MOROCCAN OREGANO SEEDS

Origanum virens

Common also to the Azores and the Iberian peninsula and frequently the culinary oregano of choice in Spanish and Portuguese kitchens. Sometimes listed as Spanish Marjoram. Flavorful and rich in thymol and carvacrol, but not so pungent as Greek Oregano. Grows to just over 1' in bloom. Small smooth leaves, pale green bracts and creamy white flowers. Hardy to at least zone 4. Just a lovely little herb.

Start these tiny seeds indoors. Press into moist soil and mist generously with warm water. Cover with plastic to maintain moisture. Kept warm and moist in bright light, seeds begin to germinate within a week or so. Uncover once germination has begun. Prick out seedlings with true leaves to grow on in individual 3" pots at room temperature in bright light. Do not overwater. Transplant well-rooted seedlings into well-drained sunny soils in spring or autumn. Compact and upright plants make very nice companions for most other herb garden occupants.

Harvest these plants for drying before they flower. Sprinkle the tiny white flowers of blooming plants atop scrambled eggs, cold bean salad, and roasted tomatoes.

Packet contains at least 300 seeds.