Oregano, also known as wild marjoram, is a part of the mint family. Many people mistake oregano microgreens for marjoram microgreens; however, they are both different. The pungent flavor and delicate leaves pair wonderfully with Italian dishes, soups, and more.
There aren't many microgreen growers who choose to grow oregano microgreens. One of the reasons for this is it takes longer to germinate and grow micro oregano than other microgreens. However, we recommend including oregano microgreens in your microgreen gardener. These tasty microgreens add depth and dimension to your favorite dishes.
Our oregano microgreen profile provides you with the information you need to grow micro oregano at home. This easy-to-ready table includes information on the flavor of oregano microgreens, how long it takes to germinate micro oregano. Finally, you will learn how long it takes for your microgreens to be ready to harvest.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Oregano microgreens have a pungent, earthy flavor that is wonderful in tomato-based dishes like spaghetti sauce and minestrone. |
| Pre-Soak (Yes/No) | No – Presoaking is not recommended. |
| Color | Micro oregano has bright green leaves atop green stems. |
| Germination Time | On average, it takes between 5 and 7 days for your microgreens to fully germinate. |
| Harvest Time | Your oregano microgreens will be ready for harvest in 16 to 22 days. |
| Green Thumb Level (1-5) | 4 – Oregano microgreens have a longer germination and harvest time than other microgreens. |
If you have never grown herb microgreens, you probably have some questions. We have gathered the most commonly asked questions and provided you with the answers that you need.
No – Oregano microgreens are like most other types of microgreens and will not regrow after harvest. Once you have harvested your micro oregano, compost the roots and growing medium.
Oregano microgreens are considered slow-growing microgreens. On average, it will take about a week for your oregano microgreens to germinate and then another 3 weeks for your oregano to be ready to harvest.
Oregano microgreens can be used in salads, soups, or Italian dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, or manicotti. Additionally, oregano microgreens are a tasty garnish.
Oregano contains many disease-preventing nutrients like antioxidants. Oregano is a great source of dietary fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels naturally. The microgreen has antiseptic properties and can help treat the flu, colds, stomach viruses, indigestion, and fever.
You will need several pieces of equipment for oregano microgreen growing. You can expect to speed a couple of hundred dollars purchasing the equipment. Although there are other microgreen growing methods, we recommend using the following items to help ensure your success.
A Deluxe Microgreen Starter Kit from True Leaf Market will provide you with the basic equipment you will need to begin growing micro oregano. These kits come with grow trays, a sample of growing medium, a misting bottle, and a variety of seeds. In addition to this starter kit, we recommend purchasing the optional equipment listed below.
If you prefer, you can purchase individual pieces of equipment. The following list of equipment will help ensure the success of growing oregano microgreens.
When it comes to growing mediums, there are several options available. We recommend using coconut coir as your growing medium.
Coconut coir is a growing medium made from pulverized coconut husks. This renewable growing medium is pH neutral. This fine-grained, soilless growing medium drains well, making it the preferred choice for microgreen gardening.
A seed starting soilless growing medium contains extra nutrients designed to optimize growth. Because microgreens are harvested soon after germinating, the extra nutrients are unnecessary as the oregano microgreen seeds have everything the microgreen plant needs to thrive.
You will need three trays for your oregano microgreens. You will want two trays without drainage holes and one tray with drainage holes. When shopping for microgreen growing trays, we recommend purchasing 10-inch by 20-inch growing trays.
You will need to purchase one tray with drainage holes for every tray of oregano microgreens you wish to grow. This tray will be used to hold your growing medium and your oregano microgreen seeds. The drainage holes allow you to water your microgreens without fear of overwatering your microgreens.
The two trays without drainage holes will be used in two different ways. One tray will be used as a blackout dome during the germination process. The other tray will be used to water your oregano microgreens from the bottom up.
A misting bottle allows you to gently water your oregano microgreens without worrying about disturbing your microgreen seeds. Additionally, the fine mist will not damage the delicate microgreen roots.
Full-spectrum LED grow lights provide your oregano microgreens with the light they need to flourish. This light also ensures even growth across the grow tray. LED grow lights should be placed directly above your microgreens.
Although a grow light is considered an optional piece of equipment, we recommend every grower to invest in full-spectrum LED lights to ensure proper growth and development. You can use a timer to ensure your oregano microgreens are receiving the light they need to flourish.
Once your microgreen seeds have been planted, you should place your microgreens atop a heat mat. This heat mat will maintain optimal soil temperatures throughout the entire germination process to maximize the number of microgreens that germinate.
A planter's rack uses the vertical areas of your home, allowing you to grow multiple trays of microgreens. Additionally, the rack provides a perfect place to attach your grow lights and circulation fans.
Circulation fans are used to increase the airflow around your oregano plants. Microgreens are planted very close together, which increases the risk of soilborne illnesses like mold and mildew. Using circulation fans will minimize the risk of developing these issues.
Greek Oregano Microgreen Seeds
Greek Oregano Microgreen Seeds by Mountain Valley Seed Company are non-GMO heirloom oregano microgreen seeds. This perennial features pale green leaves on burgundy stems. It has a true oregano flavor that is great in Mediterranean foods.
Common Italian Oregano Microgreen Seeds
Common Italian Oregano Microgreen Seeds by Mountain Valley Seed Company are non-GMO heirloom oregano microgreen seeds. The pungent flavor of these perennial microgreen seeds is perfect in sauces and soups. The pale green Oval shaped leaves can be used fresh or dry.
Common Italian Oregano Microgreen Seeds
Sustainable Seed Company's Common Italian Oregano Microgreen Seeds are non-GMO heirloom USDA organic certified oregano microgreen seeds. This Italian oregano microgreen features delicate pale green leaves on green stems. Add Common Italian Oregano Microgreens to your favorite dishes to boost flavor and nutrition.
Oregano microgreens our sample to grow when you follow our detailed instructions. We have provided step-by-step directions to help ensure your success. Gather your microgreens growing supplies and follow our instructions for a bountiful harvest of oregano microgreens.
Step one is the process of getting your grow trays ready for microgreen planting. Start by filling your tray with the drainage holes with your chosen growing medium. Take a piece of flat cardboard and press the soil down to compact it. The soil level should be about 1/4 of an inch below the top of the tray.
Once your tray has been filled, you will need to moisten the soil. This will help ensure proper germination and growth. There are a few methods that you can use to moisten your soil. You can do this by either placing your grow tray in a sink full of water or wetting the soil using your misting bottle.
If you want to use your misting bottle to dampen your soil, evenly spray the entire surface of your growing tray. Then, allow the water to be absorbed by the soil for about 15 minutes. Continue wetting your soil and allowing it to be absorbed four to five more times. This will ensure your growing medium is thoroughly saturated and ready for planting.
If you prefer, you can moisten your soil by placing it in a sink full of water. The water should be about 1 inch deep. Use cool, not cold water. Place the tray in the sink and allow the growing medium to draw the water up into the tray for about 45 minutes. Once the growing medium is thoroughly moistened you will be ready to start planting.
You will need approximately 1 ounce of oregano microgreen seeds for each 10-inch by 20-inch growing tray. The seeds should be evenly spaced across the entire surface of your growing tray. One of the best ways to ensure even disbursement of the seeds is to use a spice shaker like this one.
Spread the oregano microgreens seeds across the entire surface of your tray. Then spread a thin layer of growing medium over the seeds. You will only need a couple of handfuls of growing medium. Gently pat down the soil to ensure the seeds are well seated in the soil. Next, mist the entire surface of the growing medium with three to four sprays of water. You will only need to dampen the freshly added soil.
When you plant a seed in the ground, you cover it with soil and tamp down the soil. the soil keeps the seed in total darkness and applies constant pressure. Because we are using grow trays, we must mimic this action. To do this, we must place an inverted grow tray without drainage holes atop the soil. This will block out all light.
Next, take a heavy stone, a weight, or a heavy book and place it atop the inverted growing tray. This will mimic the pressure that is applied to seeds that are planted in the ground. Many new microgreen growers are concerned about placing weight atop their microgreen seeds for fear that they will damage their plants. This is not the case; the weight will actually strengthen your microgreen plants roots, which will create stronger healthier oregano microgreens.
Once you have prepared your trays, sown your microgreen seeds, and inverted and weighed down your microgreen tray, it is time to place the tray atop one of your heat mats. The ideal soil temperature for the germination process of oregano microgreens is 75 degrees.
Set your heating mat to the desired temperature and allow your oregano microgreen seeds to germinate. It should take approximately one week for your seeds to germinate. A tray of microgreen seeds is considered fully germinated when 90% of the seeds have germinated.
You will need to check the moisture level of the growing medium daily throughout the germination process. The soil should feel slightly damp to the touch. If the growing medium feels dry, remove the inverted tray and lightly moisten the soil using your misting bottle. Then, replace the inverted tray and weigh it back down.
Once your oregano microgreen seeds have germinated, it's time to remove the inverted tray. You should also turn off your heating mat and place your microgreens under your LED grow lights. Your grow lots should be approximately 8 to 12 inches from your oregano microgreens.
When the inverted tray is first removed, your oregano microgreens will appear crooked, white, and weak. There is no need to be concerned. Once you place them under the grow lights, their color will develop, and the stems will strengthen and straighten.
Oregano microgreens need about 16 hours of light and eight hours of darkness daily. You can use a simple timer to ensure your oregano microgreens are receiving the recommended amount of light each day. With a timer, your lights will turn on and off as needed which will take the guesswork out of when you should turn your grow lights on and off.
While your oregano microgreens are growing, you will need to ensure that they are properly watered. If they are allowed to dry out, they were wilt and eventually die. If, on the other hand, you overwater your oregano microgreen, you increase the risk of mold development.
Feel the moisture level of your soil daily. If it has become dry, you will need to water it. The best method for watering growing microgreens is bottom watering. This method utilizes the two-tray set up of your oregano microgreens.
Lift the tray with drainage holes out of the tray without drainage holes. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom tray and then place the tray with drainage holes back inside the watered grow tray. Allow the growing medium to soak up the water for about an hour. Afterward, pour off any remaining water from the bottom tray.
Circulation is key to healthy my crane growth. Using circulation fans increases the airflow around the plants, which reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and other soilborne disease development.
Circulation fans should be attached to the side of the planting rack. When attaching these fans, you want to make sure that the air blows across the top of the microgreens rather than along the growing medium surface. If the air flows across the surface soil, the soil will dry out too quickly.
Your oregano microgreens will be ready for harvest in approximately 16 to 22 days. When the cotyledons are fully developed, and the first set of true leaves begin forming, your oregano microgreens are ready for harvest.
Knowing when you should harvest your microgreens is an art rather than a science. You will need to begin tasting your oregano microgreens daily once the cotyledons have developed. When your oregano microgreens taste great, refrain from watering for 12 hours before harvesting your oregano microgreens. This will ensure your microgreens are crisp and remain fresh for a longer period of time.
Once your oregano microgreens are ready to harvest, you will only need a few things. You will need two to three clean paper towels and a sharp knife or a sharp pair of scissors.
When you harvest your oregano microgreens, you need to ensure everything is as dry as possible. If the microgreens are exposed to moisture, their lifespan will be reduced.
Place a couple of paper towels on your countertop. Then, grasp the microgreens in one hand. Using a swift cutting motion, cut the oregano microgreens slightly above the soil surface. Work as quickly as possible as excess air exposure reduces the microgreens' life expectancy.
If you will be eating your oregano microgreens immediately, plunge the freshly harvested microgreens in cool, not cold water. Swirl gently, then remove and place on a paper towel to dry.
If you will be storing your oregano microgreens for later use, continue to the next step.
The following instructions will help maximize the storage time of oregano microgreens. You will need either an airtight storage bag or an airtight storage container and a clean, dry paper towel.
Gather your freshly harvested oregano microgreens and wrap them loosely in the paper towel. The paper towel will absorb any moisture, which will extend the life expectancy of your oregano microgreens.
Place the wrapped microgreens in your storage container or storage bag and seal. Place the sealed storage container or storage bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Ensure the temperature is set to between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
When your oregano microgreens are properly harvested and stored, they will remain fresh for about a week to a week and a half. This should give you ample time to eat your oregano microgreens.
When you are ready to eat your oregano microgreens, you will need to wash them. Fill a container with cool, not cold water. Place your microgreens in the water and give them a swirl. Remove your oregano microgreens from the water and place them on a paper towel to dry.
Oregano microgreens are delectable microgreens that taste amazing in soups and sauces. Add these nutrient-dense microgreens to your favorite Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The oregano microgreens provide a subtle earthy, yet minty flavor that pairs beautifully with tomato-based sauces.
Although oregano microgreens take time to germinate and harvest, they are worth the wait. Our easy-to-understand and follow directions make growing oregano microgreens a breeze.
