How to Grow Cuban Oregano From Seeds (Growers Guide)
Cuban oregano is a herb that has been used for centuries in the traditional medicine of Caribbean people. The herb can be found growing wild on the island, and its popularity is spreading to other parts of the world as well.
Growing Cuban oregano from seeds can be challenging because it needs special care and attention to grow successfully. This article will guide you through how to grow Cuban Oregano from seeds.
Table of Contents
When to Start
The best time to start growing Cuban oregano from seeds is at least two months before the last frost date in your area. If you live in a warmer area, you can start earlier than that and then extend the growing season by cutting back the plants when they reach 3-4 feet tall.
Seed Germination
Below, you will find a few simple steps to help you grow Cuban oregano from seed:
1) Fill your container with two parts soil to one part perlite (or more perlite for better drainage). This ratio ensures that the soilless mixture will not overheat while rooting because the perlite will allow more air circulation around the seeds and roots.
2) Fill the plate or container with a moist soilless mix. Be sure to allow some drainage holes in the container, if needed, to prevent standing water.
3) Cuban oregano seeds are tiny, so they need to be placed on top of your soil mixture for sowing.
4) Plant Cuban oregano seeds about 1/8 inch deep in the soil mixture. Space them about 1/2 inch apart for faster growth and more mature plants.
5) Cover the seeds lightly with a fine sprinkling of perlite and water until it is just moist but not soaked.
6) Place the container on a heating mat set to 80 to 90 degrees F (27 – 32 C) for germination. Cuban oregano seeds require 14 to 28 days of warm temperatures to germinate, but will not grow indoors.
7) Once the seeds have grown their first set of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or larger containers for growing. It is hard to give a specific time period for this step because every seed is different and some will take less time than others. The cuban oregano plants need lots of light and warmth for best growth.
Soil Requirements
Prepare the soil by mixing it with sand, lava rocks, or creek rock as long as it is light and airy enough to manage circulation yet firm enough to retain moisture. Mixing in some gravel or pebbles is also a good idea for stability.
Sunlight Requirements
The plants require 4-6 hours of full sunlight all day long. Increase the amount of sunlight during the growing season for your plants if they are getting leggy or tall.
Watering Requirements
Keep the soil moist when growing Cuban oregano. Remember to water your plants once or twice a week since Cuban oregano does not require soaking.
Plant 12″ inches Apart
Keep in mind that Cuban oregano does not like to be crowded, so make sure to plant your seeds at least 12 inches apart from one another. You can also transplant dwarf varieties as they grow into larger pots or beds that offer enough space for you to place them 2 feet apart.
Harvesting
Most people choose to harvest Cuban oregano when it is about a foot tall since it is more potent and flavorful at this stage than it will be at full size.
Pests
Also, keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, white flies, or spider mites. You may spray the plants with a mixture of 1 teaspoon mild soap and 1 gallon of water to get rid of these bugs and keep them from spreading to other plants in your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does oregano take to grow from seed?
Oregano is a perennial herb that grows to about 20 inches tall. It can be grown from seed, but takes 10-15 days to germinate. If the plant is started indoors, it will take an additional 3 weeks before being ready for transplanting outdoors in full sun.
Will Cuban oregano come back every year?
Cuban oregano is an annual herb, meaning that the plants are grown from seed and only last for one season. This means that each time you want to harvest some oregano, you need to start over with new seeds.
Can you eat Cuban oregano raw?
The answer is yes, but with a warning. Cuban oregano has many of the same benefits as other types of oregano. But unlike its Italian counterpart, it can be quite spicy. In order to avoid any unwanted side effects such as upset stomach or heartburn, consume Cuban oregano in moderation until your body gets used to it.
Why is my Cuban oregano dying?
In some cases, the plants are simply not getting enough light, or they may be too close together. Another possibility is that the soil in which you planted your Cuban Oregano was not well-drained enough, and it needs more air circulation around its roots.
Does Cuban oregano need sunlight?
In order to be potent, Cuban oregano needs full to partial sunlight. If you don’t live in an area with adequate sunshine, consider buying an artificial light source or growing your own plant indoors.
