![Cutting oregano - this is how you harvest the spice](https://img.magicgardening.net/files/garten/935/XA45F000IGpic.jpg)
Height and growth
Depending on the variety and location, oregano can reach heights of between fifteen and sixty centimeters. The small, egg-shaped and slightly hairy leaves are an exquisite kitchen spice that gives dishes such as pizza or tomato sauce that typical southern touch.
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A cut back is possible at any time
The oregano is a robust plant that can easily be pruned. As early as April, when night frosts are no longer to be feared, you can cut the herbs. This pruning is regularly necessary during the summer months.
These cut branches are ideal as cuttings for propagating the plant. To do this, remove the lower leaves from the oregano and place the seedling in a container with potting soil. With appropriate care, the small shoot can quickly develop into a new plant.
Cut back during flowering
If the oregano opens its pretty white, pink or purple lip flowers in midsummer, it tastes most aromatic, because only then are the oils formed. Now is the right time to harvest and process the culinary herbs.
- Cut off the shoots above a branch to encourage growth.
- They can also process the edible flowers of the Dost.
- You can preserve oregano by drying or freezing.
A final cut is made in autumn.
After the harvest season in early autumn, cut the oregano back to about a hand's breadth above the ground. Since not all oregano species are winter-proof, you should give the plant winter protection made of brushwood or fleece.
From this pruning, you can make an aromatic bath salt that is excellent for diseases of the upper respiratory tract:
- Pour 500 g of Dead Sea salt into a screw-top jar.
- Add about 100 grams of the cut branches.
- Mix well.
For very dry skin, adding five tablespoons of whey powder has proven itself.
Tips & Tricks
Oregano likes to grow wild by self-sowing and then, for example, fills the cracks between paving stones or gaps in a holey lawn. If this is undesirable, you should tear out the small seedlings in good time and cut back the oregano before seeds form.
SKb