Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a hardy perennial herb known for its aromatic leaves and robust flavor, commonly used in culinary dishes, particularly in Mediterranean and Italian cooking. This variety of oregano, distinguished by its unique purple butterfly-like flowers, adds an ornamental touch to any herb garden. Its vibrant blooms attract pollinators while its leaves offer a powerful herbal aroma perfect for seasoning a variety of dishes. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or a gardener looking to add a functional and beautiful plant to your space, these oregano seeds are an excellent choice.

Key Features:

• 500 Premium Seeds: Each pack contains 500 high-quality oregano seeds, providing ample opportunity to grow a thriving oregano patch or to share with fellow gardeners.
• Purple Butterfly Flowers: The unique purple flowers resemble butterflies, adding ornamental beauty to your garden and enhancing its visual appeal.
• Aromatic Leaves: Oregano is known for its strong, pungent aroma, making it perfect for use in cooking and for infusing oils or vinegars.
• Versatile Culinary Herb: Widely used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, oregano enhances sauces, meats, salads, and more.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an ideal plant for supporting local wildlife and increasing biodiversity.
• Hardy and Low-Maintenance: Oregano is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant once established, making it an ideal herb for beginner gardeners and experienced green thumbs alike.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Oregano thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. While it can tolerate light shade, its flavor and bloom production are best when exposed to full sunlight.
• Soil Preferences: Oregano prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.5-7.0). It is tolerant of dry soils but will grow best in rich, loamy soil.
• Planting Tips:
  • Indoor Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds on the surface of a light, well-draining seed mix and gently press them in. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide a warm, sunny location for germination.
  • Outdoor Planting: Once the threat of frost has passed, sow the seeds directly into your garden in rows, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart to allow room for growth. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently.
  • Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days when kept at a temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
• Watering Needs: Water regularly, especially during the dry season, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Oregano is drought-tolerant once established but will grow more vigorously with consistent moisture.
• Temperature: Oregano thrives in moderate climates and is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. It can tolerate occasional frost but performs best in warm to temperate conditions.
• Spacing: Space oregano plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for their spread and to avoid overcrowding, as they can grow up to 18 inches in height and width.

Benefits:

• Culinary Uses: Oregano is an essential herb in Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for flavoring dishes like pizza, pasta sauces, meats, and salads. Its leaves can be dried and stored for use throughout the year.
• Health Benefits: Oregano is rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used to support digestion, respiratory health, and as an anti-inflammatory.
• Pollinator Support: The purple butterfly flowers attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and aiding in the pollination of other plants in your garden.
• Low Maintenance: Oregano is a hardy herb that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels. It is resistant to most pests and tolerates a variety of growing conditions.
• Ornamental Beauty: The purple butterfly-like flowers provide an ornamental value, making oregano a lovely addition to herb gardens, flower beds, and even containers.

Growing Zones:
Oregano is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, thriving in moderate to warm climates. It can be grown in cooler zones as an annual, or indoors year-round.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Culinary Herb Garden: Plant oregano alongside other culinary herbs such as basil, thyme, and rosemary for easy access to fresh seasoning.
• Pollinator Garden: With its attractive flowers, oregano is an excellent plant for creating a garden that supports local pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Container Gardening: Oregano grows well in containers, making it a perfect choice for patio or balcony gardens. Just be sure the container has good drainage.
• Ground Cover: Oregano can also serve as a low-growing ground cover that helps to suppress weeds while providing flavorful leaves and attractive flowers.

Conclusion:
The Origanum vulgare purple butterfly flower variety offers both beauty and functionality in your garden. Not only will it bring lovely purple blooms that attract pollinators, but it also provides aromatic leaves that are perfect for culinary use. With its ease of care, hardy nature, and wide range of uses, oregano is a fantastic addition to herb gardens, flower beds, or containers. Whether you're growing it for its fragrance, health benefits, or culinary purposes, this oregano variety is sure to enhance your garden and your meals.