SCIENTIFIC NAME: Origanum vulgare hirtum

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 18–21°C.

SOWING: Transplant (recommended): Sow seeds in flats 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sprinkle seeds on the top of the growing medium and tamp them into the soil mix. Do not cover seeds, as they require light to germinate. Keep moist until germination. Transplant to individual containers when seedlings have 4 true leaves. When the danger of frost has passed in the spring, transplant outside, spacing plants 30cmapart in rows 45cm apart. To keep plants healthy, pinch back new growth, remove any old wood at the end of the winter, and replace the plants every 4 years.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun/Part Shade.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Grows best in well-drained, sandy soil. If grown in rich soils it may lose its pungent scent.

PLANT HEIGHT: 20-60cm.

PLANT SPACING: 30cm.

HARDINESS ZONES: Zones 4-9.

HARVEST: Harvest entire stems just as plants are coming into bloom, cutting about 5cm above the base of the plant. An established planting can be cut back two to six times during the growing season.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Origanum vulgare hirtum

DAYS TO MATURITY: 80-90