This speedily growing edible herbaceous plant doubles as a lush ornamental with fragrant velvety leave .
Dean Schoeppner
All the common name calling for this plant — Cuban oregano , Mexican hatful , Spanish thyme , and Amerindic borage — are misleading because botanically , it is now a type of coleus ( formerly , it was classified asPlectranthus amboinicus ) . This herb is perennial in tropic regions but is most commonlygrown as an yearbook . Cuban oregano has fragrant , velvety leaf march in livid . It grows chop-chop , make a luxuriant showing that is especially middling in a container garden . In tropical expanse , it blooms in late winter to midspring , but if you grow it as an yearbook , do n’t expect to see the trumpet - shaped flowers in pink , white , and lavender .
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Cuban oregano has a strong menthol or camphor scent that intensifies when the farewell are crushed . It is a powerful seasoning that should be used meagerly in preparation .
It is secure for human consumption but toxic to pets .
Where to Plant Cuban Oregano
Cuban oregano develop well in area with partial sun , such as porch , patios , or courtyards that receive a few minute of morning sparkle . The soil in the planting location should be flaxen andwell - draining . It also grows well in containers alongside other part - shade plants such as begonia , impatiens , fuchsia , and flame nettle . The plant is winter - hardyonly in zone 10 and 11and thrives in hot and dry weather . In cool climates , it can be grown as a tropic houseplant yr - rotund or moved outside for the summer .
How and When to Plant Cuban Oregano
In the spring , look until there is no more risk of hoarfrost and nighttime temperatures do n’t leave out below 40 ° farad . To plant Cuban oregano in the garden , dig a kettle of fish about twice the diam of the greenhouse batch . Whether you are plant in garden soil or containers , plant the seedling at the same level they were in the nursery mint . Container planting is recommend if you intend to bring the container indoors before the first spill frost .
Cuban Oregano Care Tips
Cuban oregano call for minimal aid .
Light
Outdoors , part sun with good afternoon shade is ideal . Full sun may burn the leaf . Indoors , Cuban oregano grows good in a bright , cheery window but tolerates less light .
Soil and Water
Whether planted in the garden or a container , this drouth - broad works does best in sandy , well - drained grunge . For potted plants habituate a rich , well - draining potting admixture or a cactus / succulent planting mix with apH between 6.0 and 7.5 .
After it is establish , deep tearing once a week in the absence of rain is sufficient .
Temperature and Humidity
Cuban oregano does n’t digest temperatures below 40 ° fluorine and thrives in temperature between 60 ° and 80 ° F . Bring it in spite of appearance before temperatures drop in the evenfall .
Indoors , it fly high in a medium humidity degree ( 40 % to 60 % ) . becloud the plant or use a humidifier if the humidity in your home is too downcast in the wintertime .
Fertilizer
Feed Cuban pot marjoram with anall - purpose fertilizerabout once a calendar month . For the amount to expend , follow the merchandise recording label instructions .
Pruning and Harvesting
To keep the works attractive , cut back back the leafage by one - third any time during the growing time of year .
To reap , cut subdivision 2 column inch or longer off the main radical just above a leaf node . Only thin about half of the stem at a metre , and do n’t cut stems back any lower than 2 in above soil level . burn the leaves off the stem with discriminating scissors grip , or pinch them off . Harvest the stems regularly to keep the plant life bushy .
Potting and Repotting Cuban Oregano
This tight - growing works will outgrow its container after a few months , unlike other annual , which rarely need repotting during their individual growing season . Repot it in a container that is an column inch or two larger in diameter with big drain muddle . Fill it with bracing potting mix .
Pests and Problems
Thanks to its biting odor , Cuban marjoram does n’t appeal many insects . However , wanderer mites and mealybugs are attracted to the industrial plant , so keep an eye out for those . In case of an plague , spray the plant with neem oilevery day or two .
How to Propagate Cuban Oregano
Cuban oregano is easy and quick to propagate fromstem press clipping . Take a 4- to 6 - inch cutting of new growth from the plant . Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and set down the cutting in a glass or jar of piss — preferably a absolved glass so you could see when it roots . Place it on a sunny windowsill and commute the water every brace of day .
In two to four workweek , when you see roots in the piddle , plant the cut in a 6 - inch deep pile filled with potting mix . Plant it deep enough so that all the root word and some of the stem where you removed the leaves are buried . Tamp down the potting mix , water it , and put it back on the sunny windowsill or a similar protect surface area until the plant shows new ontogenesis . Do n’t move it outside until the temperatures remain above 60 ° farad .
Alternatively , separate fledged clumps of Cuban marjoram in the garden using a sharp shovelful and immediately imbed them in the garden or a container .
Credit: Denny Schrock
Types of Cuban Oregano
‘Cerveza ‘n Lime’ Cuban Oregano
This hybrid variety of Cuban oreganohas fragrant , silverish green leafage . It does well in containers indoors or outside . It vigorously grows about a foot marvellous and wide .
‘Ochre Flame’ Cuban Oregano
' Ochre Flame ' is a highly decorative variety of Cuban winter sweet with green leaves splashed with an maverick fundamental bandage of wan lime . The leaves have scollop and wavelike 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 . Chop the fresh leave and add them to a salad or blend them with other ingredients to make a marinade for poultry , lamb , or beef . Cuban winter sweet is also used in stuffing . Start on the light side . The flavor is substantial , and a little Cuban oregano goes a farseeing way .
In the garden or indoors , Cuban oregano usually lives for four to five years . To keep it awake , take a cut at the end of the season and grow it indoors class - round , or move the plant alfresco for the summer .
" Coleus amboinicus . " ASPCA .
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
