Check out these three herbs. Ajwain/ carom seeds plant, Ajwain leaf/Cuban Oregano/Ajwain Leaf/ Mexican Mint, and the normal oregano herb/ Italian oregano. These three herbs are very much similar in flavor but they are different plants. They are very commonly mistaken for each other. I know at least I did that mistake until I grew carom seeds plants. I used to believe that Cuban Oregano produces Carom seeds. In India, we make very delicious fritters with Cuban Oregano leaves and I really wanted to grow them in my home garden. I have grown Cuban oregano before but it didn’t produce any seeds that time and died in winter so never got the opportunity to see the actual seeds before.
I started carom seeds in the hope to grow some flavorful Cuban Oregano and ended up getting this plant that looked nothing like Cuban Oregano. If you are like me who get confused between these two plants, let’s clear our confusion completely. Let’s begin.
Oregano is an aromatic herb that is a staple in many cuisines around the world. With itstangy, slightly bitter taste, oregano livens up pasta sauces, pizzas, meat dishes, and more While dried oregano can be easily found at the grocery store, many home gardeners enjoy growing their own fresh oregano from seeds However, with their tiny size, it can be tricky to know what oregano seeds look like in order to purchase and plant the right ones. In this article, we’ll zoom in for a close look at identifying oregano seeds.
Size, Shape and Color
The defining characteristic of oregano seeds is just how small they are. Measuring only 1-2 mm long, oregano seeds are about the size of a sesame seed. Five oregano seeds lined up would stretch about the width of a dime. Their tiny dimensions help the wind carry them away from the parent plant for dispersal.
In shape, oregano seeds resemble miniature footballs. They have an oblong, oval profile that is slightly flattened on the sides rather than rounded. This distinguishes them from more spherical seeds like basil or carrots.
Oregano seeds range in color from light tan to medium brown depending on the variety. Greek oregano tends to have paler brown seeds while Italian oregano seeds are darker. When examining oregano seeds up close, the color comes from the seed coat.
Surface Texture and Pods
Zooming in even further reveals that oregano seeds have an intricate surface texture. Under magnification, the seed coat appears finely pitted and grooved with rough patterns resembling fingerprints. This distinctive rough texture likely helps the seeds grip the soil after dispersal.
Oregano seeds develop inside tiny, elongated seed pods that measure only 3-4 mm long. Each pod contains 1-2 seeds. The pods split open when the seeds are mature to release them. The small flower heads contain multiple seed pods.
Popular Varieties
While there are over 50 species of oregano, a few common varieties used for cooking include:
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Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum): The most popular cooking variety with a robust, pungent flavor. Has light brown seeds.
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Italian oregano (Origanum x majoricum): Features a sweeter, mellower flavor. Its seeds are darker brown.
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Cretan oregano (Origanum onites): Native to the Mediterranean region. Seeds are light brown.
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Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens): Not a true oregano but used similarly in Southwestern cooking. Has very tiny, dark seeds.
Where to Find Oregano Seeds
Oregano seeds are readily available at most garden centers, nurseries, and online retailers. When purchasing, look for details on the seed packet like:
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Species/variety
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Seed count
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Origin (Greek, Italian, etc.)
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Days to maturity
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Planting instructions
Reputable seed companies like Burpee, Ferry-Morse, and Eden Brothers sell oregano seeds online or through catalogs. Prices typically range from $1 to $5 per packet.
You can also harvest oregano seeds from homegrown plants. Allow the flower heads to fully mature and dry on the stems before collecting the tiny seeds and storing them in envelopes or jars.
Planting Oregano Seeds
Oregano can be grown from seeds either indoors or directly sown outside. Here are some tips for success:
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting date.
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Sow seeds on the soil surface of seed starting mix without covering, as oregano needs light to germinate.
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Maintain even moisture and provide bottom heat of 70°F for quick germination in 14-21 days.
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Transplant outdoors after last frost once seedlings have 4-6 true leaves.
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Space plants 12-16 inches apart in full sun with well-drained soil.
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Water when the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry. Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer.
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Harvest leaves before buds open for the best flavor.
While tiny, oregano seeds deliver huge flavor. With the ability to recognize their small size, oval shape, and intricate textures, you’ll be ready to plant and grow your own oregano!
- Tiny (1-2mm long)
- Oblong/oval shaped
- Range from light tan to dark brown
- Have a pitted, rough surface
- Contained in small pods on flower heads
Now that you know what to look for, it will be easy to identify authentic oregano seeds and add this tasty herb to your garden. Get ready to enjoy fresh oregano flavor in your cooking all season long!
How are Cuban Oregano, Oregano, and Carom Seeds Similar?
All three of these plants smell somewhat similar. It is because they all contain Thymol and some other essential oils and phenolic compounds that are common to them. That is the reason they all smell alike. The smell can be aroma for someone and can be nauseating to others depending on the personality. But overall it is very strong, pungent, and medicinal.
The other similarity is that they all have tiny flowers that grow in clusters that invite many beneficial insects and pollinators into the garden.
The third similarity is that all three of these plants grow super fast. So you can use them to quickly fill up the empty spaces in the garden.
Some people say that these highly aromatic herbs keep rabbits away but rabbits in my yard don’t get bothered by them. I have a tiny oregano patch and many times when I go out in the yard, I see rabbits leaping into this patch to hide from me.
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Check out these three herbs. Ajwain/ carom seeds plant, Ajwain leaf/Cuban Oregano/Ajwain Leaf/ Mexican Mint, and the normal oregano herb/ Italian oregano. These three herbs are very much similar in flavor but they are different plants. They are very commonly mistaken for each other. I know at least I did that mistake until I grew carom seeds plants. I used to believe that Cuban Oregano produces Carom seeds. In India, we make very delicious fritters with Cuban Oregano leaves and I really wanted to grow them in my home garden. I have grown Cuban oregano before but it didn’t produce any seeds that time and died in winter so never got the opportunity to see the actual seeds before.
I started carom seeds in the hope to grow some flavorful Cuban Oregano and ended up getting this plant that looked nothing like Cuban Oregano. If you are like me who get confused between these two plants, let’s clear our confusion completely. Let’s begin.
How to Save Your Very Own Oregano Seeds EASY!
FAQ
What to do with oregano that has gone to seed?
Plant Care
Oregano needs minimal maintenance – simply harvest sprigs of young leaves regularly to encourage bushy new growth and cut back the flower stems once they go to seed.
Are oregano seeds tiny?
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Stone Pier Presshttps://stonepierpress.orgHow to grow oregano – Stone Pier PressGROW IT. Planting. Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. Oregano seeds are very tiny, almost dust-like, so it’s easy to plant them too deep. Se…
What are the little holes in my oregano leaves?
When it comes to eating holes in leaves, no pests beat slugs and snails. These slimy creatures typically eat holes toward the center of leaves, not along the outer edges. They leave large, irregular leaf holes in their wake. While slug and snail holes vary in shape, the hole edges are relatively smooth.
What color are oregano seeds?
Ranging from light tan to medium brown, oregano seeds get their color from the seed coats. Different varieties exhibit slightly different shades. Greek oregano seeds tend to be paler, while Italian oregano seeds are darker brown. Under magnification, the surface of oregano seeds reveals extensive tiny pitting and grooves.
Is it healthy to eat fresh oregano?
It is healthy to eat fresh oregano. Oregano is a source of bioactive substances that help improve intestinal functioning, control the intestinal microbiota, improve immunity, protect the heart and are a source of vitamins.
What does oregano look like?
Research has shown its oils contain antioxidants that may have potential health benefits. Oregano starts as a ground-hugging rosette of leaves, but it can easily grow to about 2 feet tall. Its leaves are generally oval, dark green, sometimes fuzzy, and positioned in opposite pairs along the stems.
How big are oregano seeds?
Oregano seeds are just 1-2 mm long. To imagine how small they are, five oregano seeds lined up would stretch about the width of a dime. Their tiny size enables the wind to carry them far from the parent plant for dispersal. With their oblong oval shape, oregano seeds resemble miniature footballs.
How do you identify a young oregano plant?
Here are some key features to help you identify young oregano plants: Cotyledons: The first leaves that emerge from an oregano seed are called cotyledons. These leaves are small, oval-shaped, and may have a slightly lighter green color than the true leaves that will follow.
What does oregano smell like?
Oregano starts as a ground-hugging rosette of leaves, but it can easily grow to about 2 feet tall. Its leaves are generally oval, dark green, sometimes fuzzy, and positioned in opposite pairs along the stems. The plant can have a strong, sharp scent with notes of earth, hay, and mint.