Dittany of Crete Oregano Herb Plant

Oregano-Dittany of Crete is a uniquely beautiful herb with trailing clusters of pink to purple blossoms with deep lilac corollas and vivid pink overlapping bracts that sit atop wooly, grayish sage green leaves. This highly fragrant plant is grown for its healing properties and for making incense.

Planting Instructions:

• - Space plants 8-10 inches apart as oregano can spread widely

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-8.0, prefers well-drained soil
• - Incorporate organic matter to enrich poor soils, though oregano thrives in less fertile conditions

Watering Specifics:

• - Water when the soil feels dry to the touch; overwatering can lead to root diseases
• - Oregano is drought-tolerant once established, requiring less frequent watering

Fertilizer Type:

• - Light feeding once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer is sufficient; over-fertilizing can reduce flavor

Pruning and Training:

• - Trim back flowers to promote more leaf growth
• - Cut back the plant in early spring to encourage bushier, new growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Generally pest-resistant; occasionally check for aphids or spider mites
• - Natural insecticides or horticultural oils can manage most infestations

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Oregano can tolerate a range of temperatures; use mulch to protect roots in extremely cold or hot conditions