Basil, Oregano and Marjoram
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Posted by Robert Dailey May 31, 2007 |
Basil (Ocimum basilicum). You may also know it as sweet basil. This plant is an annual and can grow two feet or more tall. The leaves of the basil plant are very aromatic. They have a rich flavor and a mild, spicy aftertaste. It likes full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and moisture, so mulch well, and water often. Used to flavor raw tomatoes, tomato soup, pasta sauces, salads and other foods. It works extremely well as a spice for chicken. It also tastes good on fish and lamb.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare). Sometimes it’s difficult to tell on herb from another, many being from the mint family, and many having similar foliages. However, it is easy to spot oregano. Even though it rarely grows more that 12 inches high (the norm is more like six), it has stems are woody, square and hairy. The colors and shapes of the different species and varieties of oregano are varied. Some can be upright, some spreading. Some have purple flowers, while some are white.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana). In the same genus as oregano, marjoram is, like oregano, a perennial. However, in most places it is grown as an annual. The stems are square and bushy. It likes sandy soil and will grow in partial shade to full sun. Seeds germinate in about 25 days at temperatures around 65 degrees.
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