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Growing Oregano - Gourmet_Mom - 05-30-2009
Two years ago, I had an oregano plant and it did great. It even came back the next year. Unfortunately, I planted a tarragon in the same pot last year, and it took over. I lost my oregano. This year, I bought another one, but it is different. The other one was a "runner", while this one is more "bushy". The problem is, it's flowering out! I have cut it back in places and it seems to be doing fine in those areas...coming back thicker than ever. Is the Italian "bush" variety like other herbs....the flavor is lost after it flowers???? Should I cut back all the stems flowering? Save those tops? Dry or freeze?
Help!
Re: Growing Oregano - cjs - 05-30-2009
If I can keep oregano all year round, Daphne, I would think you could - just keep the darn tarragon out of the neighborhood!!
When mine starts to blossom, I just cut it back to 3-4" and keep going with it.
Re: Growing Oregano - Gourmet_Mom - 05-30-2009
You know, now that you mention it, I don't think I even tried to carry the oregano over the winter that year....I think I just let it die back. We'll see this year. I've got it in a smaller pot this time, so I'll be able to bring it in, if I need to. Last time it was in a huge half whiskey barrel. Thanks for the tips!
Re: Growing Oregano - Mare749 - 05-30-2009
Just curious, does anyone ever USE the flowers? I never have, but it seems a shame not to.
Re: Growing Oregano - cjs - 05-31-2009
I don't remember if I've ever used them for garnish or not, but don't think I've eaten them.
Re: Growing Oregano - Gourmet_Mom - 05-31-2009
Considering I can't seem to keep up with the oregano enough to prevent flowering, I decided to look it up. Here's what I found: Choosing Herb Blosoms for Eating
Re: Growing Oregano - cjs - 06-01-2009
and they all look so pretty when used also.
Re: Growing Oregano - Lorraine - 06-01-2009
My oregano grew really well in Toronto, and wintered over every year. I used to trim it back when I saw buds / flowers, and the flowers got chopped up with everything else. They looked good as a garnish, and if the stems were thick and woody, they made good skewers.
Re: Growing Oregano - cjs - 06-01-2009
plus, it even beat the rosemary in living thru last winter!!!