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Suitability of Oregano as a Commercial Culinary Herb Crop-2004 Report

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This is a 2004 report from a NC Specialty Crops Program Project. It is posted for historical reference purposes.

PROJECT LEADER(S): Willie Wilson for Jerry Walden

LOCATION: Estelle Farms, 4650 White Store Rd., Wingate, NC 28174

IMPACT
Demand for fresh cut culinary herbs is increasing in the southern piedmont region of NC. Initial trials show that Oregano can be grown in North Carolina as a commercial culinary herb crop.

INTRODUCTION

There are few culinary herb growers in NC. The market has dramatically increased in the past few years and based on trends, will continue to grow. Oreganos hybridize readily, so root division is the most reliable form of propagation. There are several varieties most of which are not suitable for culinary use, so care must be taken initially when selecting plants.

METHODS

Oregano is extremely invasive and must be grown in enclosed area or container. We found that for ease of planting and harvesting, the best containers are five foot diameter kiddie wading pools. Several holes were punched in the bottom of the pool for drainage. The pools were then placed on pallets and filled to depth of six inches with a peat lite potting mix consisting of 55% Canadian Sphagnum Peat, perlite, and vermiculite. Root cuttings were planted on a spacing of five inches on center. Once the plants started to grow, approximately seven days, they were placed on a 30 day fertilizer cycle using a standard 15-30-15 mix. Water was applied as necessary to maintain a moist, but not wet, soil condition.

RESULTS

The time from planting to first harvest was eight weeks. First harvest yielded 1lb per 20 square foot of growing space. As the plants propagated over the next six months, yields increased to 1lb per 10 square feet. It is worthy to note that the small leaf and stem size of oregano requires a relatively large space to yield ratio. Oregano goes dormant during the winter, and so it is only viable as an outside crop for about seven months. Once established, it will come back in the spring

CONCLUSION

Oregano can be successfully grown in this region of NC.

TABLES & PHOTOS

Oregano at 16 weeks

Oregano at 16 weeks ready for 2nd harvest. Notice density of plants

Reviewed by Jeanine Davis, NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University on 7/26/2022.