Cuban Oregano 30+ Seeds (Plectranthus amboinicus) – Organic Culinary Herb – Distinct Flavor for Caribbean & Latin American Dishes

$3.49

Minimum: 30+ seeds

 

Add bold, aromatic flavor to your kitchen garden with Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus), a unique culinary herb celebrated for its pungent, oregano-like taste with hints of thyme and citrus. This versatile herb thrives in both outdoor gardens and indoor containers, making it accessible year-round. Its thick, succulent-like leaves are not only fragrant but also rich in essential oils, enhancing the flavor of Caribbean, Latin American, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Beyond its culinary uses, Cuban Oregano also makes a stunning ornamental plant with lush, trailing foliage perfect for hanging baskets or ground cover.

Key Features:

  • Bold Flavor: Offers a potent, savory taste with notes of oregano, thyme, and lemon—perfect for seasoning soups, stews, and marinades.

  • Multi-Purpose Plant: Grown as a culinary herb, medicinal plant, and ornamental foliage for garden beds, hanging baskets, or kitchen windowsills.

  • Easy to Grow: Thrives in warm, sunny environments and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.

  • Natural Pest Deterrent: Its strong fragrance naturally repels mosquitoes and other garden pests, making it a dual-purpose plant.

  • Drought-Tolerant: This hardy, water-wise plant can endure dry conditions once established, making it perfect for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.

Growing Instructions:

  1. Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light indoors and full sun to partial shade outdoors. Too much direct sun can cause leaf scorch.

  2. Soil Preferences: Well-draining soil is essential. Cuban Oregano thrives in sandy, loamy soils and doesn’t tolerate soggy roots.

  3. Planting: Start seeds indoors or sow them directly outdoors after the last frost. Gently press seeds into the soil without burying them too deep, as they need light to germinate.

  4. Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

  5. Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for healthy growth and airflow.

  6. Growth Timeline: Seeds germinate within 14-21 days. Plants reach maturity in 60-90 days, producing lush, aromatic leaves.

Care Tips:

  • Pinch and Prune: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.

  • Overwintering: In cooler climates, Cuban Oregano can be brought indoors and grown as a houseplant to ensure year-round harvests.

  • Pest & Disease Resistance: Naturally pest-resistant, but watch for root rot caused by overwatering.

  • Propagation: Can be propagated easily from stem cuttings, making it a fast and affordable way to expand your herb collection.

Culinary Uses:

  • Caribbean & Latin American Dishes: Essential for flavoring meat, seafood, and bean-based dishes.

  • Soups & Stews: Its strong aroma and flavor enhance hearty stews, curries, and broths.

  • Marinades & Rubs: Add fresh Cuban Oregano to meat marinades for a burst of flavor.

  • Herbal Teas: Infuse its leaves in hot water for a calming, herbal tea with a citrusy twist.

Medicinal Uses:
Traditionally used in folk medicine, Cuban Oregano is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory benefits. It’s used in home remedies for colds, coughs, and sore throats. Crushed leaves release essential oils that can be used to soothe insect bites or minor skin irritations.

Why Grow Cuban Oregano?
Cuban Oregano is more than a flavorful herb—it’s a multi-functional powerhouse that enhances your garden, kitchen, and home. Its vibrant, lush leaves add aesthetic beauty to planters and baskets, while its culinary and medicinal properties make it a must-have for herb enthusiasts. Grow it indoors for year-round use or add it to your outdoor garden as a fragrant, pest-repelling companion plant.

Perfect For:

  • Herb Gardens: Grow it alongside basil, thyme, and mint for a well-rounded herb collection.

  • Kitchen Windowsills: Keep it close for easy access to fresh leaves while cooking.

  • Tropical Gardens: Pair it with other warm-weather plants like lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric.

  • Ornamental Containers: Its lush, trailing foliage looks stunning in hanging baskets or as ground cover.

Elevate Your Culinary Creations with Cuban Oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus)!
With its unmistakable flavor, robust growth, and ornamental beauty, Cuban Oregano is an essential addition to any herb garden. From Caribbean stews to soothing teas, this versatile plant offers culinary, medicinal, and aesthetic benefits. Grow it indoors or out and enjoy the aroma, beauty, and flavor it brings to your home and garden.