Cultivation of Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens)
Site: Full sun, heat, and fertile, well-drained soil are all the plant requires. Average moisture is just fine.
Propogation: Although a trifle difficult to find commercially (one nursery source is G.S. Grimes Seeds; 800-241-7333), Mexican oregano couldn't be easier to cultivate. Propagation is also so easy from ripe tip cuttings.
Growing: Hardy in USDA Zones 10 and 11. Gardeners in Zone 9 might risk it outside all year, but heavy, cool, wet winter soils will be its demise. Farther north, try Mexican oregano as a container specimen outdoors in warm weather and overwintered indoors in a greenhouse or south-facing windowsill. Indoors it will relish the same conditions as bay or rosemary—cool temperatures and fresh, circulating air. Watch for spider mites, whiteflies, and mealy bugs.
Harvesting: Though not a true oregano, Mexican oregano is native to Mexico, as well as Guatemala and parts of South America. A somewhat ungainly shrub, it grows up to five feet tall and wide under ideal condition. Its brittle branches are very narrow, stiffly arching, and arranged in a seemingly haphazard manner. Its dark green, highly fragrant, corrugated foliage is minuscule—about 1/3-inch long by...
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Tags:
cooking, gardening, herbs, mexican oregano, propagation
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