GROW GUIDE

Italian Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Plant Description

Italian Oregano

A hardy herb with petite, fuzzy, oval-shaped leaves that exude a subtle minty fragrance.

This kitchen essential, also from the mint family, is cherished for its bold, peppery flavor that enhances a variety of savory dishes.

Gardening Level: easy

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    7-14 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    60-90 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    8-12"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    10

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

Best Planting Locations

  • Windowsills

    Ideal for small herbs, requiring adequate sunlight

  • Raised Beds

    Plant on edge or corner of raised bed, allowing plant to spill over and receive full sun.

  • Indoor Gardens

    Grow lights and indoor setups ensure consistent warmth and light for year-round harvest.

  • Containers

    Ideal for patios or balconies, providing easy access and control over water and soil conditions.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Oregano thrives in sunny spots and well-drained, slightly sandy soil. Pick a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sun each day. If indoors, place it near a south-facing window.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Use well-draining soil with a slightly sandy texture. Oregano is low-maintenance, but mixing in compost or using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will encourage healthy growth.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Plant 10 seeds or 1 seedling 1/4 inch deep in pots or the ground. Press the small seeds gently into the dirt without totally burying them as they require light to sprout.

    During germination, gently mist with water to keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

    Maintain a soil temperature between 65° to 70° F. Space plants 8-12" apart.

Good Neighbors:

  • Basil:

    Enhances flavor, mutual growth support

  • Cucumber:

    Deters pests like aphids and beetles

  • Lavender:

    Thrive in similar conditions

  • Rosemary:

    Thrive in similar conditions

Enemy Plants:

  • Mint:

    Aggressive grower that can crowd out oregano

  • Watermelon:

    Different watering needs

Attractants:

  • Hoverflies:

    Attracted to oregano flowers. They are pollinators that can help control aphids

Repellents:

  • Cucumber Beetles:

    Repelled by oregano's aroma

  • Aphids:

    Attracts aphid predators

  • Spider Mites

    Repelled by oregano's aroma

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Oregano prefers slightly dry conditions, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.

  • Pruning

    Regularly trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to promote bushier growth. Pinch off flower buds as they appear in order to focus the plant’s energy on leaf production and prevent early seeding.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Harvest the leaves with sharp shears once the plant is several inches tall to encourage new growth. Don't harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time.

  • Extra Tip

    For the strongest flavor, harvest the leaves in mid-summer, right before the flowers bloom.

Favorite Uses

  • Pasta Sauce

  • Pizza

  • Meatballs

  • Chicken

  • Infused Oil

How to Store

  • Drying

    • Duration: One year
    • Location: Dry and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight
    • Method: Hang bunches of oregano upside down for 1-2 weeks or use a food dehydrator set to a low temperature. Once dry, store in an airtight container such as a glass jar or sealed bag.

  • Refrigeration

    • Duration: Up to one week
    • Location: Store in the refrigerator
    • Method: Wash and pat oregano leaves dry. Wrap loosely in a damp paper towel and place in an open plastic bag to allow airflow, helping to preserve freshness.

  • Freezing (Chopped)

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method: Wash and chop oregano leaves. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen leaves to freezer bags, ensuring they are not packed too tightly to prevent clumping.

  • Freezing (Ice Cube Trays)

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method: Chop oregano and fill ice cube trays with them, then cover with water or oil. Freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.

Fun Facts

  • Word History

    In Greek, the word oregano means “joy of the mountain.”

  • Edible Flowers

    The tiny white or pink flowers of oregano are not only pretty but also edible, adding a mild, peppery flavor to salads and garnishes

  • Culinary Family

    Oregano is a member of the mint family, alongside herbs like basil and thyme, contributing its robust, earthy flavor to Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

  • Ancient Medicine

    Oregano contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It has been traditionally used to relieve digestive issues, respiratory problems, and even as an insect repellent .