Oregano Growing Guide

Origanum vulgare

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any average, well drained soil in an easily accessible site.

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Hardy in cold areas provided plant is well-rooted and mulched. If desired, small plants can be potted up in autumn and grown through winter indoors.

Feeding

Not generally needed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 15cm (5") with 25cm (9") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start with a purchased plant, or start seeds indoors and set out at about the time of your last frost. Some strains are propagated only from cuttings. Authentic Greek oregano can be grown from seeds or plants.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Frequent pinching back helps to keep plants bushy and full, and it delays flowering. Some strains are grown for their pretty pink flowers. Oregano often spreads in hospitable spots. Moderately invasive.

Harvesting

Gather sprigs as needed in the kitchen. Gather stems for drying in early summer, just before the plants bloom.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Oregano

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail