This rapidly growing edible herb doubles as a lush ornamental with fragrant velvety leaves.
This herb is perennial in tropical regions but is most commonlygrown as an annual.
Cuban oregano has fragrant, velvety leaves edged in white.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
It grows rapidly, creating a lush display that is especially pretty in a container garden.
Cuban oregano has a strong menthol or camphor scent that intensifies when the leaves are crushed.
It is a powerful seasoning that should be used sparingly in cooking.
Credit: Denny Schrock
It is safe for human consumption but toxic to pets.
The soil in the planting location should be sandy andwell-draining.
The plant is winter-hardyonly in Zones 10 and 11and thrives in hot and dry conditions.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
In cooler climates, it can be grown as a tropical houseplant year-round or moved outside for the summer.
To plant Cuban oregano in the garden, dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery pot.
Container planting is recommended if you intend to bring the containers indoors before the first fall frost.
Cuban Oregano Care Tips
Cuban oregano requires minimal care.
Light
Outdoors, part sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
Full sun may burn the foliage.
Indoors, Cuban oregano grows best in a bright, sunny window but tolerates less light.
After it is established, deep watering once a week in the absence of rain is sufficient.
Bring it inside before temperatures drop in the fall.
Indoors, it thrives in a medium humidity level (40% to 60%).
Mist the plant or use a humidifier if the humidity in your home is too low in the winter.
Fertilizer
Feed Cuban oregano with anall-purpose fertilizerabout once a month.
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
To harvest, cut sections 2 inches or longer off the main stem just above a leaf node.
Cut the leaves off the stem with sharp scissors, or pinch them off.
Harvest the stems regularly to keep the plant bushy.
Repot it in a container that is an inch or two larger in diameter with large drainage holes.
Fill it with fresh potting mix.
Pests and Problems
Thanks to its pungent odor, Cuban oregano doesn’t attract many insects.
However, spider mites and mealybugs are attracted to the plant, so keep an eye out for those.
In case of an infestation,spray the plant with neem oilevery day or two.
How to Propagate Cuban Oregano
Cuban oregano is easy and quick to propagate fromstem cuttings.
Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting of new growth from the plant.
Place it on a sunny windowsill and change the water every couple of days.
Don’t move it outside until the temperatures stay above 60F.
It does well in containers indoors or outside.
It vigorously grows about a foot tall and wide.
The leaves have scalloped and wavy edges.
In winter, the plant produces small lavender-pink blooms.
It grows about 12 inches tall and wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cuban oregano is used fresh or dried.
Cuban oregano is also used in stuffing.
Start on the light side.
The flavor is strong, and a little Cuban oregano goes a long way.
In the garden or indoors, Cuban oregano usually lives for four to five years.
“Coleus amboinicus.”
