The Ultimate Guide to Growing Cuban Oregano in Your Indoor Kitchen Garden

Are you looking to add some year-round beauty and flavor to your home with a special plant? Look no further than Cuban oregano. This perennial herb is a member of the mint family and goes by several names, including Mexican mint, Spanish thyme, and Indian borage. While it is related to true oregano and thyme, it is actually a species of coleus. With a flavor twice as strong as common oregano, this herb is perfect for adding a punch to your dishes.

If you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, you can grow Cuban oregano outdoors as a perennial. But for those in other regions, fear not – this herb is an ideal addition to your indoor kitchen garden.

What You’ll Learn

Table of Contents

Here’s what we’ll cover in this in-depth guide:

Getting Started – Transplanting from Outdoors – Caring for Your Plant – Growing Tips – Recipes and Cooking Ideas

Getting Started

Cuban oregano is believed to have originated in the “Spice Islands” in Indonesia, India, or even somewhere in Africa. It has naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This semi-succulent herb thrives in low light conditions, making it perfect for your kitchen windowsill or countertop.

To get started, you can find a plant at your local nursery or start with a cutting that you’ve rooted. Choose a pot that is at least eight to 12 inches wide and deep, with good drainage. Use an organically rich, well-draining potting mix, preferably with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Transplant the herb by making a hole in the potting mix, placing the roots in, and covering them with soil. Water your new plant deeply and place it in a spot that receives four to six hours of indirect sunlight.

Transplanting from Outdoors

If you’re growing Cuban oregano outdoors as an annual and need to bring it indoors before winter, follow these steps. Dig up the plant, transplant it into a pot with well-draining soil, and gradually introduce it to its new indoor environment over a few days.

Remember to check for insects each time you bring the plant indoors, to ensure it does not bring any pests with it.

Caring for Your Plant

Cuban oregano is a great starter plant for indoor gardening, as it is easy to care for and naturally resistant to pests and diseases. Keep the temperature between 65 and 95°F, water your plant weekly, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

During the active growing season in spring and summer, fertilize your herb with a slow-release 5-5-5 (NPK) fertilizer every three to four weeks. Trim the plant regularly to encourage bushy growth and repot or trim roots every one to two years to ensure optimal health and growth.

Growing Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Cuban oregano thrives:

Water weekly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out – Fertilize with a 5-5-5 (NPK) slow-release fertilizer every 3-4 weeks – Take cuttings from the main stem for culinary use – Repot or trim roots every 1-2 years

Recipes and Cooking Ideas

For a flavorful addition to your dishes, snip a few leaves of Cuban oregano to use fresh in any recipe that calls for oregano. Remember that this herb is stronger in flavor than common oregano, so use it sparingly and taste along the way to avoid overpowering your dishes.

Try using Cuban oregano in spaghetti dishes or slow cooker beef short ribs for a unique twist on classic recipes.

Move Aside, Regular Oregano

If you’re not already growing Cuban oregano in your kitchen garden, now is the time to start. Share your favorite ways to use this herb in the comments below, and feel free to reach out for more tips and advice.

In addition to Cuban oregano, consider adding other herbs to your kitchen garden, such as basil, chives, and ginger.

With these tips and ideas, you’ll be on your way to enjoying fresh, flavorful herbs year-round right at your fingertips. Happy gardening!