Where Does Mexican Oregano Grow?

Though not a true oregano, Mexican oregano is native to Mexico, as well as Guatemala and parts of South America. A somewhat ungainly shrub, it grows up to five feet tall and wide.

Can you grow Mexican oregano?

Mexican oregano can be planted outdoors in the spring as soon as all chance of frost has passed. It can be grown from seed, cuttings, or crown divisions. Growing Mexican oregano is very easy. The plants prefer full sun and need lots of space as they tend to spread out.

Where does oregano grow best?

full sun
Oregano grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It will also grow in rocky soil, though. Native to the Mediterranean and Europe, oregano can thrive in areas with tough growing conditions. If you have swampy or heavy soil, plant oregano in a container or raised bed.

Is there a difference between Mexican oregano and regular?

In other words, Mexican oregano is completely different from what we consider “regular” oregano, a fact that would become obvious if you tasted the two side-by-side. Where Mediterranean oregano is sweet, with anise notes, Mexican oregano is grassy, with citrus notes.

How do you grow Mexican oregano seeds?

If you are starting seeds indoors, plant them 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or peat pots in a quality seed starting mix. You can plant 2-5 of the tiny seeds in each hole. Place in a sunny spot and water uniformly. The seeds will germinate in two to four weeks.

Can Mexican oregano survive winter?

In fact, Mexican oregano hardiness falls between USDA zones 7b and 11. In zones 7b through 8a, however, it’s only root hardy. This means that all the top growth will die back in the winter, with the roots surviving to put up new growth each spring.

Is Mexican oregano the same as cilantro?

Cilantro. Just like the Mexican oregano, this familiar herb is popular in the Southwest United States and Central America. Cilantro is mainly used in Mexican dishes like this corn and bean tacos recipe. The Mexican herb will give you a more darker and robust flavor.

Is oregano invasive?

Greek Oregano is an invasive plant that will quickly spread throughout your garden so you will have to cut it back often or plant it in a container to keep it under control. It requires well drained soil, at least 6 hours of sun, and be careful not to overwater as too much moisture can be destructive.

How long do oregano plants live?

Old woody branches that become leggy (more stem than leaf) should be cut out at the end of winter, and plants should be replaced every five years to prevent legginess. The lifespan of oregano is about five or six years, and usually, one harvest is done in the first year and two in the following years.

Does oregano need full sun?

Oregano prefers a sunny spot; however, in zone 7 and farther south, it benefits from a little afternoon shade. Set plants in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.

What is another name for Mexican oregano?

Mexican Oregano, Oregano Cimarr n, Hierba Dulce. There are many common names for this tenacious little shrub, including Mexican oregano, oregano cimarrón, hierba dulce, and redbrush lippia to name a few.

Can I use Mexican oregano in spaghetti sauce?

Although Mexican and Italian oregano can be used interchangeably, it isn’t a great idea for some recipes. For example, a sweet tomato sauce benefits from a sprinkle of regular oregano but if you add the Mexican version it will dominate the dish.

Can you use oregano for Mexican oregano?

One ingredient won’t make or break a recipe, but oregano and Mexican oregano offer different flavors. You can substitute oregano for Mexican oregano, but the taste may be different from what you’re looking for.

Is Mexican oregano invasive?

Roots: Non-invasive. Wildlife: Attracts pollinating insects. Its flavor usually discourages browsing mammals.

Are Mexican oregano flowers edible?

Oregano flowers are edible and add interest, color, and flavor to countless dishes. The flavor of oregano flowers is much less intense than that of dried oregano leaves, which have an intense flavor. The leaves of the oregano plant are often used in cooking and made into a spice.

Is Cuban oregano the same as Mexican oregano?

Mexican oregano is not the same as Cuban oregano. The two herbs come from different plants and have different flavor profiles. The leaves of Cuban oregano have a scent that is a mixture of oregano, thyme, and turpentine. The flavor of Cuban oregano is similar to oregano, but with a stronger mint flavor.

Will oregano come back every year?

Although oregano thrives in a warm climate, it’s a hardy perennial that returns year after year — and without much work! Oregano has the ability to even withstand snowstorms and still continue to produce healthy, vibrantly colored leaves.

Should you cut flowers off oregano?

Oregano begins blooming in late spring or early summer depending on the variety. The spent flowers can be removed to keep the plants looking tidy and once the plants have finished flowering you can cut the plant down to ground level. Oregano is a perennial herb so it will grow back the following year.

Will oregano come back after flowering?

Oregano grows fast & benefits from a mid-season pruning right after flowering. That’ll stimulate even more of that tasty new growth.

What is Mexican oregano good for?

Mexican oregano is a staple in Mexican cooking. It a popular seasoning for pozole, black beans, and lots of meat dishes. In Latin American kitchens, it is an all-purpose seasoning that can be found in just about any dish. In Mexico, it’s even used as an herbal tea ingredient!

Is drinking oregano tea good for you?

The bottom line. As an herb, oregano offers many health benefits and has been shown to be antiviral, antibacterial, and to include antioxidants. It’s unclear how drinking it as a tea stacks up against other methods of consumption. Still, it’s fairly safe so it may be worth trying if you’re interested.