile herb, with several varieties allowing home chefs to get creative while adding flavor to their dishes. There are probably 30 or more types of oregano but only 3 or 4 are widely used.

Turkish oregano is actually a local hybrid and has a unique flavor reminiscent of lemongrass and mint all at once, making it perfect for chicken, fish, and pork.

Greek oregano boasts more pungent, pine-like aromas that pair well with hearty roasted vegetables or on top of pizza. Greek oregano is often considered the “true” oregano and has a strong, pungent flavor. It is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

With Mexican oregano, the traditional notes of oregano are combined with hints of licorice and citrus in order to add some zip to tacos, salsas, marinades, and more. Mexican oregano has a more robust, spicy flavor than the other varieties, and is commonly used in Mexican and Southwestern American cuisine.

Italian oregano has a milder, sweeter flavor than Greek oregano, and is often used in Italian and American cuisine.

In general, oregano has a warm, slightly bitter, and spicy flavor, and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, and soups.

Oregano Health Benefits

Research on oregano has linked it to naturally reducing inflammation in the body as well as fighting bacteria and fungi thanks to the high levels of carvacrol found in it.

The essential oils in oregano are believed to not only help ease colds but possibly even lower the risk of cancer due to the antioxidants found in them.

For those looking for an herbal supplement that can bring more than just flavor to the table, oregano may be the answer!

Oregano Microgreens FAQs

Oregano microgreens are a savory treasure, making a delightful addition to numerous dishes.

Though small in size, their intense flavor can be a game-changer in the culinary world.

Below are some common queries answered to help you understand better and grow your own oregano microgreens effortlessly.

Q. Does oregano grow well indoors?

A. Yes, oregano is quite easy to grow indoors. For best results when grown indoors, oregano needs plenty of light and moderate temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).

It’s best to keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. If you’re growing your oregano from seed, start in small pots and transplant to larger ones as the plants mature.

You can also start oregano microgreens in just a few weeks, making it an ideal herb for indoor growing.

Regardless of how you choose to grow your oregano indoors, make sure to check on your plants regularly and if growing larger plants keep them well-fed with fertilizer. If grown properly, your oregano can provide you with plenty of flavor for months to come.

Q. Does oregano need a lot of sunlight?

A. Yes, oregano does need a considerable amount of sunlight in order to thrive. It’s best to position the herb in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

If you’re growing oregano indoors, make sure to provide supplemental grow lights during the winter months when natural light may be lacking.

Additionally, if you’re growing your oregano in a pot on a windowsill or balcony, rotate it regularly so that all sides are exposed to an equal amount of sunlight.

With the proper amount of light, your oregano plants will stay healthy and be ready to harvest when you’re looking for that perfect sprinkle of flavor.

Q. What is the best way to harvest oregano?

A. When harvesting oregano, it’s best to pick individual leaves or stems as needed during the growing season.

For oregano microgreens, simply snip the tops of young plants when they are about 2-3 inches high.

You can also harvest larger oregano plants by cutting off stems in order to prevent them from overgrowing and becoming too woody.

Make sure to leave some unharvested branches so that your oregano can continue to regrow and provide you with fresh leaves season after season.

With how easy it is to grow oregano at home, you’ll never run out of delicious flavor for your favorite dishes. Here is more on how to store microgreens.

Q. Does oregano need a lot of water?

A. No, oregano does not need a lot of water. In fact, it’s best to keep the soil moist but not soggy when growing oregano indoors.

It’s important to check on your plants regularly and adjust how often you water them accordingly.

If the leaves appear wilted, give them a drink of water and make sure that your pot has adequate drainage.

Additionally, make sure to avoid over-watering your oregano as this can cause root rot.

Q. Can you grow oregano indoors year-round?

A. Yes, oregano can be grown indoors year-round if you provide it with the proper conditions.

As mentioned before, oregano needs plenty of light and moderate temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).

You can also supplement natural sunlight with grow lights during the winter months when it may be lacking. 

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, oregano is a flavorful and versatile herb that can add depth to any dish. Its varied origins and properties offer a wide range of options for creative home cooks.

Not only does it provide flavor, but oregano also boasts several beneficial Nutritionals that can help support overall health.

With how easy it is to grow your own oregano microgreens at home, you can have fresh oregano year-round without ever having to leave the house.

So what are you waiting for? Start growing your own oregano microgreens today and reap the delicious rewards of this aromatic herb.