Can You Eat Ornamental Oregano: A Guide to Edible Foliage
Alright, folks! Bertie here, and today we're gonna have ourselves a good ol' chat about ornamental oregano.
Now, don't you go thinkin' this is just some fancy plant for city slickers. No siree, ornamental oregano's got more tricks up its sleeve than a magician at the county fair!
Let me tell you, when I first laid eyes on a Kent Beauty ornamental oregano, I thought it was prettier than a speckled pup. But then I got to wonderin' - can you eat the darn thing? Well, hold onto your hats, 'cause we're about to find out!
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What in tarnation is Ornamental Oregano?
Now, let me tell you about ornamental oregano plants. It's like the peacock of the herb world - all dressed up and showin' off! These plants are part of the Origanum family, just like their culinary cousins, but they've got a whole lot more flair.
You've got varieties like Kent Beauty and Amethyst Falls that have stems wigglier than a worm on a hot skillet. And don't even get me started on those colorful varieties with their pretty pink flowers! They come in the prettiest pastel colors you ever did see. It's like Mother Nature decided to paint 'em with watercolors.
If you want to give it a go and grow ornamental oregano, Kent Beauty can be found at Jackson & Perkins and Amethyst Falls can be found at Secret Garden Growers or High Country Gardens. There are other places to find these beautiful plants as well - just "google" the names!
Ornamental oregano plants are tougher than an old boot, too. Deer turn their noses up at it, and it'll grow just about anywhere you stick it. It's perfect for hangin' baskets or sprucing up a rocky patch in your garden.
Growin' Your Ornamental Oregano
Now, if you're fixin' to grow ornamental oregano yourself, listen up! These plants are sunnier than a rooster at dawn - they love baskin' in full sun.
But if you've only got a partly sunny spot, don't you fret. They'll make do, but they might not have as many of those pretty pink flowers as much as their sun-soaked brothers.
When it comes to plantin', ornamental oregano's not picky. Just make sure your soil drains faster than gossip spreads at the church picnic. These plants don't like wet feet, no sir!
And a big plus for them? They are drought tolerant and low maintenance! Deer resistant, too!
If you're growing ornamental oregano in a container, that's just fine too. In fact, if you live where Jack Frost likes to visit often, a pot might be just the ticket.
There's more kinds of ornamental oregano than you can shake a stick at. You've got Kent Beauty with leaves as blue-green as a summer sky, and Pilgrim that'll trail down your hangin' basket prettier than Rapunzel's hair. That's just namin' a few of their many plants.
Takin' Care of Your Pretty Herb
Caring for ornamental oregano plants is easier than fallin' off a log. These plants are tougher than a two-dollar steak, but they do appreciate a little TLC.
First off, don't go drownin' your oregano. Water it when the soil feels drier than a cow's tongue, but don't let it sit in water. That's a sure-fire way to make your plant sadder than a tick on a bald dog.
Come spring, before your oregano starts wakin' up, give it a good haircut. Cut it back to about 6 inches tall. It might look like you've gone and scalped the poor thing, but trust me, it'll thank you later with a bushel of new growth.
If you want more plants, well, ornamental oregano's happy to oblige. You can start new plants from seeds, divide up the old ones, or even take cuttings. It's like getting a whole passel of plants for free!
Can You Really Eat It?
Now, here's the million-dollar question - can you eat ornamental oregano? Well, I'm here to tell you that you sure can! But hold your horses before you go chomping down on it like a rabbit in a lettuce patch.
You see, ornamental oregano is like the shy cousin at the family reunion. It's got flavor, but it's not as bold as its culinary kin. Some folks say it's milder than a newborn kitten. But don't let that stop you from givin' it a try in your cookin'!
Cookin' with Ornamental Oregano
If you're itchin' to use your ornamental oregano in the kitchen, here's a few ideas to get you started:
- Toss some leaves in your salad. It'll add a touch of flavor and make your bowl look prettier than a Sunday hat.
- Throw a handful into your soup or stew. It might not knock your socks off, but it'll add a nice touch.
- Mix it up with some olive oil and vinegar for a dressing that'll make your taste buds do a little dance.
- If you're feeling fancy, mix it with other herbs like thyme and rosemary. It's like gettin' the whole herb garden in one bite!
Remember, cookin' is all about experimentin'. So don't be afraid to play around with your ornamental oregano. Who knows? You might just stumble on a combination that's better than butter on a biscuit!
Well, folks, that about wraps up our chat about ornamental oregano. It's a plant that's prettier than a picture and useful to boot, especially pretty hanging baskets.
Whether you're growin' it for looks or for eats, ornamental oregano is sure to earn its keep in your garden. So go on and give it a try - your garden (and maybe even your dinner plate) will thank you!
What can I use ornamental oregano for?
Ornamental oreganos are great for hanging baskets, rock gardens, and as a ground cover. You can also use it in cookin', though it's milder than culinary oregano.
Is flowering oregano edible?
Yes, flowering oregano is edible. The flowers are not only pretty but can add a mild oregano flavor to salads or as a garnish.
Is trailing oregano edible?
Yep, trailing oregano is edible too. It's often used more for looks than flavor, but you can still munch on it or use it in cookin'. Just don't try to eat the wiry stems!
Can ornamental oreganos be grown indoors?
Sure as sunshine! Ornamental oregano can be grown indoors in a sunny spot. Just make sure it gets enough full sun and don't overwater it.
How often should I water ornamental oregano?
Water ornamental oregano when the top inch of soil feels dry. These plants prefer to be on the dry side, so it's better to underwater than overwater.
Does ornamental oregano come back every year?
In most cases, yes. Ornamental oregano is a perennial in USDA zones 4-9, meaning it'll come back year after year, tough as an old boot.
Thanks for stopping by our beehive! We hope you enjoyed our article. If you have any questions, just shoot us an email at Bertie@bertiesbuzz.com. We'd love to hear from ya!
Bertie
About the Author: Hi, I'm Jacki, and I write under the persona of Bertie, my beloved maternal grandmother. Bertie, born in 1891, was the wife of a farmer and an incredible gardener. Although she wasn't formally educated, her intelligence and deep understanding of gardening and farming were unmatched. She passed away in 1974, leaving me with a rich heritage of grassroots living and a wealth of practical gardening knowledge. Through her memory, I reach back into this rich history to share timeless gardening wisdom with you.
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