(Origanum vulgare hirtum) The true Greek oregano used to flavour tomato sauces, with tongue-biting pungency so strong that even the seeds have that distinctive oregano aroma.

Start the seeds indoors from late winter through early summer, or direct sow in early to late spring. Just cover seeds on the surface of a pre-moistened potting soil and keep warm and moist through germination, which takes from 3-14 days at 20-30C (70-85F).

Grow on in good light and transplant clumps as needed to later pots. Eventually, snip out all but 1-2 of the sturdiest seedlings. Do not overwater at any stage of growth! Grow either in large pots or in the ground at a spacing of 25-30cm (10-12in).

Oregano likes a free-draining soil and full sun. Keep pinched (by harvesting often) to promote bushy growth and ultimately, more harvestable leaves.