Greek Oregano

Greek Oregano is the true native herb found growing wild in Greece, and it's highly pungent. With a stronger, more aromatic flavor and scent than regular Oregano, it is one of the most important herbs of Italian, Greek and Mexican cooking. In addition, Oregano is a medicinal herb as well with therapeutic properties in the essential oil. The Greek Oregano plant is a bushy perennial herb with attractive, deep purple-brown stems and 1 1/2 inch broadly ovate leaves that often have a red flush. Branched clusters of purple-pink flowers appear all summer. Grows to 18 inches tall and wide. Trim plants back before flowering (6 weeks or so after sowing Oregano seed) to stimulate a dense growth habit. Allow some of the flowers to produce and drop their seed, and the Oregano patch will stay fresh and vigorous.  To harvest, clip fresh leaves as needed throughout the growing season. For drying, cut stems with flower heads just before full flowering for the best flavor. Dry on wire racks in a cool,